Z4 3.0iSE - Anything to look out for?
Discussion
Hi,
Not sure if this should go in General Gassing or the BMW section - but here goes...
Seen a 2005 plate Z4 (231 bhp variant), good condition, history and decent miles - am tempted!
A few questions though:
Service schedules - it was last serviced 16000 miles ago (give or take) not sure when though. Variable services perhaps?
I've heard the stories about sheared springs - would this have been likely after 50K miles or so? Appreciate it can be tricky to summarise!
Comfortable on long journeys - not that I do that much but I am tall (6ft6) and know I fit, but am not sure how it would be over bigger miles... Any experiences?
Any other common failure points / things to check on a test drive? I've done a bit of searching and it seems a reliable enough model...
Have driven a 330i before, liked the engine, v.smooth but wonder if it's a bit too smooth and not "punchy" enough for a sportscar? A guess a testdrive will answer those questions - and it'll certainly be quicker than my KA (the 1.3 old shape, not even the 1.6 sport!)
Steven
Not sure if this should go in General Gassing or the BMW section - but here goes...
Seen a 2005 plate Z4 (231 bhp variant), good condition, history and decent miles - am tempted!
A few questions though:
Service schedules - it was last serviced 16000 miles ago (give or take) not sure when though. Variable services perhaps?
I've heard the stories about sheared springs - would this have been likely after 50K miles or so? Appreciate it can be tricky to summarise!
Comfortable on long journeys - not that I do that much but I am tall (6ft6) and know I fit, but am not sure how it would be over bigger miles... Any experiences?
Any other common failure points / things to check on a test drive? I've done a bit of searching and it seems a reliable enough model...
Have driven a 330i before, liked the engine, v.smooth but wonder if it's a bit too smooth and not "punchy" enough for a sportscar? A guess a testdrive will answer those questions - and it'll certainly be quicker than my KA (the 1.3 old shape, not even the 1.6 sport!)
Steven
Edited by tallstevef on Friday 10th February 13:51
Probably best to have a search here............. http://www.z4-forum.com
tallstevef said:
I've heard the stories about sheared springs - would this have been likely after 50K miles or so? Appreciate it can be tricky to summarise!
I bought mine on 40k miles and in the folder of receipts was one for a pair of rear springs. So - it's entirely possible!tallstevef said:
Comfortable on long journeys - not that I do that much but I am tall (6ft6) and know I fit, but am not sure how it would be over bigger miles... Any experiences?
I'm short and fat and find it fine for an hour or two but wasn't particularly comfortable on a recent stint to Germany. The ride on runflat tyres isn't great either - have recently changed to non-runflats and there's a world of difference, much better.tallstevef said:
Any other common failure points / things to check on a test drive? I've done a bit of searching and it seems a reliable enough model...
Hood motor I think is the most common one. Mine has gone through a couple of bonnet alarm switches too, seems to be a pretty common thing.tallstevef said:
Have driven a 330i before, liked the engine, v.smooth but wonder if it's a bit too smooth and not "punchy" enough for a sportscar? A guess a testdrive will answer those questions - and it'll certainly be quicker than my KA (the 1.3 old shape, not even the 1.6 sport!)
I don't find it push-into-back-of-the-seat fast - BUT - I often find that I'm going much faster than it feels, and it effortlessly eats up miles... HTH
tallstevef said:
Hi,
Not sure if this should go in General Gassing or the BMW section - but here goes...
Seen a 2005 plate Z4 (231 bhp variant), good condition, history and decent miles - am tempted!
A few questions though:
Service schedules - it was last serviced 16000 miles ago (give or take) not sure when though. Variable services perhaps?
I've heard the stories about sheared springs - would this have been likely after 50K miles or so? Appreciate it can be tricky to summarise!
Comfortable on long journeys - not that I do that much but I am tall (6ft6) and know I fit, but am not sure how it would be over bigger miles... Any experiences?
