165k mile BMW Z4 2.5 - 3 Careful PH Owners
Discussion
Mr Tidy said:
Court_S said:
£2.5k? Slinks off to AT to have a look and wonders if I can convince the outlaws to let me store it on their drive! 
I think the 2.5 of this era sounds sweeter than the 3.0, but part of me would want the 3.0 just because.
When I saw the post with the road test I was surprised how quick the 2.5 litre was! I think the 2.5 of this era sounds sweeter than the 3.0, but part of me would want the 3.0 just because.
My only experience of the M54 2.5 litre engine was in an E46 Compact but it also worked pretty well in that.
Mr Tidy said:
Court_S said:
£2.5k? Slinks off to AT to have a look and wonders if I can convince the outlaws to let me store it on their drive!
I think the 2.5 of this era sounds sweeter than the 3.0, but part of me would want the 3.0 just because.
When I saw the post with the road test I was surprised how quick the 2.5 litre was! I think the 2.5 of this era sounds sweeter than the 3.0, but part of me would want the 3.0 just because.
My only experience of the M54 2.5 litre engine was in an E46 Compact but it also worked pretty well in that.
And 2.5s seem to be easier to find for sensible money than 3 litres just because!
The Z4 is definitely an itch that is going to have to be scratched at some point.
Court_S said:
I had a 325ti too. It was a good engine and to my ears it sounded better than my mates E46 330ci.
The Z4 is definitely an itch that is going to have to be scratched at some point.
Yep, I had an E46 330 too and the ti definitely sounds ‘sportier’ to my ears, a friend’s too.The Z4 is definitely an itch that is going to have to be scratched at some point.
They don’t have the exhaust flap like many other models did from the factory
I am really enjoying the Z4 at the moment. The engine does seem very sweet, and the weather is ideal for blatting about the countryside in it (not too hot, but plenty of sunny intervals).
I made my first 'modification' today. The plugin unit/app from 'Carly' which means I can now raise and lower the roof from the key. Rather satisfying.
I made my first 'modification' today. The plugin unit/app from 'Carly' which means I can now raise and lower the roof from the key. Rather satisfying.
Court_S said:
I had a 325ti too. It was a good engine and to my ears it sounded better than my mates E46 330ci.
The Z4 is definitely an itch that is going to have to be scratched at some point.
If you get the chance go and scratch that itch then! The Z4 is definitely an itch that is going to have to be scratched at some point.
The 3.0Si engine in a facelift Z4 (or my E90 330i) will get to 60 in 2nd and loves to be revved out towards the 7K red-line.
Mr Tidy said:
Court_S said:
I had a 325ti too. It was a good engine and to my ears it sounded better than my mates E46 330ci.
The Z4 is definitely an itch that is going to have to be scratched at some point.
If you get the chance go and scratch that itch then! The Z4 is definitely an itch that is going to have to be scratched at some point.
The 3.0Si engine in a facelift Z4 (or my E90 330i) will get to 60 in 2nd and loves to be revved out towards the 7K red-line.
Glad to hear that the OP is enjoying his.
I did 360 miles in the leggy cheapo Z4 today, and really enjoyed it.
The first half was in the rain (often heavy) on the motorway. It was better than expected - it tracks straight, so isn't difficult or tiring to drive at all. The hood doesn't lead and does a pretty good job or noise supression It got 39mpg according to the readout at 70-80 mph. The second half was in the dry so at higher speeds, and then driving much harder on the cross country route to Edinburgh so the mpg dipped to 32.
This later part was one of the most enjoyable drives I have had for a while. If you have watched JayEms review of the Z4m, he concludes that it's a nice car if you drive it like a classic british roadster, and I think this applies to even this lowly 2.5. The roads I drove it on very much suited it - keep the straight 6 singing, but don't drive it like an elise, so not fast in or 10/10ths thankyou.
What a good drive that was - and surprisingly comfortable driving a reasonable distance without a proper break.
