'07 Z4 3.0Si Sports coupé - daily driver? or m135?
Discussion
Hello all,
Need to make the commute a little more interesting, so thinking about a new car. Always had a soft spot for the Z4 coupes, so might be time to scratch the itch.
Have seen a nice one locally, '57 plate, 46k miles, pretty much new Bridgestone tyres all round, FSH etc for £12k. Towards top end of prices for similar cars - but nice spec, colour etc.
So - any expected nasty surprises, would be doing about 10k per year, so not massive mileage, but a lot of time spent sitting in traffic. Haven't found too many concerns through extensive reading online, but any advise?
It seems quite a lot for a 9 year old car, when I can get a 2014 135i for ~£20k (an alternative) - but not sure it'll feel as special sitting in traffic, and potentially a lot more money to lose over next couple of years. Plus they seem overly complex. I don't like the newer z4 with folding tin top which is perhaps somewhere between the two price wise, and have zero interest in ever driving with the roof down.
The Z4 should hold money better, and be a little more special.
Thoughts?
Thank you
Need to make the commute a little more interesting, so thinking about a new car. Always had a soft spot for the Z4 coupes, so might be time to scratch the itch.
Have seen a nice one locally, '57 plate, 46k miles, pretty much new Bridgestone tyres all round, FSH etc for £12k. Towards top end of prices for similar cars - but nice spec, colour etc.
So - any expected nasty surprises, would be doing about 10k per year, so not massive mileage, but a lot of time spent sitting in traffic. Haven't found too many concerns through extensive reading online, but any advise?
It seems quite a lot for a 9 year old car, when I can get a 2014 135i for ~£20k (an alternative) - but not sure it'll feel as special sitting in traffic, and potentially a lot more money to lose over next couple of years. Plus they seem overly complex. I don't like the newer z4 with folding tin top which is perhaps somewhere between the two price wise, and have zero interest in ever driving with the roof down.
The Z4 should hold money better, and be a little more special.
Thoughts?
Thank you
mon the fish said:
We've got a Z4 3.0si soft-top, and it's been great, no issues at all. An 06 with with 41k on it. The engine is magnificent, and the main draw for me - you can't get that N/A straight 6 reviness anymore.
One thing to ask is if the front lower rear wishbone bushes have been changed. If they haven't they'll be shot, and will make the steering a bit vague. Once we'd changed the RFTs on ours, and had the bushes done, the steering is now much more precise.
Thanks - will keep an eye out for that!One thing to ask is if the front lower rear wishbone bushes have been changed. If they haven't they'll be shot, and will make the steering a bit vague. Once we'd changed the RFTs on ours, and had the bushes done, the steering is now much more precise.
Gruber said:
A couple of (probably obvious) points:
1. You won't lose much, if anything, on the Z4C, whereas the M135i will keep depreciating, especially with so many coming out of cheap lease deals over the next few months and years.
2. The toys, fit and finish of the Z4C will feel a bit old hat compared to the M135i. Whether that matters to you is a personal thing.
3. The long bonnet, lower seating position and compromised rear three quarter view out of the Z4C will take a little more getting used to than the M135i. Again, only you know whether that matters on your regular commute.
Thanks, no too fussed about it being less finished and toys - I was looking at an Elise but cannot fit in one 1. You won't lose much, if anything, on the Z4C, whereas the M135i will keep depreciating, especially with so many coming out of cheap lease deals over the next few months and years.
2. The toys, fit and finish of the Z4C will feel a bit old hat compared to the M135i. Whether that matters to you is a personal thing.
3. The long bonnet, lower seating position and compromised rear three quarter view out of the Z4C will take a little more getting used to than the M135i. Again, only you know whether that matters on your regular commute.
Smuler said:
I'd be more frustrated stuck in traffic in the Z4 as a sports car needs a fun and open road and I think using it every day often in boring situations would make it seem less special
I wouldn't, however, spend an extra 8k to get a M135i which you and Gruber have already said would lose a lot of money.
If I was sold on the Z4, I'd get it, use it say 50% of the time for the commute, maybe the nicer days and/ or when I would go for a blast straight after work, and then spend some (or all) of this 'extra budget' on a more ordinary car to eat up the rest of the miles, say, over the winter and on bad weather days when you just can't really enjoy a sports car at all.
With now less than 10k p/a miles put on the Z4 you probably won't lose much, if anything, in depreciation and if you spend the extra wisely , on a car which has had it's big hit of depreciation, then you're overall financials should be much better than taking an inevitable hit on the M135i
Thanks for the thoughts. I wouldn't, however, spend an extra 8k to get a M135i which you and Gruber have already said would lose a lot of money.
If I was sold on the Z4, I'd get it, use it say 50% of the time for the commute, maybe the nicer days and/ or when I would go for a blast straight after work, and then spend some (or all) of this 'extra budget' on a more ordinary car to eat up the rest of the miles, say, over the winter and on bad weather days when you just can't really enjoy a sports car at all.