Any other common failure points / things to check on a test drive? I've done a bit of searching and it seems a reliable enough model...
Have driven a 330i before, liked the engine, v.smooth but wonder if it's a bit too smooth and not "punchy" enough for a sportscar? A guess a testdrive will answer those questions - and it'll certainly be quicker than my KA (the 1.3 old shape, not even the 1.6 sport!)
Steven
I'll try help, as I drive that very car (although it is for sale at the moment)Not sure if this should go in General Gassing or the BMW section - but here goes...
Seen a 2005 plate Z4 (231 bhp variant), good condition, history and decent miles - am tempted!
A few questions though:
Service schedules - it was last serviced 16000 miles ago (give or take) not sure when though. Variable services perhaps?
I've heard the stories about sheared springs - would this have been likely after 50K miles or so? Appreciate it can be tricky to summarise!
Comfortable on long journeys - not that I do that much but I am tall (6ft6) and know I fit, but am not sure how it would be over bigger miles... Any experiences?
Any other common failure points / things to check on a test drive? I've done a bit of searching and it seems a reliable enough model...
Have driven a 330i before, liked the engine, v.smooth but wonder if it's a bit too smooth and not "punchy" enough for a sportscar? A guess a testdrive will answer those questions - and it'll certainly be quicker than my KA (the 1.3 old shape, not even the 1.6 sport!)
Steven
Edited by tallstevef on Friday 10th February 13:51
I think the recommended service interval is 15,000. So I'd definitely get it serviced. Mine is on 70k and has only had one spring failure, if it hasn't had any yet I'd double check anyway as sometimes they go and people don't even know it. But it will more than likely happen at some stage but they are not terribly expensive and pretty easy to DIY. Best off going to the Z4 forum for a proper buyers guide. The roof motor failure is a biggy and expensive one mind so check that out. Check for sticking wipers, window regulators and if xenons, check they still level correctly (failed on mine).
The engine is very smooth indeed. It isn't what I'd call punchy, but its smooth effortless speed. Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and firms the suspension considerably but it is rather annoying around town as its quite sensitive and can be a bit of a hassle ive found, as it makes the ride even harsher.
Have not embarked on many motorway journeys but found it a fairly comfy place to be on long journeys. Changing the run flats to non RFT helps the ride immensely, apparently. On RFT in sport on certain roads you will liken it driving a washing machine though, and you WILL feel every bump and it will tram line.
Properly beautiful car with a fantastic engine, if you have any more questions Ill try to answer them!
Thanks for the feedback so far...
Test drove it yesterday - looked great in the darker grey and black leather. Paintwork immaculate, rims pretty good (a few minor scuffs, nothing much). Ride was a bit jiggly - yep, it was on runflats. A few creaks and rattles, not what I was expecting, wasn't too bad but maybe I didn't notice too much as I was concentrating on the driving - RWD and v.cold weather demands respect (in my book!).
Did a few higher speed accelerations, thought I detected potential clutch slip going from 2nd to 3rd at about 4000rpm, felt like there was a "lag" in acceleration - only momentary, but indicative of something else?? Not sure as it's the 1st Z4 I've driven... Opinions welcome!
Heated seats were nice - especially in this weather. Hood looked in great condition, and went up and down without hesitation or noise.
Dealer (local 2nd hand place - not BMW main / franchise) phoned up Dealer to get info on what work had been done at the last service (back in 2009) - no records, had been archived - could phone up BMW UK, but apparently they'd only be able to confirm when serviced and by who, not what work had been done / what parts replaced...
On the plus side, it was offered with 1 year warranty.
Tempted, as it is a great looking car and felt great on the road - nice lowdown grunt, great driving position - but a bit worried about the clutch and lack of service info...
Spoke to a mechanically minded mate today and they thought it was best to wait for something with a more documented SH, i.e actually able to see what bits have been replaced (e.g. springs)... Am inclined to agree with them...
