Discussion
Hi everyone,
Been thinking about what car I'd like to buy in the next few months and seriously considering a z4 convertible, preferably one of the straight sixes. Anything to watch out for? Thinking about getting one somewhere in the £7-10k region, mileage not a specific issue. Any comments regarding insurance- I'm quite young and it might well be that it's a case of RWD BMW- computer says no, but willing to pay it if I could find the right car! Have also been looking at Chimaeras, so, quite a difference although ironically it seems the TVR insurance would be cheaper due to it being considered a 'classic' by some insurance companies! Postcode not the best either, city centres seem to be an insurance nightmare!
So basically I'm just looking for general advice from anyone who's owned one of these cars- things to watch out for when buying, pitfalls, any resale no-nos etc!? Sorry for a bit of a vague topic TBH!
Cheers!
Been thinking about what car I'd like to buy in the next few months and seriously considering a z4 convertible, preferably one of the straight sixes. Anything to watch out for? Thinking about getting one somewhere in the £7-10k region, mileage not a specific issue. Any comments regarding insurance- I'm quite young and it might well be that it's a case of RWD BMW- computer says no, but willing to pay it if I could find the right car! Have also been looking at Chimaeras, so, quite a difference although ironically it seems the TVR insurance would be cheaper due to it being considered a 'classic' by some insurance companies! Postcode not the best either, city centres seem to be an insurance nightmare!
So basically I'm just looking for general advice from anyone who's owned one of these cars- things to watch out for when buying, pitfalls, any resale no-nos etc!? Sorry for a bit of a vague topic TBH!
Cheers!
I own a 2003 Z4, 2.5i as well
Only common issues are the rear springs shearing the bottom coil off and the roof motor packing up.
Most people swap the springs to Eibachs when/if they go, as they are a) more reliable and b) lowering.
The motor is a bigger issue however. It is rectified on 2006-2009 (facelift) models but is present on all pre-2006. Water gets into the motor and causes it not to work, it can be a DIY repair and there is a few good guides around however it is £800+ for part and labour at a local indie.
Engine is pretty bulletproof, not many issues reported just the (well known?) VANOS/DISA issue on the 6cyl M54 engine.
As for resale no-no's I don't really think there is many? There are a lot of poverty spec ones around, or was when I bought mine in Feb. Mine has few options, heated electric seats and rear parking sensors mainly.. Both of which I love
The upgraded stereo systems do seem to hold some weight in regards to value however.
Get over to www.z4-forum.com and say hello, lots of helpful chaps around and always welcome more!
Only common issues are the rear springs shearing the bottom coil off and the roof motor packing up.
Most people swap the springs to Eibachs when/if they go, as they are a) more reliable and b) lowering.
The motor is a bigger issue however. It is rectified on 2006-2009 (facelift) models but is present on all pre-2006. Water gets into the motor and causes it not to work, it can be a DIY repair and there is a few good guides around however it is £800+ for part and labour at a local indie.
Engine is pretty bulletproof, not many issues reported just the (well known?) VANOS/DISA issue on the 6cyl M54 engine.
As for resale no-no's I don't really think there is many? There are a lot of poverty spec ones around, or was when I bought mine in Feb. Mine has few options, heated electric seats and rear parking sensors mainly.. Both of which I love
The upgraded stereo systems do seem to hold some weight in regards to value however.Get over to www.z4-forum.com and say hello, lots of helpful chaps around and always welcome more!
Edited by ShineyT on Saturday 6th October 18:53
Brilliant cars, sensible mpg 28 round town 40 on motorway, not much to go wrong, as said springs snap but its only a 10 min job to fit new ones.
Roof motors fail but it'd not the motors fault, if you park near trees with the hood down then leaves get in and block drain holes, just make sure there free from debris and you will be fine.
I have enjoyed mine for 2 years and its not going any where!
A must have is heated memory leather, hid lights, park sensors and folding mirrors, 108 wheels, cruise,I think they all have a/c.
Sat nav ok but don't pay extra Tom Tom is better and standard cd radio sounds great so don't pay over odds for nav and other options
Enjoy
Roof motors fail but it'd not the motors fault, if you park near trees with the hood down then leaves get in and block drain holes, just make sure there free from debris and you will be fine.
I have enjoyed mine for 2 years and its not going any where!
A must have is heated memory leather, hid lights, park sensors and folding mirrors, 108 wheels, cruise,I think they all have a/c.
