Advice on BMW Z4 M Roadster

[JuniorJet]

I am considering switching my Golf GTI Edition 30 3-Dr Manual for a BMW Z4 M Roadster.

Reasons:
-Faster
-Rear Wheel drive
-Sounds better
-With the Z3 M staying pretty fixed in price it looks like it's propping up the value of the Z4 M so it may turn out to be a better investment than similar cars
-NO ROOF!

Reasons I am being cautious:
-It looks like it's going to be a bit expensive to run
-Only 2 seats may occasionally prove to be a minor pain

Turns out the insurance is only an extra £150/10% of my current insurance, which isn't bad.
Tax it would appear is doubled unfortunately, ouch.
Plus with my foot the same will apply to the fuel consumption.

...but I figure you only live once and while I am only 21 (22 this month) it is well within reach.

I know the main thing to look out for is that 1st M-Power running-in service which knocks £3000 immediately off the price of any Z4M. Is there anything else anyone thinks I should watch out/look/go for?

Any general hints, tips and previous experience would be appreciated. Also anyone who knows how the maintenance costs would compare to my current car would be nice to hear from.

Thanks.

Edited by JuniorJet on Thursday 9th February 21:46

[physprof]

dozens, dozens of posts here asking same thing, do a trawl back (aka search) over last 6 months or go to www.z4-forum.com which has a dedicated M section but also all the generic e85/86 things you need to pick up on.

for costs see my garage - i'm at 66k miles all costs to date listed in 3.5 years ownership ... I get long-term average 22 mpg on BP super.

[KP]

Hey mate,

I'd advise you to walk away from any M car which hasn't had its running in service.

Cheers,

KP

[JuniorJet]

@Physprof - thanks for the link, and interesting that you average 22mpg

@KP - I have been told this, and I will, thnx

[KP]

JuniorJet said:

@Physprof - thanks for the link, and interesting that you average 22mpg

@KP - I have been told this, and I will, thnx

No worries, was just thinking that if the M ends up being a keeper you may want a BMW extended warranty. These are only available with full BMWSH.

Cheers,
KP

[paulmon]

If you are concerned about running costs then this should be enough to put you off. They are not a cheap car to run. The cost of fuel, tax, insurance, servicing and general maintenance can almost add as much per month as it would cost to borrow the money to buy the car.

TAX: £40
Insurance: £70
Fuel: £50
Serv: £35
Warranty: £60
General Maint: £40

Total ball park figure: £295 per month just to keep the car on the road and in a saleable condition. If that makes you to take a deep breath then this isnt the car for you. If it doesnt then fill your boots as its one of the best drivers cars available for the money.

The coupe is a better car btw.

P

Edited by paulmon on Friday 10th February 08:28

[Froomee]

Looking for a roadster/coupe myself so cheers.

Most I have seen have been brought and run for a year or so and had general items neglected:

1. Tyres most are usually low and these are expensive.
2. Brakes quite a few I have seen look to be in original discs.
3. Servicing, inspection II is expensive if you want to keep in the BMW warranty scheme. If you can find a car with proper servicing. Low milers often have more than 24 months between services, high milers missed services.
4. A few of the cars I have seen have worn seat bolsters, stone chips and the rear shocks/springs seem worn.
5. Just because it's been an AUC car recently doesn't mean the servicing is correct.
6. The privately owned ones seem better cared after. Seems people only sell when they need money spending on them.


Just my experience in the last 2 months. Awesome cars drive a coupe yesterday for the second time and I am definitely getting one once I find the right car.