BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe - Daily / Fixer
Discussion
Always admired the Z4 coupe shape, so recently I started a search to find one and tick it off the list. As I'm based in Dubai, the number of coupes here are limited and the only odd one would pop up for sale, also seems no sport models were sold here, only the 3.0si version (Z4M were sold here, but are demanding silly money now). I also did not want to spend big money, since I already have two cars (Discovery LR3 and 911 4S), plus I wanted something I could tinker with myself when it breaks, needs parts replacing etc.
I spotted this car around the corner from where I live (I was out running one night), it was very dusty and had not moved for a few weeks. I stuck a note on the car with my phone number to see if the owner was interested in selling it. I heard nothing for weeks and the note disappeared but the car didn't move. Eventually the owner messaged, said he'd sell it if I was interested.
The cons:
Firstly, it's leggy by most standards at circa 120k miles on the clock (2008 registered car). I've never owned a high miler before, but did some research and these 3.0 engines are strong by all accounts.
The bodywork has a few dings (which could be pulled out) which is very typical in this country, it's rare to see a car without a ding (people don't give a s
t when opening doors), but other than that it's not visually too bad and the paintwork is in half decent condition.
The drive was a bit ropey. The engine is smooth as you'd expect, there are the usual thuds and groans on and off the throttle. Assuming this was a shot engine or gearbox mount etc.
Run-flat tyres are noisy as hell.
Stupid dark tinted windows. Ruins the look of the car and hides the lovely cream leather interior.
Rear view auto-dim mirror has leaked and stopped working (very common fault).
It's an auto box (but with sports steering wheel and paddles). No manuals here apart from the Z4M. No sports seats either. I couldn't be too fussy!
The pros:
Full BMW dealer service history. Brand new BMW OEM discs and pads all round. 1 owner from new (a Brit as well, always a good sign out here), new front wishbones (OEM) and recently fitted rear springs. Optional M-sport suspension and finished in a lovely Rubystone-black. The interior has worn remarkably well for the mileage and the relentless Middle East heat. Rubber seals have not perished (common fault here as well).
Price. Approx. £3,450 (at today's exchange rate). Not too bad I thought, considering these are £6k+ in the UK.
Few pics:
Work planned/done so far:-
Done - Replaced all the tyres with non-runflats. This solved the road noise by about 50%! Huge improvement. Plus the seller contributed to the cost as part of the sale.
Done - Replaced the rearview mirror from a 1-series mirror for £20 .
Done - Oil/filter service done.
To do - Ordered engine, gearbox and differential mounts from Germany. I'll fit these myself in a few weeks. Big job as you need to drop the diff, but I've got the tools, so I'm happy to tackle it.
To do - Tints to be removed very soon.
To do - Install an AUX port. Cannot believe this car was not spec'd with one.
To do - clean/polish and treat the leather.
Other than that, it's a lovely drive and hopefully it will be loads better once the new mounts are fitted. It also seems nicer to drive the more I've driven it these last few weeks.
I spotted this car around the corner from where I live (I was out running one night), it was very dusty and had not moved for a few weeks. I stuck a note on the car with my phone number to see if the owner was interested in selling it. I heard nothing for weeks and the note disappeared but the car didn't move. Eventually the owner messaged, said he'd sell it if I was interested.
The cons:
Firstly, it's leggy by most standards at circa 120k miles on the clock (2008 registered car). I've never owned a high miler before, but did some research and these 3.0 engines are strong by all accounts.
The bodywork has a few dings (which could be pulled out) which is very typical in this country, it's rare to see a car without a ding (people don't give a s
t when opening doors), but other than that it's not visually too bad and the paintwork is in half decent condition.The drive was a bit ropey. The engine is smooth as you'd expect, there are the usual thuds and groans on and off the throttle. Assuming this was a shot engine or gearbox mount etc.
Run-flat tyres are noisy as hell.
Stupid dark tinted windows. Ruins the look of the car and hides the lovely cream leather interior.
Rear view auto-dim mirror has leaked and stopped working (very common fault).
It's an auto box (but with sports steering wheel and paddles). No manuals here apart from the Z4M. No sports seats either. I couldn't be too fussy!
The pros:
Full BMW dealer service history. Brand new BMW OEM discs and pads all round. 1 owner from new (a Brit as well, always a good sign out here), new front wishbones (OEM) and recently fitted rear springs. Optional M-sport suspension and finished in a lovely Rubystone-black. The interior has worn remarkably well for the mileage and the relentless Middle East heat. Rubber seals have not perished (common fault here as well).
Price. Approx. £3,450 (at today's exchange rate). Not too bad I thought, considering these are £6k+ in the UK.
Few pics:
Work planned/done so far:-
Done - Replaced all the tyres with non-runflats. This solved the road noise by about 50%! Huge improvement. Plus the seller contributed to the cost as part of the sale.
Done - Replaced the rearview mirror from a 1-series mirror for £20 .
Done - Oil/filter service done.
To do - Ordered engine, gearbox and differential mounts from Germany. I'll fit these myself in a few weeks. Big job as you need to drop the diff, but I've got the tools, so I'm happy to tackle it.
To do - Tints to be removed very soon.
To do - Install an AUX port. Cannot believe this car was not spec'd with one.
To do - clean/polish and treat the leather.
Other than that, it's a lovely drive and hopefully it will be loads better once the new mounts are fitted. It also seems nicer to drive the more I've driven it these last few weeks.
Edited by Rich_AR on Monday 3rd July 08:51
Edited by Rich_AR on Monday 3rd July 08:52
Edited by Rich_AR on Monday 3rd July 08:57
Rich_AR said:
Nope. Not all were fitted with this unfortunately. I looked on the Z4 forum and it seems the case for some cars built in 2007, you had to spec it. Random.
Huh, random indeed. I've done quite a lot of maintenance on my 08 Coupe in the year I've had it, as well as 3 (soon to be 4) visits for AUC warranty work. I've renewed the warranty today! With new Goodyear Eagle F1s it drives great. irvine1 said:
Always liked the look of these, how's the paint holding upto the sun? We have the same problem with the heat and sun here in oz, turns everything crap in just a few years.
Neil
Really well actually. No fade or anything. Front lower bumper is a little dull due to the sand blast its probably received over the years, but a good polish will solve that I'd like to think.Neil
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