330, M3 or Z4?
Discussion
Hi all
First of all, hello as this is my first post (been reading for ages but not posting until now).
Currently running a Fiesta ST500 and looking for a BMW. As the title suggests, I'm torn between the 3 cars, although the E46 M3 may prove too expensive to run at the moment unless someone has some tempting numbers.
With my 8.5-9K budget I can get a face lifted Z4 (06 onwards) with under 60k miles on or a E90 3 series with less than 85k on the clock. Don't need space or anything, coupe or saloon is fine. Don't want estate.
Just wondering if anyone owns or has owned any of these and could offer any advice that I couldn't find on a buying guide.
Thanks
First of all, hello as this is my first post (been reading for ages but not posting until now).
Currently running a Fiesta ST500 and looking for a BMW. As the title suggests, I'm torn between the 3 cars, although the E46 M3 may prove too expensive to run at the moment unless someone has some tempting numbers.
With my 8.5-9K budget I can get a face lifted Z4 (06 onwards) with under 60k miles on or a E90 3 series with less than 85k on the clock. Don't need space or anything, coupe or saloon is fine. Don't want estate.
Just wondering if anyone owns or has owned any of these and could offer any advice that I couldn't find on a buying guide.
Thanks
Definitely a 2 seater. Plenty of time for a Saloon or Coupe when you do need the space. You only live once and the window for owning a 2 seater is not large for most, do it while you can chap.
My choice would be a Boxster (picking up an S at end of month), though Z4 and S2000 great cars too.
My choice would be a Boxster (picking up an S at end of month), though Z4 and S2000 great cars too.
billzeebub said:
Definitely a 2 seater. Plenty of time for a Saloon or Coupe when you do need the space. You only live once and the window for owning a 2 seater is not large for most, do it while you can chap.
My choice would be a Boxster (picking up an S at end of month), though Z4 and S2000 great cars too.
Congrats on the Boxster! Heard a few people moan about expensive parts needed for older ones? Is that nonsense? Would consider one too.My choice would be a Boxster (picking up an S at end of month), though Z4 and S2000 great cars too.
Go and try them all.
Z4, s2000, Boxster. Also worth looking at a 350z
They are all similar, in that they're two seaters, but each has a different way of doing it's thing and the only way you will find out which suits best is by trying them.
Then go and buy the Z4;)
We've gone from a 330 ci to a Z4 and can recommend either.
The six is smooth as a freshly buttered bannister.
There are two flavours.
The 3.0i is 230 bhp, the 3.0 Si is 265
The post facelift "2.5" is also a 3 litre engine but detuned.
Get over to z4-forum.com as there's so much useful advice if you search. And the banter is friendly too
Z4, s2000, Boxster. Also worth looking at a 350z
They are all similar, in that they're two seaters, but each has a different way of doing it's thing and the only way you will find out which suits best is by trying them.
Then go and buy the Z4;)
We've gone from a 330 ci to a Z4 and can recommend either.
The six is smooth as a freshly buttered bannister.
There are two flavours.
The 3.0i is 230 bhp, the 3.0 Si is 265
The post facelift "2.5" is also a 3 litre engine but detuned.
Get over to z4-forum.com as there's so much useful advice if you search. And the banter is friendly too
budfox said:
I have a 3 litre Z4. '56 Reg.
Absolutely love the thing.
p.s - It's the Si model with 265 German thoroughbred horses champing at the bit.
It would be the 265 for me as well if I went for the Z4! Will organise some test drives in the new year. Probably drive the Z4 and a 330 and take it from there Absolutely love the thing.
p.s - It's the Si model with 265 German thoroughbred horses champing at the bit.
MattHall91 said:
billzeebub said:
Definitely a 2 seater. Plenty of time for a Saloon or Coupe when you do need the space. You only live once and the window for owning a 2 seater is not large for most, do it while you can chap.
My choice would be a Boxster (picking up an S at end of month), though Z4 and S2000 great cars too.
Congrats on the Boxster! Heard a few people moan about expensive parts needed for older ones? Is that nonsense? Would consider one too.My choice would be a Boxster (picking up an S at end of month), though Z4 and S2000 great cars too.
However, several Porsche Specialists offer mechanical cover and this can encompass Servicing, MOT & Labour Cover (so if you have a breakdown you only pay for parts). As the cars are mid engined, a lot of things seem to entail engine-out. I will be taking out a policy of this nature with one of the better regarded Porker Specialists. It works out at £80 a month roughly.
Anyway, my best mate has had a 2002 Boxster 2.7 from new and has never had any issues. He has spent less on upkeep at a decent Specialist in total than his Dads Astras!
Boxsters are supremely practical cars, two very spacious boots. If you get one with 16/17" wheels they handle better and tyres will obviously be cheaper.
Edited by billzeebub on Saturday 28th December 16:45
There are a few problems with that era of Porsche flat-six engine. The odds of them aren't hugely high but the damage can easily be enough to write the car off if the engine lets go in a big way. Just a question of whether you're willing to take the risk I suppose; you could always get a warranty.
FWIW certain BMW engines of that sort of age have problems with their variable valve timing system (called VANOS).
No engine is completely reliable, you pays your money... personally I'd get the Boxster if you're after a mainstream sports car of that sort of age. You can always pay a bit less and put the rest of the money into a repair fund.
FWIW certain BMW engines of that sort of age have problems with their variable valve timing system (called VANOS).
No engine is completely reliable, you pays your money... personally I'd get the Boxster if you're after a mainstream sports car of that sort of age. You can always pay a bit less and put the rest of the money into a repair fund.