The first half was in the rain (often heavy) on the motorway. It was better than expected - it tracks straight, so isn't difficult or tiring to drive at all. The hood doesn't lead and does a pretty good job or noise supression It got 39mpg according to the readout at 70-80 mph. The second half was in the dry so at higher speeds, and then driving much harder on the cross country route to Edinburgh so the mpg dipped to 32.
This later part was one of the most enjoyable drives I have had for a while. If you have watched JayEms review of the Z4m, he concludes that it's a nice car if you drive it like a classic british roadster, and I think this applies to even this lowly 2.5. The roads I drove it on very much suited it - keep the straight 6 singing, but don't drive it like an elise, so not fast in or 10/10ths thankyou.
What a good drive that was - and surprisingly comfortable driving a reasonable distance without a proper break.
Sycamore said:
These are great if wanting a cheap 6 cyl manual convertible.
I paid £4k for a 3 litre 2004 with 60k miles. Heated electric M-Sport seats too which weren't cheap when new. Had no issues with it in 18 months now. Really can't complain when you factor in how much they cost.
Obligatory pic:
I have to say I was thinking about this - that seems like a remarkable bargain! The right place to get into these if you want to do so. I paid £4k for a 3 litre 2004 with 60k miles. Heated electric M-Sport seats too which weren't cheap when new. Had no issues with it in 18 months now. Really can't complain when you factor in how much they cost.
Obligatory pic:
Mine clicked over 156k and some today and drives really well, so your deal would get 100k miles less for a few £k, along with the bigger engine and seats (I like the adjustment of electric seats). What a bargain. I might take a look or keep an eye out before I spend significantly on mine - only because I am impressed!
Mr Tidy said:
0a said:
I did 360 miles in the leggy cheapo Z4 today, and really enjoyed it.
What a good drive that was - and surprisingly comfortable driving a reasonable distance without a proper break.
Great news, and those roads look fantastic. What a good drive that was - and surprisingly comfortable driving a reasonable distance without a proper break.
Worth considering the ZHP gearknob to improve the shifts? Shorter and heavier than the original item.
0a said:
I did another 350 miles in the Z4 shed today - in one go, with the roof down. It was perfectly comfortable. Good MPG as well. I am getting even more fond of it.
Worth calculating your MPG properly (if you haven't already) - mine reads 45 MPG sometimes though it's nearer 30! I've recently rebuilt the DISA though, and I think I need to check the seal/gasket as I'm suspicious there may be air getting past it.They are surprisingly comfortable for long distances (though at 6'2" getting out is more like falling out) though I'd love cruise on mine (stalks seem to be expensive but the wiring should be there on early models).
Nice buy OP. These really are great value and as has been said still look remarkably fresh.
I've had my 03 2.5 a little over 2 years now. I've put some different BMW 18" alloys on it and de-gingered, which makes it look more current. With the private plate on most people I speak to (except other Zed'ers) don’t actually believe its 17 years old. Cleans up pretty well I think and is a pleasure to drive.
Got to agree with earlier comments about the noise. Mine is a little more vocal having been fitted with a modified back box. Sounds wonderful!
I've had my 03 2.5 a little over 2 years now. I've put some different BMW 18" alloys on it and de-gingered, which makes it look more current. With the private plate on most people I speak to (except other Zed'ers) don’t actually believe its 17 years old. Cleans up pretty well I think and is a pleasure to drive.
Got to agree with earlier comments about the noise. Mine is a little more vocal having been fitted with a modified back box. Sounds wonderful!
I took the Z4 out today, as it was a perfect roof down day. A little chilly, a bit of mist, but the roads seemed nice and quiet.
Heated seats on, heater up, a warm jacket and hat, plus a straight 6 and a manual made for a pleasant drive.
In terms of the work done since the last update, and, well, since I have owned it, I really haven't done anything apart from replacing the badge and driving it. Oh well!
158 going on 159k now. Should really put new wipers on it really.
Heated seats on, heater up, a warm jacket and hat, plus a straight 6 and a manual made for a pleasant drive.
