Z4 Owners

[R8BWT]

As there appears to be a number of Z4 threads appearing recently, and I am contemplating buying one could any Z4 owners out there please answer some questions. (Apologies for the number)

What size engine do you have, and what is your mpg? Is there a real difference between a 2.0,2.2 and 2.5.

Did you drive the different variants and is it worth sacrificing a few mpg for the bigger engine (think I already know the answer)

I am going to be doing about 20k miles per annum, Is the Z4 a feasible mile muncher.

What other cars did you consider? there doesn't seem to be an alternative all rounder as the bmw, (esp for the 15k I thinking of spending)

What options are essential (Heated seats, upgraded stereo)

Is the ride on the 18s with the sport suspension as bad as everyone says.

Can you get a clear headlight upgrade, to get rid of the orange indicator strip.

Again apologies for the number of questions, just like to do my homework. I am contemplating either a 2.2, or a 2.5 about 04, with 20k miles.

Thanks

[plowy]

I have a 2004 3.0i, it's a great car alot more practical than people think, MPG, 28.5 on a long run 80-100 mph, would easy get over 30 if i was steady,In speaking to owners of the 2.5 i would say you might as well have the 3.0 there is a nominal differance in running cost and the 3.0 has a superior standard spec, not sure about clear light upgrade other than getting hold of the facelift clear lights which are expensive, options, get as many as you can but heated seats are a must, there are no real issues with these cars to be wary of other than normal things when buying, the power plants are all tried and tested over a long period and are reliable.

[plowy]

Sorry one other thing is the run flats issue, mine is on the 108 split rim 18's and i ditched the run flats within 300 miles and what a transformation it made, the car is alive by comparison, i put a set of Falken FK 452's which are becoming very popular and they are somewhat of a bargin for £320 for a full set and they are superb, done two track days on them and i will never go back to the over priced branded crap, just get over the brand snobbery. I also looked at the Boxster 3.2S, same money would only buy me a much older car, Honda S2000, great car but no spec and revving it's nuts off all the time is very tiresome, more of a weekend car for me. The Z4 is for me very comfy, practical given the type of car it is, reliable, fun, dare i say it...Exclusive !, there are not too common place on the road and strong residuals with a replacement not due till 2010 i understand..

[R8BWT]

Thanks for taking the time to reply - That is a excellent point on the tyres, I was avoiding cars with 18s as I'd heard horror stories of a £1000 for a set of run flats.

[plowy]

R8BWT said:

Thanks for taking the time to reply - That is a excellent point on the tyres, I was avoiding cars with 18s as I'd heard horror stories of a £1000 for a set of run flats.

yeh the tyres are not expensive to replace at all, and it is soooo much better on non run flats, move forgiving ride, superb grip and feel, the stories of harshness will be from cars on non run flats as by comparison the ride is rock hard and jarring..

[bar_steward]

Just to echo all of the above really. I've just bought an '05 3.0 but tried a couple of the smaller engines for size;
2.0 - didn't bother with as not S6 engine
2.2 - lovely revvy, good noise, surprisingly quick but needs revving.
2.5 - not as sweet as 2.2 or 3.0 - falls between two stools.
3.0 - quick, sounds good, lovely torque - no need to rev it & 6 speed box so living with it everyday will probably mean better economy, oh yeah and more standard kit! Go on you know you want to...

[Zeek]

R8BWT said:

Is the ride on the 18s with the sport suspension as bad as everyone says.

I've got a 3.0 on 18s, with runflats.

I came from a Cooper S (17s, runflats), and was expecting the ride to be harsh but is, in my opinion, superb! I quite like a harder ride, but this is much better than the Cooper S was, even with the larger wheels and lower profile tires. Add to that, a boot much larger than the mini, and better fuel economy, and it's fantastic!

There is almost no noticable difference between mpg on the 2.5 and 3.0, and the used prices are very similar, but the spec levels on the 3.0 are better.
Remember, the 2.0 is a 4 cylinder, and the 2.2, 2.5, 3.0 6 cylinder.

I've got M-Sports seats, love them. Very comfortable for long drives.
Get Xenons if you can...

[shadowninja]

Had a 2.5 for a fortnight. boocks to the MPG, just drive it.

R8BWT said:

Is the ride on the 18s with the sport suspension as bad as everyone says.

It is noticeably sportier in handling. Depends what you want... I liked it a lot. Not that quick but definitely a driver's car.

Edited by shadowninja on Tuesday 25th September 13:47

[R8BWT]

Have discounted the 2.0 already, looking at a 2.2 up to the 3.0. Currently doing 20-25k a year so fuel economy is a concern. But if there is little difference between the 2.2 and 3.0 on fuel economy then it's a no brainer.

Can't think of anything else that has two seats, is livable with day to day and still returns circa 35mpg. Contemplating waiting until Nov/Dec to buy, as I believe prices should be a little lower.

Thanks for answering the questions - just keep the answers coming! Hopefully we can get a definitive thread going.

[shadowninja]

One thing to think about... the sports are pretty firm so if you are not overweight, you might feel it for long drives.