Z4 - what to get
Discussion
Sold my TT and now looking to get a Z4, but am not sure which to get.
Have read various reports and reviews and they all seem to contradict each other. Some say get the 3.0 and other say the 2.5 is the best one to go for.
My budget is anything upto £15k, but having seen some listed as cheap as £8k, am i really getting that much more for the additional £7k?
Have read various reports and reviews and they all seem to contradict each other. Some say get the 3.0 and other say the 2.5 is the best one to go for.
My budget is anything upto £15k, but having seen some listed as cheap as £8k, am i really getting that much more for the additional £7k?
Do you recall why the reports say get the 2.5 over the 3.0? Same running costs and fuel consumption but less power - know which I would (and did) go for.
Don't think 15k will get you into the facelift 3.0Si but for around 11 - 12k you should get a very nice spec low mileage, well maintained etc 3.0i SE
Don't think 15k will get you into the facelift 3.0Si but for around 11 - 12k you should get a very nice spec low mileage, well maintained etc 3.0i SE
Which TT did you have before? They're very different style of performance delivery.
I did read that the 2.2 was the best re the handling but personally I'd go for a 3.0 with a high spec (standard spec on 2.5s is lower).
Running costs shouldn't be too bad. Look out for corroded star spoke alloys (108s), failing roof motors pre-facelift and breaking coil sptings. Don't rule out the auto, it's excellent imo, best of all worlds.
I did read that the 2.2 was the best re the handling but personally I'd go for a 3.0 with a high spec (standard spec on 2.5s is lower).
Running costs shouldn't be too bad. Look out for corroded star spoke alloys (108s), failing roof motors pre-facelift and breaking coil sptings. Don't rule out the auto, it's excellent imo, best of all worlds.
Cheers guys - still very undecided which one to go for. Tempted to go for the 2.2 if the handling is more responsive.
My TT was 225bhp - really enjoyed driving it.
Could it be worth saving for a few more months and getting the facelift?
What about the roof, worth buying the removable hard top?
My TT was 225bhp - really enjoyed driving it.
Could it be worth saving for a few more months and getting the facelift?
What about the roof, worth buying the removable hard top?
They'll be dearer after Easter as a rule. You might find the 2.2 low on power. Think the 3.0 and 2.5 are more common - easier to find.
Hard top is expensive and not popular, also needs a stand and space for it. Front section of the roof is hard as it is the cover when folded. Doesn't feel fragile.
Try some, see what you like, drive a hard bargain, you never know.
Hard top is expensive and not popular, also needs a stand and space for it. Front section of the roof is hard as it is the cover when folded. Doesn't feel fragile.
Try some, see what you like, drive a hard bargain, you never know.
I've got the 2.2. Love it.
But you've got to rev it to get the power. The main reason I didn't go for the 3.0 was insurance costs were significantly higher for me.
I think real world fuel consumption figures are not too far apart.
I get 30mpg on average. 28.5 lowest, 32 highest (on longer motorway trips).
I would prefer to have more power, so I think the 3.0 would be the one I would go for if I was going for it now.
Can't seem to think of any reason to go for the 2.5 over the 3.0.
But you've got to rev it to get the power. The main reason I didn't go for the 3.0 was insurance costs were significantly higher for me.
I think real world fuel consumption figures are not too far apart.
I get 30mpg on average. 28.5 lowest, 32 highest (on longer motorway trips).
I would prefer to have more power, so I think the 3.0 would be the one I would go for if I was going for it now.
Can't seem to think of any reason to go for the 2.5 over the 3.0.
je161086 said:
Cheers guys - still very undecided which one to go for. Tempted to go for the 2.2 if the handling is more responsive.
My TT was 225bhp - really enjoyed driving it.
Could it be worth saving for a few more months and getting the facelift?
What about the roof, worth buying the removable hard top?
You will *just* get into a facelift 3.0si for 15k. They are the same insurance group as the older 3.0i and better on fuel (as well as a bit more powerful). They will also hold their value better being the facelift and more desireable Si...In fact here are a few in budget...My TT was 225bhp - really enjoyed driving it.
Could it be worth saving for a few more months and getting the facelift?
What about the roof, worth buying the removable hard top?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...
They are out there for sale, and bear in mind people will negotiate down a little.
The 3.0si has a lighter engine that the previous 6 cylinder cars, I think its alloy or something. Should handle a bit better with less weight up front. That said, they all handle well.
The 3.0i cars tend to come with better spec, electric & leather seats, auto lights and wipers IIRC over the 2.5's
I had a 53 plate 3.0i SMG. I would have another in a heartbeat.
Everyone is right about running costs (insurance excepted - but if you've had a TT then I'm sure a Z4 won't be much different). Sinizter's MPG for the 2.2 looks about what I got for the 2004 3.0 Manual I had. I could easily hit 33mpg on a run, 28mpg in mixed driving.
Either get a budget model, or go for the top of the range. Also, I recommend getting Xenons, not a common option on the Z4. If you've had them on the TT you WILL miss them big time. Retro-fitting is not an easy job and the various HID conversions are just not the same as the real thing. Check the roof mech works and the rear springs are OK. Otherwise they're pretty solid and the mechancial issues are the same as any other BMW with the same engine (so not a lot).
Either get a budget model, or go for the top of the range. Also, I recommend getting Xenons, not a common option on the Z4. If you've had them on the TT you WILL miss them big time. Retro-fitting is not an easy job and the various HID conversions are just not the same as the real thing. Check the roof mech works and the rear springs are OK. Otherwise they're pretty solid and the mechancial issues are the same as any other BMW with the same engine (so not a lot).