In terms of the work done since the last update, and, well, since I have owned it, I really haven't done anything apart from replacing the badge and driving it. Oh well!
158 going on 159k now. Should really put new wipers on it really.
pstruck said:
Nice buy OP. These really are great value and as has been said still look remarkably fresh.
I've had my 03 2.5 a little over 2 years now. I've put some different BMW 18" alloys on it and de-gingered, which makes it look more current. With the private plate on most people I speak to (except other Zed'ers) don’t actually believe its 17 years old. Cleans up pretty well I think and is a pleasure to drive.
Got to agree with earlier comments about the noise. Mine is a little more vocal having been fitted with a modified back box. Sounds wonderful!
I have really gelled with the lines of the Z4. I think they are great looking little cars. A neighbour is now looking for one.I've had my 03 2.5 a little over 2 years now. I've put some different BMW 18" alloys on it and de-gingered, which makes it look more current. With the private plate on most people I speak to (except other Zed'ers) don’t actually believe its 17 years old. Cleans up pretty well I think and is a pleasure to drive.
Got to agree with earlier comments about the noise. Mine is a little more vocal having been fitted with a modified back box. Sounds wonderful!
I would be very interested in the back box modification. My shed4 seems to pull better than any other '25i than I have driven (could just be weight?), and sounds better than any aside from the modified 325 compact.
I'm an old fart, so I like gingers. Basically I like prefer old-fashioned over modern! I think most would agree that yours looks more modern.
0a said:
I have really gelled with the lines of the Z4. I think they are great looking little cars. A neighbour is now looking for one.
I would be very interested in the back box modification. My shed4 seems to pull better than any other '25i than I have driven (could just be weight?), and sounds better than any aside from the modified 325 compact.
I'm an old fart, so I like gingers. Basically I like prefer old-fashioned over modern! I think most would agree that yours looks more modern.
Lovely photos. I would be very interested in the back box modification. My shed4 seems to pull better than any other '25i than I have driven (could just be weight?), and sounds better than any aside from the modified 325 compact.
I'm an old fart, so I like gingers. Basically I like prefer old-fashioned over modern! I think most would agree that yours looks more modern.
It might be worth joining z4forum as there are always discussions about things like exhausts on there:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t...
Or if you are in the NorthWest try searching "ZedShed NW". Mike opens up back boxes, removes some sound deadening then welds them back up.
Luckily my last 3.0Si Coupe came with a custom cat-back system and my current M Coupe already had Powerflow back-boxes fitted - lovely!
I also had a 325ti and while it sounded way better than both of my E9* 3 Series, it wasn't a patch on any of my Z4s.
Lovely Oa.
I ran a M54 3 litre in Sterling Grey for 4 years whilst periodically living in Norway.
A replacement for an Impreza WRX I'd written off whilst ice driving in Gol.
Great fun once the run-flats had been replaced. Love the design of the 107 wheels.
Tendency to eat rear M-Sport coil springs at a surprising rate.
Never really gelled with the ragtop though. Not really me.
Only time the roof came down was driving the immaculate mountain roads of Rogaland.
Breathtaking scenery, traffic you could count on one hand. Drivers dream location.
Hence chopped it in for an M Coupe in 2013. With similar coil spring consumption issues.
Short vid of Chris Bangle explaining the design intent :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEzfCF0-Lv0
Enjoy !
S
I ran a M54 3 litre in Sterling Grey for 4 years whilst periodically living in Norway.
A replacement for an Impreza WRX I'd written off whilst ice driving in Gol.
Great fun once the run-flats had been replaced. Love the design of the 107 wheels.
Tendency to eat rear M-Sport coil springs at a surprising rate.
Never really gelled with the ragtop though. Not really me.
Only time the roof came down was driving the immaculate mountain roads of Rogaland.
Breathtaking scenery, traffic you could count on one hand. Drivers dream location.
Hence chopped it in for an M Coupe in 2013. With similar coil spring consumption issues.
Short vid of Chris Bangle explaining the design intent :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEzfCF0-Lv0
Enjoy !
S
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