2009 Z4 sDrive30i - taking a punt!
Discussion
So after rather a lot of deliberation, ebay monitoring, friend consulting and bank account disregarding, I decided to go with a mk2 Z4 over my initial ideas, an MX5 that I could fettle, a mk1 Z4, or a Boxster (think I was put off my potential big bills).
I'd spent a lot of time on ebay over the last few months. I was thinking about an NA MX5, with potential for changing the wheels, getting a loud exhaust and maybe even turboing it. I was probably put off by the amount of rust I'd seen on examples and perhaps I decided I could stretch the initial budget somewhat.
A good friend of mine had a mk1 Z4 a few years ago (also a 3L) and I thought that was a cracking car. At the time I had a Mazda3 MPS which I loved (even though it hated me and my wallet) and although I coiuld keep up, the Z4 was just cooler. And a drive with the roof down confirmed this!
My daily driver is now a 2005 Saab 9-3 Aero saloon after I gave back an Infiniti Q50 lease. The Q50 was a nice car, but dull, and an awful gearbox. The Saab cost me less than £2k (I still think I overpaid) but has been fantastic tbh. I've done the brakes and oil myself and the other odd bit. But I needed a little something for the weekend to get me off Ebay and Autotrader!
So I decided I could possibly stretch to a mk2 Z4 even though this is not what I though I was after initially. I went to look at a mk1 after the mk2 which was a mistake, it just wasn't as 'nice' but would have been an amazing car no doubt. I think the feel of the mk2 swung it, plus the hard top rather than fabric (especially for the girlfriend). I went and looked at an auto for £11.5K and would probably have put a deposit down there and then, but I knew I wanted a manual...this was my weekend toy after all. By chance, I found one in my area that was the right colour (dark blue, ivory interior - don't quote me on that, I still arent sure the exact names of the colours!) that a young chap was selling who'd just had a baby. I didn't fall in love with it immediately but the price, service history and spec did it for me. Everything I needed, nothing I didn't (sat nav, cruise control etc would have been nice to have but I wasn't fussed). Picked up this then, 59-plate, 77k miles (I'll only be doing ~3k miles a year in it), FSH, for £9500. I was happy with that from looking at others in that price range.
I probably bought at the worst time (last week) but already I'm in love. The ride isn't the best, but that isn't the point. It sounds amazing, I don't need anything faster, and that engine is fantastic. I'm chuffed!
I'd spent a lot of time on ebay over the last few months. I was thinking about an NA MX5, with potential for changing the wheels, getting a loud exhaust and maybe even turboing it. I was probably put off by the amount of rust I'd seen on examples and perhaps I decided I could stretch the initial budget somewhat.
A good friend of mine had a mk1 Z4 a few years ago (also a 3L) and I thought that was a cracking car. At the time I had a Mazda3 MPS which I loved (even though it hated me and my wallet) and although I coiuld keep up, the Z4 was just cooler. And a drive with the roof down confirmed this!
My daily driver is now a 2005 Saab 9-3 Aero saloon after I gave back an Infiniti Q50 lease. The Q50 was a nice car, but dull, and an awful gearbox. The Saab cost me less than £2k (I still think I overpaid) but has been fantastic tbh. I've done the brakes and oil myself and the other odd bit. But I needed a little something for the weekend to get me off Ebay and Autotrader!
So I decided I could possibly stretch to a mk2 Z4 even though this is not what I though I was after initially. I went to look at a mk1 after the mk2 which was a mistake, it just wasn't as 'nice' but would have been an amazing car no doubt. I think the feel of the mk2 swung it, plus the hard top rather than fabric (especially for the girlfriend). I went and looked at an auto for £11.5K and would probably have put a deposit down there and then, but I knew I wanted a manual...this was my weekend toy after all. By chance, I found one in my area that was the right colour (dark blue, ivory interior - don't quote me on that, I still arent sure the exact names of the colours!) that a young chap was selling who'd just had a baby. I didn't fall in love with it immediately but the price, service history and spec did it for me. Everything I needed, nothing I didn't (sat nav, cruise control etc would have been nice to have but I wasn't fussed). Picked up this then, 59-plate, 77k miles (I'll only be doing ~3k miles a year in it), FSH, for £9500. I was happy with that from looking at others in that price range.