With now less than 10k p/a miles put on the Z4 you probably won't lose much, if anything, in depreciation and if you spend the extra wisely , on a car which has had it's big hit of depreciation, then you're overall financials should be much better than taking an inevitable hit on the M135i
I can, and will, be able to use the train to work fairly regularly and in the depths of winter, so can commute without the car. I just prefer it
. I used to just drive in when I wanted to start early as the roads were quieter, so that will only be 2-3 times a week normally. I'll be passing my '62 C220 estate onto my other half for her use, so will still have that for longer trips, carrying the dog, going away etc, so don't really need to worry about a second sensible car too much.
Mr Tidy said:
Sounds like a Z4 Coupe would probably work OK for you then!
I had always liked the look of them and various things happened around the same time that made getting one look like a good idea, so in June 2012 I bought my first one and loved it.
But having to run a daily for running a 94 year old parent made it seem a bit extravagant, especially as I ended up with a 325ti Compact as the daily!
Someone on a forum was looking for one, and after a few messages he came to see mine and put a deposit on it.
Spent the next few days wondering what I had done, and ended up getting another 2 days after the first one went - there is nothing else like it, and never will be any more!
I sold mine in May this year for a few hundred more than I paid for it, and unless you add a lot of miles I can't see them dropping significantly whereas an M135i certainly will for a while.
Why not try one - worst case if you don't gel with it you shouldn't lose much by moving it on.
A couple of things were mentioned earlier, but add to the list their tendency to break springs (like E46s do) but they aren't that expensive.
Plus they have an electric water pump which is expensive to replace if it dies (mine did at 9 years old - OEM part was £500)!
If you want to find a bit more info on them try Z4 Forum - they have some for sale on there too, and I've noticed owners on forums tend to be more particular in how they look after their cars.
An M135i would doubtless also be pretty fantastic and they have had some very positive reviews, but however great they are you are still sitting in a 1 series at the end of the day.
Good luck with whatever you choose!
Thanks - and cheers for the tips. I've read about the springs, but hadnt realised the water pumps were so regular - will keep an eye out for that if I go ahead. Have had a good read through the Z4 forum so getting a better idea about them. All sound spretty positive so far though. I had always liked the look of them and various things happened around the same time that made getting one look like a good idea, so in June 2012 I bought my first one and loved it.
But having to run a daily for running a 94 year old parent made it seem a bit extravagant, especially as I ended up with a 325ti Compact as the daily!
Someone on a forum was looking for one, and after a few messages he came to see mine and put a deposit on it.
Spent the next few days wondering what I had done, and ended up getting another 2 days after the first one went - there is nothing else like it, and never will be any more!
I sold mine in May this year for a few hundred more than I paid for it, and unless you add a lot of miles I can't see them dropping significantly whereas an M135i certainly will for a while.
Why not try one - worst case if you don't gel with it you shouldn't lose much by moving it on.
A couple of things were mentioned earlier, but add to the list their tendency to break springs (like E46s do) but they aren't that expensive.
Plus they have an electric water pump which is expensive to replace if it dies (mine did at 9 years old - OEM part was £500)!
If you want to find a bit more info on them try Z4 Forum - they have some for sale on there too, and I've noticed owners on forums tend to be more particular in how they look after their cars.
An M135i would doubtless also be pretty fantastic and they have had some very positive reviews, but however great they are you are still sitting in a 1 series at the end of the day.
Good luck with whatever you choose!
Spuffington said:
Just to add my two-penneth. I know you said you weren't too fond of the E89 tin-top version, but I'd still give it a testdrive if I were you.
I bought on about 8wks ago now and absolutely love the thing. I was after a Boxster but couldn't get my head around all the usual Porsche cost issues. It's primarily my station car (15mile a day round trip) but does fortnightly trips to LCY or LHR and it's great at both. It feels special every day and I try as often as possible to have the roof down, providing it's not raining or threatening to do so. But with the roof up it feels cosseting, comfy and safe and like a proper coupe.
Although the technology is old relative to the M135i, the fit and finish wouldn't be out of place in an F10 and the sound of that straight six is so special.
Worth giving it at least a testdrive IMO. I was very surprised on my testdrive - my my heart was definitely with the Boxster at the start of the testdrive, but after 40mins of very varied route, I was well and truly won over by the Zed.
Thanks, I haven't driven one of the E89s, but viewed one at the weekend, 35i one. Was more modern inside, but seems quite flashy (may have been the red interior, haha). Big difference in terms of interior, felt I had a little more head room in the E86 (only a small amount). I wonder how the roof mechanism would hold up to never being used - as it's a fairly complex system to have if I'm never going to drive with the roof down. the place with the E86 has an E89 in too, so will try and test both if I go ahead. I bought on about 8wks ago now and absolutely love the thing. I was after a Boxster but couldn't get my head around all the usual Porsche cost issues. It's primarily my station car (15mile a day round trip) but does fortnightly trips to LCY or LHR and it's great at both. It feels special every day and I try as often as possible to have the roof down, providing it's not raining or threatening to do so. But with the roof up it feels cosseting, comfy and safe and like a proper coupe.