Test drove it yesterday - looked great in the darker grey and black leather. Paintwork immaculate, rims pretty good (a few minor scuffs, nothing much). Ride was a bit jiggly - yep, it was on runflats. A few creaks and rattles, not what I was expecting, wasn't too bad but maybe I didn't notice too much as I was concentrating on the driving - RWD and v.cold weather demands respect (in my book!).
Did a few higher speed accelerations, thought I detected potential clutch slip going from 2nd to 3rd at about 4000rpm, felt like there was a "lag" in acceleration - only momentary, but indicative of something else?? Not sure as it's the 1st Z4 I've driven... Opinions welcome!
Heated seats were nice - especially in this weather. Hood looked in great condition, and went up and down without hesitation or noise.
Dealer (local 2nd hand place - not BMW main / franchise) phoned up Dealer to get info on what work had been done at the last service (back in 2009) - no records, had been archived - could phone up BMW UK, but apparently they'd only be able to confirm when serviced and by who, not what work had been done / what parts replaced...
On the plus side, it was offered with 1 year warranty.
Tempted, as it is a great looking car and felt great on the road - nice lowdown grunt, great driving position - but a bit worried about the clutch and lack of service info...
Spoke to a mechanically minded mate today and they thought it was best to wait for something with a more documented SH, i.e actually able to see what bits have been replaced (e.g. springs)... Am inclined to agree with them...
Make sure that the hydraulic roof lifting motor has the newer sealed units & not the older exposed one which eventually give out (I assume a 2005 would be fine) but worth checking as it's potentially a very big bill! I say this because I have the same issue & a big bill to pay haha (£500-650)
tallstevef said:
Did a few higher speed accelerations, thought I detected potential clutch slip going from 2nd to 3rd at about 4000rpm, felt like there was a "lag" in acceleration - only momentary, but indicative of something else?? Not sure as it's the 1st Z4 I've driven... Opinions welcome!
Clutch delay valve?I can only concur with what others have said.
I have a 2004 3.0i with 58k on the clock.
I have a receipt for a pair of rear springs done a couple of years ago.
Service wise, the dash should flash up 'miles left' until a service is required when you key-on before starting.
I'd definately recommend changing the tyres to non runflats if they are close to the wear bars, factor this in to any negotiations when purchasing.
I'm 6ft and find it perfectly comfortable day2day & a 460mile round trip to Norfolk a couple of weekends ago was a good test of the ride/seats/driving position.
I drove 4 manual cars, no slipping/delay evident before deciding that the gearbox for me was the negative part of the car so went for the auto instead. It suits the engine so well & with the manual override and sport button is just as much fun as a manual should you want to drive it 'enthusiastically' imo.
If your anywhere near Swindon drop me a PM and your more than welcome to have a drive.
I have a 2004 3.0i with 58k on the clock.
I have a receipt for a pair of rear springs done a couple of years ago.
Service wise, the dash should flash up 'miles left' until a service is required when you key-on before starting.
I'd definately recommend changing the tyres to non runflats if they are close to the wear bars, factor this in to any negotiations when purchasing.
I'm 6ft and find it perfectly comfortable day2day & a 460mile round trip to Norfolk a couple of weekends ago was a good test of the ride/seats/driving position.
I drove 4 manual cars, no slipping/delay evident before deciding that the gearbox for me was the negative part of the car so went for the auto instead. It suits the engine so well & with the manual override and sport button is just as much fun as a manual should you want to drive it 'enthusiastically' imo.
If your anywhere near Swindon drop me a PM and your more than welcome to have a drive.
It's a great car! I had mine for 3 years until it was written off in November. Did 96000 miles. Servicing can be expensive at BMW. My last one was an inspection 1. Bill £1600. Had to replace steering arms and rear springs. Otherwise noting went wrong. Great fun to drive although rubbish in the snow! Beware run flats are £200 a corner so it's not cheap!
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