Is a ~2015 Z4 a sensible purchase?
Discussion
Hi all,
My misses is looking at scratching her Z4 itch.
She was looking at spending around £15k on a 2014/2015 model. The 2.0i is fine and doesn't mind manual or auto - she's more concerned with colour and interior trim than the specifics.
Examples around this price range have done a good 50k miles, so wondering what kind of things to look out for? Are there any known issues with these models? Any major services to look out for? Is this a silly purchase?
She's had little hatchbacks for years and was looking at getting something a bit sporty, but if older Z4s are money pits then it'll probably put her off.
Thanks a lot.
My misses is looking at scratching her Z4 itch.
She was looking at spending around £15k on a 2014/2015 model. The 2.0i is fine and doesn't mind manual or auto - she's more concerned with colour and interior trim than the specifics.
Examples around this price range have done a good 50k miles, so wondering what kind of things to look out for? Are there any known issues with these models? Any major services to look out for? Is this a silly purchase?
She's had little hatchbacks for years and was looking at getting something a bit sporty, but if older Z4s are money pits then it'll probably put her off.
Thanks a lot.
Have a look on the AUC site.
For that kind of money, you’re looking at a low mileage 16 plate with a year’s BMW warranty on it.
Can’t help with any further info, other than my sister has a White one, and seems to like it
Money pit wise, you could take out the extended warranty each year, as an insurance policy.
For that kind of money, you’re looking at a low mileage 16 plate with a year’s BMW warranty on it.
Can’t help with any further info, other than my sister has a White one, and seems to like it
Money pit wise, you could take out the extended warranty each year, as an insurance policy.
A friend has a '13 35si which is good. Pretty quick, but does feel a little rear-heavy when pressing on.
Has had some issues with the roof - seems that water gets in occasionally playing havoc, but has been sorted reasonably cheaply each time.
Extended warranty can be purchased until car has 100k, and BMW have proven quite good for me under my extended warranty on the m135.
Has had some issues with the roof - seems that water gets in occasionally playing havoc, but has been sorted reasonably cheaply each time.
Extended warranty can be purchased until car has 100k, and BMW have proven quite good for me under my extended warranty on the m135.
I've had 3 Z4s over the last 6 years, but all older 2006 models.
But I spend quite a bit of time on a z4forum so have read a bit about the later models.
Apparently the 18i, 20i and 28i use the same N20 engine, so if it would be of any interest more oomph is just a remap away!
As for problems, there have been reports of camshaft chain issues:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&...
Other things I have read about are electronic handbrakes sometimes needing updated software and issues with the Hall sensors on the roof playing up, but the Hall sensors aren't dear and by all accounts are fairly easy to replace as a preventative measure.
19" alloys are also prone to cracking, especially if still fitted with run-flat tyres.
I'd definitely recommend doing some research on z4forum - I wish I had done that before I bought my 1st one!
But I spend quite a bit of time on a z4forum so have read a bit about the later models.
Apparently the 18i, 20i and 28i use the same N20 engine, so if it would be of any interest more oomph is just a remap away!
As for problems, there have been reports of camshaft chain issues:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&...
Other things I have read about are electronic handbrakes sometimes needing updated software and issues with the Hall sensors on the roof playing up, but the Hall sensors aren't dear and by all accounts are fairly easy to replace as a preventative measure.
19" alloys are also prone to cracking, especially if still fitted with run-flat tyres.
I'd definitely recommend doing some research on z4forum - I wish I had done that before I bought my 1st one!
Mr Tidy said:
Apparently the 18i, 20i and 28i use the same N20 engine, so if it would be of any interest more oomph is just a remap away!
Internals are slightly different on the 20i and 28i. The was some info on here a couple of years showing the differences 
The 20i will map to a 28i power and a 28i will map to around 290bhp.
Forum keeps periodically blocking "new members" from posting.
Anyway, in terms of driving and handling credentials, she's unlikely to explore them to be honest. She's just going to pose in it.
I, on the other hand, wouldn't be averse to throwing it down some B roads.
Glad to see there are no glaringly obvious faults with this model, though.
Anyway, in terms of driving and handling credentials, she's unlikely to explore them to be honest. She's just going to pose in it.
I, on the other hand, wouldn't be averse to throwing it down some B roads.
Glad to see there are no glaringly obvious faults with this model, though.
Mr Tidy said:
I've had 3 Z4s over the last 6 years, but all older 2006 models.
But I spend quite a bit of time on a z4forum so have read a bit about the later models.
Apparently the 18i, 20i and 28i use the same N20 engine, so if it would be of any interest more oomph is just a remap away!
As for problems, there have been reports of camshaft chain issues:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&...
Other things I have read about are electronic handbrakes sometimes needing updated software and issues with the Hall sensors on the roof playing up, but the Hall sensors aren't dear and by all accounts are fairly easy to replace as a preventative measure.
19" alloys are also prone to cracking, especially if still fitted with run-flat tyres.
I'd definitely recommend doing some research on z4forum - I wish I had done that before I bought my 1st one!
Great tip on the dedicated Z4 forum, I didn't think to look.But I spend quite a bit of time on a z4forum so have read a bit about the later models.
Apparently the 18i, 20i and 28i use the same N20 engine, so if it would be of any interest more oomph is just a remap away!
As for problems, there have been reports of camshaft chain issues:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&...
Other things I have read about are electronic handbrakes sometimes needing updated software and issues with the Hall sensors on the roof playing up, but the Hall sensors aren't dear and by all accounts are fairly easy to replace as a preventative measure.
19" alloys are also prone to cracking, especially if still fitted with run-flat tyres.
I'd definitely recommend doing some research on z4forum - I wish I had done that before I bought my 1st one!
I'll start my research.
I really like the E89 folding hard top Z4(I used to have a Z4M Roadster). I considered a 30i or 35i model(I do like the 35iS but its auto only and I prefer a manual) last year. I went with a 370Z GT Roadster instead in the end, but these are a car that I would really like one day. The shape/interior are both really nice to my eyes.
What surprised me about these generation of Z4s is the size and weight. Bigger than you'd think, and a lot heavier. There are a few horror stories about the roofs sticking half way up, and there is no manual override possible (unlike the soft top ones). I'm sure those hall sensor issues affect only the minority of cars, and there is probably a software workaround that BMW use to force the roof to close - but again, I have no direct experience.
Maracus said:
Mr Tidy said:
Apparently the 18i, 20i and 28i use the same N20 engine, so if it would be of any interest more oomph is just a remap away!
Internals are slightly different on the 20i and 28i. The was some info on here a couple of years showing the differences The 20i will map to a 28i power and a 28i will map to around 290bhp.
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