Z4 2.5

[greenarrow]

So I've wondered recently about getting another MX5 but note that prices of decent NB2s (the one I owned and loved) have risen and even good ones have rust issues. For not a whole lot more it seems you can buy an early Z4 2.5. The 2.5 is more commonplace and a fair bit cheaper than the 3.0 and I have to say it's tempting. A straight six and significantly quicker than a standard mx5. A match on paper for a 2.5 boxster and perhaps with a lower bork factor than one of those. Early Z4s were relatively light too. So, are they cheap for a reason? Money pits? Would appreciate feedback from current or previous owners.

Edited by greenarrow on Sunday 11th September 21:11

[Mr Tidy]

greenarrow said:

So I've wondered recently about getting another MX5 but note that prices of decent NB2s (the one I owned and loved) have risen and even good ones have rust issues. For not a whole lot more it seems you can buy an early Z4 2.5. The 2.5 is more commonplace and a fair bit cheaper than the 3.0 and I have to say it's tempting. A straight six and significantly quicker than a standard mx5. A match on paper for a 2.5 boxster and perhaps with a lower bork factor than one of those. Early Z4s were relatively light too. So, are they cheap for a reason? Money pits? Would appreciate feedback from current or previous owners.

Edited by greenarrow on Sunday 11th September 21:11

I haven't had a Roadster but am on my third Z4 Coupe. But the pre-facelift 2.5s use the same M54 engine as the E46 3 Series and I had one of those and it was a strong engine. The only issues I had were with ancillary parts like a bowed radiator and a split PAS pump. It was still running fine when I sold it on 103K miles.

I don't think they are money pits, it's just that 3 litres cost the same to run so that's what people tend to want and that affects prices.

But some research on here would probably be helpful:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/

From what I have read any corrosion issues seem to relate to wings, but as they are all bolted on and a few get broken for parts that needn't be a problem, and rear brake pipes which are best replaced with Kunifer.

[werzwas]

I've recently bought a Z4 2.5 from a member on the Z4 forum. I had a similar train of thought to you, initially considering an NC MX5, but all the ones that I went to see within my budget, all suffered from some form of rust, so the Z4 seemed a slightly better alternative, with the added bonus of 6 cylinders.
So far I'm not regretting the purchase, it needs a few bits and pieces doing to it, but I went in knowing that at the price I was paying, I wasn't going to get a mint example and for me, the need for some tinkering was part of the appeal.

[Court_S]

They can have a few issues, but lots if they parts are shared with the 3 series, so there are an abundance of parts available new and used.

It’s a BMW, so it’ll more than likely leak some oil.

Rust shouldn’t be an issue.

[g3org3y]

^As above. Not known for rusting and the engine on these is the tried and tested M54 (as per the E46 etc).

I think these early ones were prone to the 'sticky' EPAS. The only other thing to bear in mind is issues with the roof motor (can become seized and need replacing = ££) but for the most part, no money pit reputation that I'm aware of.

This is a great resource: https://z4-forum.com/forum/index.php

[Roaringopenfire]

I had a 2.5SE for five years, bought at 68k, sold at 78k. Only issues were new battery needed, replacement hoses and the normal sensors causing the orange lights on dash. I did oil change annually even though annual miles were low.