Early Z4 - what do I need to know?

[davek_964]

I am toying with the idea of buying another car and currently I think Z4 is favourite.
I'd be looking at an early model with relatively high mileage - I don't really want to spend over £5k but would want something that's been looked after.
Z3 might have done but I think they're 5 speed? And that would annoy me on long journeys.

If I go to see any and/or buy one - what common issues am I likely to find?

Also, I'm a little wary of convertibles - it would live outside, so the roof needs to not leak...

[davek_964]

Thanks for the help - that link is very useful.

Having browsed, I think I'm favouring the 3.0 Si coupe in the £8k - £10k region. But that's assuming the insurance is reasonable. - don't think it should be that bad but I'll find out tomorrow.

[davek_964]

I've never really been a convertible fan, so it's that rather than anything else which makes me favour the coupe. On the other hand, given that it will be my 4th car it might make sense if it was a little different and not having a roof would mean it was.

I am thinking that I'm not hard set on either, so if the right car appeared - either a ~£5k roadster or a ~£9k coupe I'd probably be happy with either.

Assuming my insurers don't tell me today that it would add £500 to my insurance, but that seems unlikely. I'm expecting ~£200 and can live with that. Much more and I may decide it's a frivolous step too far.

[davek_964]

mmm-five said:

Don't forget that if you're going for a coupe, you're limited to the 3.0 or the 3.2 M models as they didn't do the smaller engine in them.

You can get the [url=http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-3-0-SE-/1223325602403.0 SE for less than £7k[/url], but £5k will be pushing it or be a Cat D (which may be fine if a thorough investigation removes any worries). SI models are a bit more expensive, and Ms start at £10k for Cat D models.

I wouldn't buy Cat D.

When I looked yesterday, there were a few Si under £10k.

[davek_964]

tonymor said:

I've got an e89 now but I've owned in e 85 a 2,2 a 2.5 and a 3.0sisport all roadsters. The previous posts have comprehensively covered most you need to know . Engine/ power wise I'd say it all depends on what you're waiting in performance. I think you would be wise to be guided by the overall condition and history of what you're buying. Look long and hard before parting with your cash.

The performance thing is tricky.

This car is supposed to be a relatively cheap runaround. It would be used sometimes for work - probably about half the time, and sometimes at weekends depending on where I'm going and what the weather is doing (ironically, if the weather is really nice it won't be the car I choose, even if I end up with a convertible). It will not be my "quick" sports car - that's not what I'm buying it for, so performance isn't all that important.

On the other hand, if it's too slow it will annoy me. I am very used to fairly quick cars and if I do get stuck behind somebody and need a 3 mile straight to get past them I will be annoyed.

I would say that the power / acceleration needs to be comparable to my Cayenne (a 4.5S which does 0-60 in about 7 seconds I think). That is a remarkable car for its size and never feels particularly slow - and provides adequate power for overtaking people when necessary - so that's about what I need I think. Which suggests that a 2.5 would probably be sufficient if the right car was up for sale.

[davek_964]

Oh dear.

So it seems that in 2009, the convertibles swapped to folding hard tops? Best of both worlds.... I think my budget might become £10k-12k with a 3.0l 2009 or later 3.0 convertible.....