Discussion
Hi,
Posted in BMW forum but didn't get much of a response, so:
So the time has come to seriously start considering an upgrade to my boring list of cars so far which have helped me build up a decent enough NCB so that insurance does't bankrupt me, and I've landed on the Z4 3.0
Now, I dont really know much about these other than I'd obviously prefer the 3.0si engine as it has more power, but I am happy with the lower powered 3.0 (coming from a 1.4 bora anything will feel rocket ship fast). I think I'd be willing to spend about £8k, mileage up to 80k or so (as long as interior & exterior still looks ok)
What sort of issues are there with the car? I've heard roof motor failure is an issue, but other than that?
Also, what sort of Spec would be ideal? I'd like Sat Nav but then I think in a circa 10 year old car it isn't going to be all that anyways - so what are the must haves in terms of options on a Z4 as I don't really know what's available as I'm not familiar with BMW's.
Just looking for general guidance and tips really.
I did originally have my heart set on an E46 M3 but its around £1k more to insure than the Z4, and factoring in the extra servicing costs I don't think I could justify the difference.
cheers
P.S hopefully going to test drive an M3, Z4 3.0 & 3.0SI on thursday.. think the M3 may be a bad decision as I'll inevitably end up wanting that!
Posted in BMW forum but didn't get much of a response, so:
So the time has come to seriously start considering an upgrade to my boring list of cars so far which have helped me build up a decent enough NCB so that insurance does't bankrupt me, and I've landed on the Z4 3.0
Now, I dont really know much about these other than I'd obviously prefer the 3.0si engine as it has more power, but I am happy with the lower powered 3.0 (coming from a 1.4 bora anything will feel rocket ship fast). I think I'd be willing to spend about £8k, mileage up to 80k or so (as long as interior & exterior still looks ok)
What sort of issues are there with the car? I've heard roof motor failure is an issue, but other than that?
Also, what sort of Spec would be ideal? I'd like Sat Nav but then I think in a circa 10 year old car it isn't going to be all that anyways - so what are the must haves in terms of options on a Z4 as I don't really know what's available as I'm not familiar with BMW's.
Just looking for general guidance and tips really.
I did originally have my heart set on an E46 M3 but its around £1k more to insure than the Z4, and factoring in the extra servicing costs I don't think I could justify the difference.
cheers
P.S hopefully going to test drive an M3, Z4 3.0 & 3.0SI on thursday.. think the M3 may be a bad decision as I'll inevitably end up wanting that!
Edited by lewisf182 on Tuesday 16th July 16:32
I do love the look of the coupe but as already mentioned i just dont see the point, all the draw backs of a 2 seater roadster without the roof down option, so for me the roadster i feel is a better ownership proposition for those early morning summer hoons!
Ahhh, my thoughts are correct on the sat nav, an aftermarket one probably a better option, if i were to go e46 m3 id have fitted the android computer thingy - is this an option for the z4?
Prolapse - could be very intereste as a months time is the perfect timescale, what spec does yours have?
So basically im looking for sports seats, leather and cruise control as main must haves.
The other elephant in the room is a 996 911 but again other non purchase costs could be painful whereas the z4 you seem to know what your getting, this is my go wild car before i buy my own house (already bought my first buy to let and still live at home) so maybe i should just go balls out and buy a m3 / z4m etc..... Ahhh decisions decisions
Ahhh, my thoughts are correct on the sat nav, an aftermarket one probably a better option, if i were to go e46 m3 id have fitted the android computer thingy - is this an option for the z4?
Prolapse - could be very intereste as a months time is the perfect timescale, what spec does yours have?
So basically im looking for sports seats, leather and cruise control as main must haves.
The other elephant in the room is a 996 911 but again other non purchase costs could be painful whereas the z4 you seem to know what your getting, this is my go wild car before i buy my own house (already bought my first buy to let and still live at home) so maybe i should just go balls out and buy a m3 / z4m etc..... Ahhh decisions decisions
Yeah the problem is prices are probably a little inflated with it being summer (and actually sunny summer for a change) but I don't wan't to really put it off any longer, iv been in ridiculously slow cars for far too long.
335i's are now approaching 2006 z4 prices and on paper have the same straight line performance but obviously not as sporty but are much more practical... so that's another spanner in the works! Too many choices!!!!
I was originally thinking z4 and keep my bora for transport duties but rather than paying 2 x insurance etc maybe a 335i is the more sensible option now..... hmmmm
335i's are now approaching 2006 z4 prices and on paper have the same straight line performance but obviously not as sporty but are much more practical... so that's another spanner in the works! Too many choices!!!!