Edited by kambites on Saturday 28th December 18:07
Have you looked at a S1 Elise? I've owned an Elise of some description, as a daily driver, for the last 7 years. In all honesty, I have been looking at other cars to replace my current S2 111S, but I can't seem to tear myself away from the brand or the driving experience the Elise offers. The Elise is mid-engined, rear wheel drive and light. Therefore it's quick and handles beautifully.
The S2 is more refined and a little more expensive than the S1, but the S1 is like driving a race car on the road. You'll have to make a few sacrifices (boot space, small niggles), but it'll repay you with so many smiles, as you're blasting down a country road with the roof off!
They're not horrifically expensive to run and head gasket failure isn't that common either. You'll be saving on fuel bills and tax too ...
However the Elise looks beautiful, imho. It does draw attention. Girls love it too.
ETA: One of the cars I test drove to tempt me away from the Elise was a 338BHP Z4M. I'm still not completely sold.
The S2 is more refined and a little more expensive than the S1, but the S1 is like driving a race car on the road. You'll have to make a few sacrifices (boot space, small niggles), but it'll repay you with so many smiles, as you're blasting down a country road with the roof off!
They're not horrifically expensive to run and head gasket failure isn't that common either. You'll be saving on fuel bills and tax too ...
However the Elise looks beautiful, imho. It does draw attention. Girls love it too.
ETA: One of the cars I test drove to tempt me away from the Elise was a 338BHP Z4M. I'm still not completely sold.
Ikemi said:
Have you looked at a S1 Elise? I've owned an Elise of some description, as a daily driver, for the last 7 years. In all honesty, I have been looking at other cars to replace my current S2 111S, but I can't seem to tear myself away from the brand or the driving experience the Elise offers. The Elise is mid-engined, rear wheel drive and light. Therefore it's quick and handles beautifully.
The S2 is more refined and a little more expensive than the S1, but the S1 is like driving a race car on the road. You'll have to make a few sacrifices (boot space, small niggles), but it'll repay you with so many smiles, as you're blasting down a country road with the roof off!
They're not horrifically expensive to run and head gasket failure isn't that common either. You'll be saving on fuel bills and tax too ...
However the Elise looks beautiful, imho. It does draw attention. Girls love it too.
ETA: One of the cars I test drove to tempt me away from the Elise was a 338BHP Z4M. I'm still not completely sold.
I haven't looked at them, are they refined enough to bare on the average commute?The S2 is more refined and a little more expensive than the S1, but the S1 is like driving a race car on the road. You'll have to make a few sacrifices (boot space, small niggles), but it'll repay you with so many smiles, as you're blasting down a country road with the roof off!
They're not horrifically expensive to run and head gasket failure isn't that common either. You'll be saving on fuel bills and tax too ...
However the Elise looks beautiful, imho. It does draw attention. Girls love it too.
ETA: One of the cars I test drove to tempt me away from the Elise was a 338BHP Z4M. I'm still not completely sold.
What were your thoughts on the Z4M? A friend has one and loves it. Each to
their own I suppose.
kambites said:
There are a few problems with that era of Porsche flat-six engine. The odds of them aren't hugely high but the damage can easily be enough to write the car off if the engine lets go in a big way. Just a question of whether you're willing to take the risk I suppose; you could always get a warranty.
FWIW certain BMW engines of that sort of age have problems with their variable valve timing system (called VANOS).
No engine is completely reliable, you pays your money... personally I'd get the Boxster if you're after a mainstream sports car of that sort of age. You can always pay a bit less and put the rest of the money into a repair fund.
Thanks for the info. I will look into testing an S, even if it is around 10 years old.FWIW certain BMW engines of that sort of age have problems with their variable valve timing system (called VANOS).
No engine is completely reliable, you pays your money... personally I'd get the Boxster if you're after a mainstream sports car of that sort of age. You can always pay a bit less and put the rest of the money into a repair fund.
Edited by kambites on Saturday 28th December 18:07
I went looking for a Z4 on your budget OP and ended up buying a 6 series, albeit 2-3 years older than what the z4 would have been. Guy at work has a 3.0Si z4 and the running costs are almost identical to my 645, although he gets around 30 to the gallon to my 24. And his rubber is cheaper. But it's not as huge a gulf as I was expecting!
ETA to answer your question, go for the Z4 out of your choices
ETA to answer your question, go for the Z4 out of your choices
parabolica said:
I went looking for a Z4 on your budget OP and ended up buying a 6 series, albeit 2-3 years older than what the z4 would have been. Guy at work has a 3.0Si z4 and the running costs are almost identical to my 645, although he gets around 30 to the gallon to my 24. And his rubber is cheaper. But it's not as huge a gulf as I was expecting!
ETA to answer your question, go for the Z4 out of your choices
Has it been as good to own as you expected? Can't argue with the amount of car for the money there ETA to answer your question, go for the Z4 out of your choices
Yea I'd say so; it's a big, heavy Grand Tourer so the Z4 will be much more sporty and fun on a B road; but I wanted something comfortable to waft around in that could also hitch up its skirt on the motorway. FWIW the insurance quotes were much better on the 6 than they were on the Z4 and that's what tipped it in the end for me.Reliabilty has been great, although the condition-based servicing has seen me in at the dealers twice in the 8 months I've owned it (but in fairness I have done 13k in that time!!)
Gonna be selling it soon as I'm off to Africa in the new year and will be very sorry to see it go
Gonna be selling it soon as I'm off to Africa in the new year and will be very sorry to see it go
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