Z4 - which one ?? weak points ??
Z4 - which one ?? weak points ??
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Discussion

dibblecorse

Original Poster:

7,612 posts

222 months

Wednesday 26th November 2008
quotequote all
Evening

Having not had a convertible for a few years I really fancy one and think the Z4's fit the bill, seem solid, good reviews, reasonably practical (ie big boot) etc.

I'm erring towards the 3.0 but what spec should I be after and is that the best engine option for this car ???

Also what should I be looking out for ?? Budget at c15k and doing c10k per annum mixed use.

All advice greatly appreciated.

I've owned in the past a 993, SLK, Alfa Spider, IS200, 318is, Golf Gti MK4 180 and currently spin round in a Gen 7 Celica, f any of that helps, and yes, more than one hairdressers cars in that list wink

Fox-

13,575 posts

276 months

Wednesday 26th November 2008
quotequote all
Get the 3.0 - no more to run (Except insurance) than the others but you'll regret it if you don't.

pgilc1

40,169 posts

227 months

Wednesday 26th November 2008
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yup

3.0i all day long. we've the coupe version. fantastic car

VerySideways

10,271 posts

302 months

Thursday 27th November 2008
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Errr, remember the 3.0i is the old 231bhp engine and the 3.0Si is the new 258bhp N52 - if you can't afford to buy the latter then don't test drive one whatever you do. It's in a different league to the earlier 3.0i.

In all fairness though even the earlier 3.0i Z4 is a cracking car, just don't spend as much money on it. If you're in the ball park of the 3.0Si then that's the one to go for.

ben

2,344 posts

277 months

Thursday 27th November 2008
quotequote all
Can't get the golf clubs in the Boxter..
Go for the 3.0 Z4

Have a look here http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/ for all the advice you will need.

Ben

sharkfan

244 posts

261 months

Thursday 27th November 2008
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Have a think about the Alpina version too. Prices have dropped considerably recently and for your budget you should be able to get a nice one. Will blow a 3.0 Z4 into the weeds (gives similar consumption too - mine gave mid 30's on a long run) and in lux spec you don't need to worry about options as it comes with nigh on everything (prof sat-nav, 6-cd, heated electric memory seats, xenons, PDC etc. etc.)

This looks like a nice one and I am sure it could be had for less if you haggled: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/776287.htm

Richard smile

VerySideways

10,271 posts

302 months

Thursday 27th November 2008
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Yeah, what he said! Alpina Z4 is a lovely car with great performance. Weirdly economical too...

dibblecorse

Original Poster:

7,612 posts

222 months

Thursday 27th November 2008
quotequote all
Some great responses guys, thanks, that Alpina looks fantastic, would be ideal, but stretching the budget.

I did consider Boxsters but at that budget they aren't as clean or new and come with Porsche running costs, agree its a cracking car but not ideal for me.

I'll look at that linked forum smile

Mattt

16,664 posts

248 months

Thursday 27th November 2008
quotequote all
Where abouts in London are you? I'm based in Essex if you want to come and have a look round, and it may be up for sale soon too wink

dibblecorse

Original Poster:

7,612 posts

222 months

Thursday 27th November 2008
quotequote all
Mattt, Thanks for the offer, I'm just south of the Blackwall, truth is I'll probably go the forecourt route as I'll need to chop in the Celica ...

Jimbeaux

33,791 posts

261 months

Sunday 30th November 2008
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VerySideways said:
Errr, remember the 3.0i is the old 231bhp engine and the 3.0Si is the new 258bhp N52 - if you can't afford to buy the latter then don't test drive one whatever you do. It's in a different league to the earlier 3.0i.

In all fairness though even the earlier 3.0i Z4 is a cracking car, just don't spend as much money on it. If you're in the ball park of the 3.0Si then that's the one to go for.
I have an '04 3.0i. I have read that the only difference is somewhere toward the top range. Is it that much difference? Mind that the later 3.0i was reduced to 215 HP to seperate it from the Si.

VerySideways

10,271 posts

302 months

Sunday 30th November 2008
quotequote all
Oh sorry, i'm not talking about the power, the BIG difference for me is in the responsiveness of the later 3.0 engine, the N52. That Valvetronic makes it practically telephathic. I always thought the old 231bhp engine was smooth and tractable but the new engine is much smoother, torquier at the bottom, more powerful at the top, much more sonorous and a hundred times more urgent. Leaps and bounds IMHO.

Jimbeaux

33,791 posts

261 months

Sunday 30th November 2008
quotequote all
VerySideways said:
Oh sorry, i'm not talking about the power, the BIG difference for me is in the responsiveness of the later 3.0 engine, the N52. That Valvetronic makes it practically telephathic. I always thought the old 231bhp engine was smooth and tractable but the new engine is much smoother, torquier at the bottom, more powerful at the top, much more sonorous and a hundred times more urgent. Leaps and bounds IMHO.
Really?? That is news. I had not heard that. I hope others chime in on this, I am interested to hear more.

VerySideways

10,271 posts

302 months

Sunday 30th November 2008
quotequote all
Well if you've got the 3.0i why not pop to your local BMW dealer and get a test drive of a 3.0Si?

Be warned, you may want to buy one shortly afterwards biggrin

Jimbeaux

33,791 posts

261 months

Sunday 30th November 2008
quotequote all
VerySideways said:
Well if you've got the 3.0i why not pop to your local BMW dealer and get a test drive of a 3.0Si?

Be warned, you may want to buy one shortly afterwards biggrin
Good idea!

Eagerbeaver

386 posts

229 months

Sunday 30th November 2008
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anonymous said:
[redacted]
Maybe the current Boxster is OK but having moved from an 04 face lifted Boxster the Z4 Coupe is by far the more rewarding car to drive in my opinion.

The handling is so much more taught and the steering more responsive.

I think many get swayed by the bonnet badge on the Boxster but in many ways it reminded me of the old Karmann Ghia of the 60s.

DaveR

1,209 posts

314 months

Monday 1st December 2008
quotequote all
VerySideways said:
Oh sorry, i'm not talking about the power, the BIG difference for me is in the responsiveness of the later 3.0 engine, the N52. That Valvetronic makes it practically telephathic.
Hasn't the latest direct injection N5x motor (it's not available in the Z4, is it?) moved away from Valvetronic again?

Sticks2

9,708 posts

281 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
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[redacted]