I probably bought at the worst time (last week) but already I'm in love. The ride isn't the best, but that isn't the point. It sounds amazing, I don't need anything faster, and that engine is fantastic. I'm chuffed!
Edited by ajguk on Monday 3rd September 20:21
Edited by ajguk on Monday 3rd September 20:21
Edited by ajguk on Monday 3rd September 20:25
Edited by ajguk on Monday 3rd September 20:25
Meant to mention - picked it up Thursday evening, drove it home and immediately did the old "oh god what have I done" thing - it needs some paint correction for swirls and the odd scratch, a big stonechip on the bonnet and the wheels could do with a refurb for scuffs, although I knew this before I bought it. I'll try not to use it too much over winter and then spend a few quid in the spring getting the cosmetic bits done. Those wheels are 19s and do attract kerbs I imagine. At the end of the day it's a 9 year old car so will have some imperfections.
Also had an advisory on the last MOT for front brakes 'fluctuating but not excessively' so will probably just replace the discs and pads before the next is due.
If anyone has any recommendations for wheel refurb guys in the Leeds area let me know - my Saab could also do with some plus someone at work....discount on 12 wheels perhaps??
Also had an advisory on the last MOT for front brakes 'fluctuating but not excessively' so will probably just replace the discs and pads before the next is due.
If anyone has any recommendations for wheel refurb guys in the Leeds area let me know - my Saab could also do with some plus someone at work....discount on 12 wheels perhaps??
Lovely looking car OP. 
You're right about the engine too - my 56 plate Z4 Coupe has the same 3 litre N52 engine and it's great!
I think you'll find the colour is called Deep Sea Blue Metallic - the lighter interior sets it off really well too.
If yours still has run-flat tyres try to avoid potholes - BMW 19" rims with RFTs are prone to cracking.
z4forum is well worth a visit if you are ever looking for information or answers to issues.
You're right about the engine too - my 56 plate Z4 Coupe has the same 3 litre N52 engine and it's great!
I think you'll find the colour is called Deep Sea Blue Metallic - the lighter interior sets it off really well too.
If yours still has run-flat tyres try to avoid potholes - BMW 19" rims with RFTs are prone to cracking.
z4forum is well worth a visit if you are ever looking for information or answers to issues.
One question I have - the gearbox has sport and sport+ mode - what does sport do exactly? The manual mentions firmer suspension but I thought that was only on the 35i or 35is.........I'm convinced the exhaust is slightly louder and deeper when in sport mode. Am I just imagining that though??
ajguk said:
One question I have - the gearbox has sport and sport+ mode - what does sport do exactly? The manual mentions firmer suspension but I thought that was only on the 35i or 35is.........I'm convinced the exhaust is slightly louder and deeper when in sport mode. Am I just imagining that though??
Sport = better / quicker throttle response, faster gear changes (if auto), heavier steering Sport+ = all of the above but with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) switched on (basically allows for some slip)
I don't know the Z4 well enough but on my 440i the exhaust valves open when the exhaust / cat is warm and when Sport or Sport+ are selected.
Only cars with optional Adaptive suspension will get changes to the ride due to Sport etc.
Nice
On my radar too at the moment. I was thinking of the older coupe having owned a Z4m coupe in the past.
However the duality of these appeals. I fancy manual too so I think the 35is is out but 35i available.
But is the 30i just as much fun in a simpler package??
I guess it will depend what I see
On my radar too at the moment. I was thinking of the older coupe having owned a Z4m coupe in the past.
However the duality of these appeals. I fancy manual too so I think the 35is is out but 35i available.
But is the 30i just as much fun in a simpler package??
I guess it will depend what I see
Well I honestly can't see how much faster at least I'd need to go. I'm used to turbo petrol cars (my MPS and Saab) and the way the power is delivered is totally different. In the BMW I'm sometimes waiting for the extra boost then I remember it's not coming, but my speedo is already going some....with the roof down however it feels like a totally different car, and really is all I need. The power available low down is quite addictive too.
I haven't driven (or heard) one but with the turbos would the 35i sound a bit more muffled? I liked the simplicity of the N52 plus the mileage on it made me feel a bit safer not having a turbo to worry about!
Handling wise I think it's great. I'm sure an MX5 etc would keep up in the twisties though and I'd have just as much fun.
I haven't driven (or heard) one but with the turbos would the 35i sound a bit more muffled? I liked the simplicity of the N52 plus the mileage on it made me feel a bit safer not having a turbo to worry about!
Handling wise I think it's great. I'm sure an MX5 etc would keep up in the twisties though and I'd have just as much fun.
milu said:
Nice
On my radar too at the moment. I was thinking of the older coupe having owned a Z4m coupe in the past.
However the duality of these appeals. I fancy manual too so I think the 35is is out but 35i available.
But is the 30i just as much fun in a simpler package??
I guess it will depend what I see
I'm on my 2nd E86 Coupe (how that happened is a long story) but it was the only option for me as I loved the Coupe shape and an M just wasn't in budget. On my radar too at the moment. I was thinking of the older coupe having owned a Z4m coupe in the past.
However the duality of these appeals. I fancy manual too so I think the 35is is out but 35i available.
But is the 30i just as much fun in a simpler package??
I guess it will depend what I see
If you want manual a 35iS is definitely out, but a 35i can be re-mapped for more power if required - it's a turbo engine after all!
But a 30i is rated at 258 bhp and being naturally aspirated is probably a simpler option - it just depends how much power you want. Mind you if you have had an "M" you probably need plenty!
But an E89 is very different in character to an E85 or E86 - based on what people who have had both have told me it's more of a GT/cruiser, whereas the earlier ones are more of a sports car.
That is a lovely colour, really like the wheels too. I have the 35i in manual, same year - as others have said if you have adaptive suspension the ride will firm up when you press the Sport button and throttle response is quicker regardless. Definitely ditch the runflats as soon as possible, the difference is unbelievable. Pilot Sport 4s seem to be the rubber of choice for these and can't disagree since changing.
As for the turbo questions, I have next to no turbo lag as the engine uses two small turbos, the pickup in speed is superb. It's a fairly civilised engine until you put your foot down but I find it makes a nice noise over 3000rpm - thought it had a sports exhaust but apparently not. The 35i makes 306BHP normally but can be taken up to around 380BHP with a map without modifying the internals but this has plenty of power for me.
As for the turbo questions, I have next to no turbo lag as the engine uses two small turbos, the pickup in speed is superb. It's a fairly civilised engine until you put your foot down but I find it makes a nice noise over 3000rpm - thought it had a sports exhaust but apparently not. The 35i makes 306BHP normally but can be taken up to around 380BHP with a map without modifying the internals but this has plenty of power for me.
I've always really liked these and I prefer them to the earlier Z4(had a Z4M Roadster and the interior was crap). I also prefer a folding metal roof over a fabric one in terms of looks. Yours is a lovely colour combo. 
The N52 engine is silky smooth and very highly regarded, enjoy the car.
The N52 engine is silky smooth and very highly regarded, enjoy the car.
Thanks all for the kind comments! I saw so many black/red leather combos which doesn't do it for me anymore, so had decided to hang on for a blue/cream until I found one. Luckily this one turned up pretty quickly on Autotrader. I do like the lightness in the cabin that the interior gives it.
Planning on getting rid of the runflats soon, only trouble is there's plenty of tread left and I'm not putting many miles on at the moment.
Did a Mway run the other day though, about 160 miles in all and the trip mpg is showing around 37, so really can't complain! Probably optimistic but it's around the same as my old Saab give or take.
Planning on getting rid of the runflats soon, only trouble is there's plenty of tread left and I'm not putting many miles on at the moment.
Did a Mway run the other day though, about 160 miles in all and the trip mpg is showing around 37, so really can't complain! Probably optimistic but it's around the same as my old Saab give or take.
It was worth waiting - that is a great colour combination.
My Z4 Coupe with the same engine is currently showing 33.6mpg on the OBC - it might be better but I get carried away from time to time!
As far as tyres go you can get a bit back on part-worn RFTs, probably because new RFTs cost so much! Or you just have to be patient until you wear them out.
My Z4 Coupe with the same engine is currently showing 33.6mpg on the OBC - it might be better but I get carried away from time to time!
As far as tyres go you can get a bit back on part-worn RFTs, probably because new RFTs cost so much! Or you just have to be patient until you wear them out.
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