I was originally thinking z4 and keep my bora for transport duties but rather than paying 2 x insurance etc maybe a 335i is the more sensible option now..... hmmmm
Ok, so yesterday I drove a Z4 3.0Si and a 2006 M3.
I have to say the M3 massively disappointed me while the Z4 left me wanting to go on a massive hoon. The M3 just didn't work in everyday driving IMHO, the SMG box was so slow and sluggish to respond it was laughable! But then once it got going it was just too fast to enjoy as you're already at the speed limit within a second. The Z4 just felt the more special car and more suited to everyday driving, I know on the right road the M3 would dominate and be an amazing experience, but as an only car how often do we get to drive those once in a blue moon roads?
I Can only imagine how the Z4m would be to drive, another step up from the Z4 certainly and with a manual box (is this available?) would probably be the perfect car! Maybe I should try an M3 Manual though having said that.
So, next on the list to try are a Z4M roadster & an E90 335i.
I have to say the M3 massively disappointed me while the Z4 left me wanting to go on a massive hoon. The M3 just didn't work in everyday driving IMHO, the SMG box was so slow and sluggish to respond it was laughable! But then once it got going it was just too fast to enjoy as you're already at the speed limit within a second. The Z4 just felt the more special car and more suited to everyday driving, I know on the right road the M3 would dominate and be an amazing experience, but as an only car how often do we get to drive those once in a blue moon roads?
I Can only imagine how the Z4m would be to drive, another step up from the Z4 certainly and with a manual box (is this available?) would probably be the perfect car! Maybe I should try an M3 Manual though having said that.
So, next on the list to try are a Z4M roadster & an E90 335i.
BUG4LIFE said:
lewisf182 said:
I think I am inclined to go 3.0Si over Z4M too due to extra running costs. Funnily enough purchase price wise there isn't that much difference (if looking at 3.0's with under 70k miles) between the two.
Show me!http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
http://www.Pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
Like I said, very similar prices...yes the Z4M is a grand maybe 2 more but that isnt THAT much in the grand scheme of things.
z4chris99 said:
I love mine
Eisenman Race exhaust and a GruppeM carbon intake
lowered, carbon leather interior, etc etc etc
http://youtu.be/Zo7PqH71zZQ
That is gorgeous! That is basically the car I'm looking for, in that colour and with CSL's. How much roughly are the mod's you mention?Eisenman Race exhaust and a GruppeM carbon intake
lowered, carbon leather interior, etc etc etc
http://youtu.be/Zo7PqH71zZQ
Edited by z4chris99 on Friday 19th July 22:07
I think my mind is made up, the jump from the VW bora 1.4 to a Z4 3.0Si will be more than enough for me, leaving the M models for when (if ever) I get bored of the Z4.
z4chris99 said:
off the top of my head;
exhaust was £800 (other makes are available, and loads of guys on z4-forum have them fabricated)
CSL's were 900 with rubber
gruppeM I found a second hand for 350.
carbon leather eBay 350. it's pretty rare
eibach springs 120
strut brace 250
poly bushes 90
mounts 60
brakes 400
carbon badges 50
cruise control 57
stubby aerial 10
aux lead 20
hardtop 1000
Fair play, that's a fair bit to spend! It does look stunning though. For me think just an exhaust and intake would be enough for now (plus stubby aerial).exhaust was £800 (other makes are available, and loads of guys on z4-forum have them fabricated)
CSL's were 900 with rubber
gruppeM I found a second hand for 350.
carbon leather eBay 350. it's pretty rare
eibach springs 120
strut brace 250
poly bushes 90
mounts 60
brakes 400
carbon badges 50
cruise control 57
stubby aerial 10
aux lead 20
hardtop 1000
Thanks for the advice.
Ony reason for SI is id like something a bit newer than my 05 bora, so 06/07 and thats where the si engine came in so i thought may as well? But i'll just have to see whats on the market when i come to buy.
So now looking for:
Cruise control, bluetooth, sat nav (if poss), heated seats, xenons - think these are the minimum spec i'd want.
Ony reason for SI is id like something a bit newer than my 05 bora, so 06/07 and thats where the si engine came in so i thought may as well? But i'll just have to see whats on the market when i come to buy.
So now looking for:
Cruise control, bluetooth, sat nav (if poss), heated seats, xenons - think these are the minimum spec i'd want.
The early cars can be had for £5k now (3.0's), which to me looks stunning value as they still look pretty modern IMHO.
My house purchase gets completed this week fingers crossed.
Problem I have now is, should I wait another month or two till summers over and the roadster rush is over and prices may fall a bit? Does this seasonal effect still happen with roadsters?
Also contemplating whether I should wait till 4 series is released and becomes a bit more common which would hopefully reduce 335i prices meaning I could get a decent one (less than 100k miles) for under £10k.
My house purchase gets completed this week fingers crossed.
Problem I have now is, should I wait another month or two till summers over and the roadster rush is over and prices may fall a bit? Does this seasonal effect still happen with roadsters?
Also contemplating whether I should wait till 4 series is released and becomes a bit more common which would hopefully reduce 335i prices meaning I could get a decent one (less than 100k miles) for under £10k.
Edited by lewisf182 on Monday 5th August 22:15
Just a quick update.
I've decided on a 330i m sport coupe. Would love a 335i but the turbo troubles worry me and i'd hate to be hitwith a £2k bill for them. The z4 i still love, but 2 seats will just become annoying for me, i thought i could get insured on my gf's car should i ever need a 4 seater but it increased her premium by over £300...
So... If anybody sees any nice 330i m sport coupes up to £13k let me know!
I've decided on a 330i m sport coupe. Would love a 335i but the turbo troubles worry me and i'd hate to be hitwith a £2k bill for them. The z4 i still love, but 2 seats will just become annoying for me, i thought i could get insured on my gf's car should i ever need a 4 seater but it increased her premium by over £300...
So... If anybody sees any nice 330i m sport coupes up to £13k let me know!
Fox- said:
The 330i is no better than the 335i reliability wise - the post 2007 models have the N53 stratified direct injection engine which also has its share of issues. If you are buying a post 2007 E92, then get a decent warranty. And by the time you've done that you are left with no real reason not to just buy the 335i instead. The turbos themselves don't tend to give trouble, its mostly the direct injection system inc fuel pump and thats an issue whether its a 330i or a 335i.
Hmmmm. from what I've read fuel consumption is much better in the 330? not that its a deal breaker but being able to get 40 mpg on a run instead of 29 adds up over time. And surely the turbo will eventually give way, they cant carry on forever?Thought I've made up my mind but you have made some valid points though. Why is deciding on a car so hard
I think he just read the first page were i was thinking z4 or e46 m3.
I have seen a few approved used cars at bmw around the £13k mark which means i get the warranty for a year and can extend, so this might be the route to go down.
335i has been my realistic dream car for a long while but there just seems to be a lot more reliability issues from what i've read. I guess i'll just keep an eye on what comes up. I'm in love with sparkling graphite grey and red interior but sadly aint many about.
I have seen a few approved used cars at bmw around the £13k mark which means i get the warranty for a year and can extend, so this might be the route to go down.
335i has been my realistic dream car for a long while but there just seems to be a lot more reliability issues from what i've read. I guess i'll just keep an eye on what comes up. I'm in love with sparkling graphite grey and red interior but sadly aint many about.
Just an update to this as I hate when people don't update what car threads!
Ended up with a 2005 BMW 130i, same engine as the Z4's and 330's I was looking at but in the small 1 Series. Only driven it a little and not really in anger as yet but so far I love it, it sounds wonderful and the engine makes the entire car, feels like a little muscle car.
Not tons of options but has Leather seats and Professional Navigation so will do me toy wise for now MPG is a big shock from my 1.4 Bora though haha.
Picking it up involved a 4:30 AM start to Brighton from Sheffield, back before 5PM so not too bad in all.
Will probably start a readers car's thread when I get chance for some nice pictures. Already have a PH Smiley on there, just a small discreet Grey one which contrasts well with the black.
Ended up with a 2005 BMW 130i, same engine as the Z4's and 330's I was looking at but in the small 1 Series. Only driven it a little and not really in anger as yet but so far I love it, it sounds wonderful and the engine makes the entire car, feels like a little muscle car.
Not tons of options but has Leather seats and Professional Navigation so will do me toy wise for now
MPG is a big shock from my 1.4 Bora though haha. Picking it up involved a 4:30 AM start to Brighton from Sheffield, back before 5PM so not too bad in all.
Will probably start a readers car's thread when I get chance for some nice pictures. Already have a PH Smiley on there, just a small discreet Grey one which contrasts well with the black.
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