Although the technology is old relative to the M135i, the fit and finish wouldn't be out of place in an F10 and the sound of that straight six is so special.
Worth giving it at least a testdrive IMO. I was very surprised on my testdrive - my my heart was definitely with the Boxster at the start of the testdrive, but after 40mins of very varied route, I was well and truly won over by the Zed.
Boxster / cayman was on my list too, but with IMS/RMS/bore score and Porsche premium didn't really fancy it.
I never used to be so cautious...
flatsixmaniac said:
Hi
We just bought a Z4 3.0 se coupe last week. Absolutely loving it.
Most things are fairly straightforward to repair.
Only issues on ours was the a/c condenser leaking, but that was only £280 to fix including a re-gas and the auto box on ours I probably have a broken wire in the shift lever preventing the paddle shift from working.
Apart from that it is very solid, refined when you want it to be, super comfortable seats, and has a magnificent howl when you put your foot down.
The other half just got in it today for the first time and was impressed with the performance, she came from an SLK350 so similar power but the delivery and performance are much much better in the Zed.
Economywise also seems quite good on a long run, easily achieving 30mpg even at a reasonable cruise. Around town it drops to mid to late 20's as you only need to feather the throttle.
Other positives be prepared for enquiries about what it actually is, as only 3600 were produced globally so its not a common sight.
It feels really quite special...maybe still in honeymoon phase, but if you can I suggest you scratch that itch.
Thanks for the info - I like the fact they are relatively simple and parts don't seem to be too bad, as well as being a rare sight on the road. We just bought a Z4 3.0 se coupe last week. Absolutely loving it.
Most things are fairly straightforward to repair.
Only issues on ours was the a/c condenser leaking, but that was only £280 to fix including a re-gas and the auto box on ours I probably have a broken wire in the shift lever preventing the paddle shift from working.
Apart from that it is very solid, refined when you want it to be, super comfortable seats, and has a magnificent howl when you put your foot down.
The other half just got in it today for the first time and was impressed with the performance, she came from an SLK350 so similar power but the delivery and performance are much much better in the Zed.
Economywise also seems quite good on a long run, easily achieving 30mpg even at a reasonable cruise. Around town it drops to mid to late 20's as you only need to feather the throttle.
Other positives be prepared for enquiries about what it actually is, as only 3600 were produced globally so its not a common sight.
It feels really quite special...maybe still in honeymoon phase, but if you can I suggest you scratch that itch.
Mr Tidy said:
Yes, E86 is a great car - always feels special when I drive it and I'm not bored after 2 years (most unusual for me)!
I think the rarity factor is helping to prevent depreciation.
BW there is a nice looking metallic black one with 2-tone black and red leather for sale on Z4 Forum just now - low mileage and seemingly FSH.
Good luck!
Thanks, yes - I had a look at the advert, car looks to be nice but I couldn't live with the interior :/I think the rarity factor is helping to prevent depreciation.
BW there is a nice looking metallic black one with 2-tone black and red leather for sale on Z4 Forum just now - low mileage and seemingly FSH.
Good luck!
Vroomer said:
Update??
Well, evening before I was planning to view it dealer got in touch to let me know it has sold.Another one coming in this week - 2008, carbon black, loads of extra, 37k miles, FSH, mint cond. but they are after 14k for it. Given that it'll spend a fair bit of time in car parks, reluctant to spend that much on one due to being mint as it will soon end up with parking dings etc. They're going to let me know when it's in but have told them it's a fair bit more than I'd be looking to spend on one.
Still looking about for ideas too, but not much else very inspiring.
thanks for all comments and feedback - apprecaite
Busy couple of weeks, but back on the look out...
The dealer has the 58 plate one in stock now so might go for a look-see at the weekend. Seems a bit rich for a car that will be used for commuting and spend most days in a multistory car park at work.
58 plate, carbon black, 37k, Sport model, FSH, mint condition, xenons, cream leather seats, but £14k. ?
The dealer has the 58 plate one in stock now so might go for a look-see at the weekend. Seems a bit rich for a car that will be used for commuting and spend most days in a multistory car park at work.
58 plate, carbon black, 37k, Sport model, FSH, mint condition, xenons, cream leather seats, but £14k. ?
NAnut said:
£14k is z4m money, I bought a high mileage '07 Si sport coupe for £7.8k with fsh and have had a great couple of years using it as a daily driver, feels special every time I drive it, I never want to reach my destination, and despite now having 136k on the clock it drives faultlessly, have only done routine servicing and changed a couple of bushes.
As has been said the driving position takes a bit of getting used to, as does the rear vision, and the electric steering too but now I really wouldn't know what to replace it with, it's an absolute joy, looks great and really decent boot space for the size of car.
Get one you won't be dissapointed!
Cheers. Not seen any Z4M coupes for 14k, seem to be floating about 18-20k at the moment for a low-ish mileage one. As has been said the driving position takes a bit of getting used to, as does the rear vision, and the electric steering too but now I really wouldn't know what to replace it with, it's an absolute joy, looks great and really decent boot space for the size of car.
Get one you won't be dissapointed!
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff