Z4 Coupe buying
Discussion
There are lots of threads about the Z4 Coupe.
Here's one to kick you off:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
These cars are offering sensational value at the moment and there is a school of thought that says they might become future classics.
Cars without satnav tend to be a lot cheaper, but I think it's a necessity.
The only real issue with the car is that some find the ride harsh with runflats, although that's easily fixed`1
Here's one to kick you off:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
These cars are offering sensational value at the moment and there is a school of thought that says they might become future classics.
Cars without satnav tend to be a lot cheaper, but I think it's a necessity.
The only real issue with the car is that some find the ride harsh with runflats, although that's easily fixed`1
it appears i'm planning on the same route as you went, have an e46 m3, looking at the Z4C...must admit i am tempted by the Z4MC but it will be a daily drive and i suspect that the 'assets' of the Z4C will be better used on this basis, with a bit of £ saving to boot.
thanks for your help.
thanks for your help.
Look for a sport rather than Se, although the se's seem to be significantly cheaper. Rear springs are weak, which you may have also experienced with your M3. All the usual options available and desirable, ie heated seats, sat nav, xenons and uprated stereo.
There are 3 levels of stereo, the basic is apparently not very good (never heard it myself), you'll be able to tell if this is fitted because behind the seats there will be cubby holes. The uprated stereos have subs behind the seats. The top level stereo has DSP accessable from the menu system.
Definately change the runflats to normal tyres, I have done this on mine and it has made a dramatic difference and is also much cheaper.
I also went from an E46 M3 (although mine was a convertible), for day to day use the Z4 is much more relaxing to drive although not quite as exciting. You'll also be pleasently surprised at the economy, mine is averaging 31mpg. Servicing costs are also pretty cheap, even from main dealers.
There are 3 levels of stereo, the basic is apparently not very good (never heard it myself), you'll be able to tell if this is fitted because behind the seats there will be cubby holes. The uprated stereos have subs behind the seats. The top level stereo has DSP accessable from the menu system.
Definately change the runflats to normal tyres, I have done this on mine and it has made a dramatic difference and is also much cheaper.
I also went from an E46 M3 (although mine was a convertible), for day to day use the Z4 is much more relaxing to drive although not quite as exciting. You'll also be pleasently surprised at the economy, mine is averaging 31mpg. Servicing costs are also pretty cheap, even from main dealers.
I owned one a few years ago and loved every single second of ownership. It was great to drive, sounded brilliant, was great on the petrol, looks stunning and was smashing fun. The ride can be a bit harsh as already mentioned, but I kept the r/f tyres and it wasn't too bad.
Spec wise, mine was a launch model, so had loads of goodies including the individual colour coded leather seats, dash and door cards. The SatNav is a nice option, but I have used better systems. But you do get the nice in dash screen if you do get one with Sat Nav.
Fault wise, the 5 spoke 18" wheels that the Sport models comes with can be a problem. The very slightest scratch, damage or even pot hole thump, will lift the lacquer from the rim section of the wheel, which will then cause the milk affect under the lacquer. I had all 4 alloys replaced under warranty before I sold the car, but that is the only issue I had with it.
They are great cars, and the Z4-forum is a great source of info too.
Good luck, and enjoy.
Spec wise, mine was a launch model, so had loads of goodies including the individual colour coded leather seats, dash and door cards. The SatNav is a nice option, but I have used better systems. But you do get the nice in dash screen if you do get one with Sat Nav.
Fault wise, the 5 spoke 18" wheels that the Sport models comes with can be a problem. The very slightest scratch, damage or even pot hole thump, will lift the lacquer from the rim section of the wheel, which will then cause the milk affect under the lacquer. I had all 4 alloys replaced under warranty before I sold the car, but that is the only issue I had with it.
They are great cars, and the Z4-forum is a great source of info too.
Good luck, and enjoy.
Hi,
thanks all for the info, very helpful.
in terms of the sport v SE, is it just seats, suspension and steering wheel that get upgraded? I'm not one for fiddling with car's spec, but could uprated suspension and wheels be fitted to an SE to obtain a similar machine at comparable cost - i'm starting to sound like one of those people i don't particularly like...think it was growing up in the heyday era of modified cars..
the only reason for my question is they are thin on the ground, i'm pretty set on buying one, and i am, at the mo, restricting myself to manual sport cars, which results in about 8 options nationwide!
thanks v much
thanks all for the info, very helpful.
in terms of the sport v SE, is it just seats, suspension and steering wheel that get upgraded? I'm not one for fiddling with car's spec, but could uprated suspension and wheels be fitted to an SE to obtain a similar machine at comparable cost - i'm starting to sound like one of those people i don't particularly like...think it was growing up in the heyday era of modified cars..
the only reason for my question is they are thin on the ground, i'm pretty set on buying one, and i am, at the mo, restricting myself to manual sport cars, which results in about 8 options nationwide!
thanks v much
Yes the sport parts will fit the SE, however, you'd be better off just waiting until one with the right spec comes along. Surely there are more than 8 nationwide? Where are you looking? I found the sports seats significantly better than those in the SE, and the SE steering wheel was far to thin for my liking, so much so that I didn't even consider one when looking for mine despite the quite big difference in price.
You want the sport version...SE's haven't held their money as well and are not that desirable. First thing you will want to do is change the Bridgestone run flats to Michelin run flats; it will transform the handling!
They are a cracking car and you will really enjoy owning one. Options you must have; heated seat, pro sat nav, auto lights and wipers, Auto dimming mirrors, cruise etc; for the money you mention you should be able to get a very well specc'ed car.
They are a cracking car and you will really enjoy owning one. Options you must have; heated seat, pro sat nav, auto lights and wipers, Auto dimming mirrors, cruise etc; for the money you mention you should be able to get a very well specc'ed car.
If you are thinking of a Z4C then don't buy one without trying the M. Having owned both, the M is vastly superior. The extra when new may have been a big step but on the used market the M is not a huge amount more.
Running costs are more but well worth the extra for the additional driving pleasure.
The only reason to go for an Si over an M is if you can't afford one, in which case, yes, compromise but you will always be thinking how much better is an M.
Running costs are more but well worth the extra for the additional driving pleasure.
The only reason to go for an Si over an M is if you can't afford one, in which case, yes, compromise but you will always be thinking how much better is an M.
Eagerbeaver said:
If you are thinking of a Z4C then don't buy one without trying the M. Having owned both, the M is vastly superior. The extra when new may have been a big step but on the used market the M is not a huge amount more.
Running costs are more but well worth the extra for the additional driving pleasure.
The only reason to go for an Si over an M is if you can't afford one, in which case, yes, compromise but you will always be thinking how much better is an M.
i've got an E46 m3 at the mo, and i know the z4mc is a different car to the m3 but i've decided that for my needs the 3.0si will be more than adequate...i know i'm in danger of starting a debate here but i'm looking at running it for 5+ years and that is a lot of maintenance / disaster costs. each to his own, but, for me, i won't appreciate the difference enough.Running costs are more but well worth the extra for the additional driving pleasure.
The only reason to go for an Si over an M is if you can't afford one, in which case, yes, compromise but you will always be thinking how much better is an M.
i want a workhorse with flair, not a girded thoroughbred...
Vroomer said:
Eagerbeaver said:
The only reason to go for an Si over an M is if you can't afford one, in which case, yes, compromise but you will always be thinking how much better is an M.
Just wrong.As a day-to-day car the Si is much more usable and has as much performance as you need.
i recall a thread some poor old boy started about a 330 v m3, he laid down his disposalble income to the masses and threw himself to the wolves...the amount of times i see an expensive car parked outside a modest house, i have an opinion on that choice, but, it is a choice the individual has made.
unless you've been given 2 weeks to live or have won the euromillions i think afford takes on a different meaning, it's more about how you appropriate your cash.
the z4m is a better car than the z4, can i justify the extra in purchase price and the ongoing running costs? not for me, no...
no disrespect to eagerbeaver, i think he was giving a polite opinion.
Just re-reading my post and reads like it is written by an arse. I apologise as no offence was intended.
The Si is a grand car and very enjoyable. I was expressing my own frustration over getting an Si when I really wanted to enjoy the M.
After a year of Si ownership I found I couldn't resist an M any longer. I'd kidded myself into feeling I couldn't justify the running costs of an M.
The cars look so similar but the driver rewards are so much greater on even the most mundane journey.
The Si is a grand car and very enjoyable. I was expressing my own frustration over getting an Si when I really wanted to enjoy the M.
After a year of Si ownership I found I couldn't resist an M any longer. I'd kidded myself into feeling I couldn't justify the running costs of an M.
The cars look so similar but the driver rewards are so much greater on even the most mundane journey.
Eagerbeaver said:
Just re-reading my post and reads like it is written by an arse. I apologise as no offence was intended.
The Si is a grand car and very enjoyable. I was expressing my own frustration over getting an Si when I really wanted to enjoy the M.
After a year of Si ownership I found I couldn't resist an M any longer. I'd kidded myself into feeling I couldn't justify the running costs of an M.
The cars look so similar but the driver rewards are so much greater on even the most mundane journey.
no apology required as far as i'm concerned, you were only expressing an opinion, and an informed one at that. The Si is a grand car and very enjoyable. I was expressing my own frustration over getting an Si when I really wanted to enjoy the M.
After a year of Si ownership I found I couldn't resist an M any longer. I'd kidded myself into feeling I couldn't justify the running costs of an M.
The cars look so similar but the driver rewards are so much greater on even the most mundane journey.
jaedba2604 said:
sorry i meant something actually uprated, and maybe a set of csl wheels. can't be bothered messing around with steering wheels and seats, that could end up expensive!
thanks for your input, it seems patience is the key.
Just a quick note. From my memory, genuine CSL alloys will not fit on a non 'M' car, the offsets are wrong, so you'll be looking at having to use reps. Certainly this was the case when I owned mine. Things may have changed though. CSL wheels to look the business on the Z4 coupe.thanks for your input, it seems patience is the key.
Good luck anyway, here is a little pic of my old car.
I pick mine up next Saturday although I'm having to travel from Southampton to Glasgow to get the one in the spec I wanted!! But do hold out for the sport and don't go SE!! Very excited now and I'll let you know first impressions when I get it. I found mine through Z4-forum by the way - so worth keeping an eye on the buy and sell threads there
Happy hunting!
although I'm having to travel from Southampton to Glasgow to get the one in the spec I wanted!! But do hold out for the sport and don't go SE!! Very excited now and I'll let you know first impressions when I get it. I found mine through Z4-forum by the way - so worth keeping an eye on the buy and sell threads there Happy hunting!
I also came from an E46 M3 to my Z4 Si, I could quite easily have afforded both the purchase price (which there is very little difference) and the running costs. For me it came down to the use I'd get from it, if I was into track days or driving trips then I'd have picked the Z4M without a doubt. Sitting in traffic on the way to work it simply wasn't worth the additional costs involved. Do miss the soundtrack of the M engines though, do the Z4M have the same rasp as the M3 has?
The rasp isn't the same but addictive still.
I too spend a lot of time either sat in traffic or on a contested motorway but the value in the M isn't driving it at top speed everywhere. It's the odd occasion when you get the chance to really enjoy it when it is so rewarding.
This happens maybe once or twice a month but those occasions make it so worthwhile.
As I say though, the Si is a great car also and you will have a lot of fun in it.
I too spend a lot of time either sat in traffic or on a contested motorway but the value in the M isn't driving it at top speed everywhere. It's the odd occasion when you get the chance to really enjoy it when it is so rewarding.
This happens maybe once or twice a month but those occasions make it so worthwhile.
As I say though, the Si is a great car also and you will have a lot of fun in it.
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