We took my 3.0i Z4 and a 225 TT coupe to Le Mans last year, driving back via San Sebastian, Barcelona and Paris, so driving about 1500 miles back to back in a week gave me a pretty good comparison.
They were within 2mpg of each other over the trip.
The Z4 was noticeably quicker off the mark up to 90 (toll both barriers...), but the mid range torque on the TT was better for pulling away in higher gears.
The ride of the TT is more compliant.
The Z4 understeers less (and gives you the option to oversteer); I found that the TT 'bobbed' a bit if you were driving swiftly on bumpy roads, whereas the Z can feel skittish over sharp ridges. The TT has more steering feel, but it is less direct.
The TT has a more solid cabin and better seats.
The Z with most of the foam removed from the sound generator sounds far better than the TT.
I doubt that you'd be disappointed changing to the Z4, but it would have to be a 3.0i or Si.
They were within 2mpg of each other over the trip.
The Z4 was noticeably quicker off the mark up to 90 (toll both barriers...), but the mid range torque on the TT was better for pulling away in higher gears.
The ride of the TT is more compliant.
The Z4 understeers less (and gives you the option to oversteer); I found that the TT 'bobbed' a bit if you were driving swiftly on bumpy roads, whereas the Z can feel skittish over sharp ridges. The TT has more steering feel, but it is less direct.
The TT has a more solid cabin and better seats.
The Z with most of the foam removed from the sound generator sounds far better than the TT.
I doubt that you'd be disappointed changing to the Z4, but it would have to be a 3.0i or Si.
Don't overlook the 2.0...
I bought one a month or so back and reckon it is a pretty well balanced car. You need to cane it to get it moving, but its really light and the handling is lovely. I managed to find one with all the spec I wanted - xenons, leather, heated seats, parking sensors, bigger alloys - and it does a great mix of traditional sports car and surprisingly refined commuter.
Very reasonable running costs - seem to be getting 37-38mpg on a 30 mile commute (urban, single track lanes, M25, dual carriageways in rush hour etc) and have seen 39mpg from a tank with less lanes. Insurance was only £500 a year too.
I bought one a month or so back and reckon it is a pretty well balanced car. You need to cane it to get it moving, but its really light and the handling is lovely. I managed to find one with all the spec I wanted - xenons, leather, heated seats, parking sensors, bigger alloys - and it does a great mix of traditional sports car and surprisingly refined commuter.
Very reasonable running costs - seem to be getting 37-38mpg on a 30 mile commute (urban, single track lanes, M25, dual carriageways in rush hour etc) and have seen 39mpg from a tank with less lanes. Insurance was only £500 a year too.
15k should just about get you into a 3.0si which is easily the best allrounder in the Z4 range. 30bhp more than the 3.0i (which is a lot in a small car) 17% more economical (if i remember rightly) and the engine is lighter so has better handling up front.
They are mostly facelift models which will be newer, (arguably) better looking as well as having most of the niggles/rattles ironed out from the earlier cars.
They are mostly facelift models which will be newer, (arguably) better looking as well as having most of the niggles/rattles ironed out from the earlier cars.
You'll get better value buying the older 231ps 3.0i (pre-facelift) as they've depreciated more obviously, but the newer facelifted 265ps 3.0Si is the best engine this side of the Z4M. Quicker than the 231ps 3.0i but also more economical, not that the 231ps engine is bad: I'm averaging 1-2mpg better than my old Civic Type R (Z4 just over 30mpg over 6k miles).
Hardtop: I've not got one and I don't miss not having one. The soft-top is very well insulated IMO, it's still quieter inside than my previous cars (all hot hatches - Clio 172, Civic Type R, etc). It's only passing lorries or the like on the motorway that you notice the lack of metal roof!
There's quite a few Z4's up for sale at the moment over on www.z4-forum.com, not quite sure why as this time of year isn't a good time to get a high sale price. Good for buyers though
Hardtop: I've not got one and I don't miss not having one. The soft-top is very well insulated IMO, it's still quieter inside than my previous cars (all hot hatches - Clio 172, Civic Type R, etc). It's only passing lorries or the like on the motorway that you notice the lack of metal roof!
There's quite a few Z4's up for sale at the moment over on www.z4-forum.com, not quite sure why as this time of year isn't a good time to get a high sale price. Good for buyers though
Thanks all, you have sold the 3.0 to me. Will just have to hold back some cash for the increased car insurance.
What about mileage? You can get some really cheap Z4s (03 / 53 /04) reg with 80-100k on them for about £7k.
Will performance be affected much due to the added useage?
Could then consider buying a Z4 and something else
What about mileage? You can get some really cheap Z4s (03 / 53 /04) reg with 80-100k on them for about £7k.
Will performance be affected much due to the added useage?
Could then consider buying a Z4 and something else
Don't dismiss the 2.5Si. The 3.0Si is better ( faster ), but the 2.5Si gives the same noise, good performance and good fuel consumption, its a lovely revvy engine and because it sits in the shadow of the 3.0Si the prices seem to be considerably lower than the power deficit would suggest.
If you can find a good six cylinder Z4 the performance of any variety will be good, I'd be more concerned with the condition and whether the ridiculous run flats have caused the previous owner to end up bending it. The car seems so involving as an experience compared to a TT that its probably worth driving a couple before fixing on a particular version. Good luck.
If you can find a good six cylinder Z4 the performance of any variety will be good, I'd be more concerned with the condition and whether the ridiculous run flats have caused the previous owner to end up bending it. The car seems so involving as an experience compared to a TT that its probably worth driving a couple before fixing on a particular version. Good luck.
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