Sat nav ok but don't pay extra Tom Tom is better and standard cd radio sounds great so don't pay over odds for nav and other options
Enjoy
Thanks guys, good advice! Had a look online at the roof motor issue, some of the corrosion pictures are shocking!! 
Agree about the 108 wheels, best style in my book although they come second to a nice set of CSL's.
Just ran some insurance quotes, seems like it might be a no-go as I'm getting quotes for about £1800-2000 for a 2003 or 4 car worth £6k which is a little more than I'd really want to pay-age and postcode not helping. interestingly though, a Clio 182 is about the same and I know which i'd rather drive about! Might run some quotes for an S2000 for a laugh and make sure I'm sitting down when it comes through...
Agree about the 108 wheels, best style in my book although they come second to a nice set of CSL's.
Just ran some insurance quotes, seems like it might be a no-go as I'm getting quotes for about £1800-2000 for a 2003 or 4 car worth £6k which is a little more than I'd really want to pay-age and postcode not helping. interestingly though, a Clio 182 is about the same and I know which i'd rather drive about! Might run some quotes for an S2000 for a laugh and make sure I'm sitting down when it comes through...
Looked at the S2K when I got mine and it was significantly higher in insurance.
The lack of traction control also put me off slightly in the end.
It is such a shame when the postcode lottery means you can't get the car you want. I am pretty lucky in that my postcode is seemingly good for insurance, as I pay £1300/year at just 20 years of age.
The lack of traction control also put me off slightly in the end.
It is such a shame when the postcode lottery means you can't get the car you want. I am pretty lucky in that my postcode is seemingly good for insurance, as I pay £1300/year at just 20 years of age.
I like the 108 wheels too, but mine have oxidised and they being 2 (or 3?) part they cost an arm & a leg to refurb so mine are staying scruffy for the timebeing. I'm not enamoured with the sport suspension on my car - it's lowered and makes the firm ride harsher. Look for sports seats - a few years ago I drove a Z4 with these and they are so much better when driving "enthusiastically". Mine has the top end Carver (?) sound system - 10 speakers, DSP, 440 watts (?) and this IMHO is great for long roof-down, cross country drives (but turn it down when you get to built up areas).
Great car & I must be one of the few who likes the SMG box (after it had software upgrades early in my tenure) - fun (still miss my MX-5's manual change, though) & versatile (the option of auto-mode when in city traffic is useful).
BTW - just been hit with the roof motor issues so the alloy refurb has been deferred. Again.
Great car & I must be one of the few who likes the SMG box (after it had software upgrades early in my tenure) - fun (still miss my MX-5's manual change, though) & versatile (the option of auto-mode when in city traffic is useful).
BTW - just been hit with the roof motor issues so the alloy refurb has been deferred. Again.
ShineyT said:
Looked at the S2K when I got mine and it was significantly higher in insurance.
The lack of traction control also put me off slightly in the end.
It is such a shame when the postcode lottery means you can't get the car you want. I am pretty lucky in that my postcode is seemingly good for insurance, as I pay £1300/year at just 20 years of age.
I'm 21, but postcode is rated as a band F+ on the insurance scale! Ironically, back at home before I went off to university it was a band A hence why I was able to affordably build up some NCB.The lack of traction control also put me off slightly in the end.
It is such a shame when the postcode lottery means you can't get the car you want. I am pretty lucky in that my postcode is seemingly good for insurance, as I pay £1300/year at just 20 years of age.
Plus to the poster who mentioned the 2k slush fund for the TVR, I'd be more happy paying 2k to keep a car running that I liked instead of just paying to insure it- if that makes sense?
lazygraduand said:
Thanks guys, good advice! Had a look online at the roof motor issue, some of the corrosion pictures are shocking!!
Agree about the 108 wheels, best style in my book although they come second to a nice set of CSL's.
Just ran some insurance quotes, seems like it might be a no-go as I'm getting quotes for about £1800-2000 for a 2003 or 4 car worth £6k which is a little more than I'd really want to pay-age and postcode not helping. interestingly though, a Clio 182 is about the same and I know which i'd rather drive about! Might run some quotes for an S2000 for a laugh and make sure I'm sitting down when it comes through...
Agree about the 108 wheels, best style in my book although they come second to a nice set of CSL's.
Just ran some insurance quotes, seems like it might be a no-go as I'm getting quotes for about £1800-2000 for a 2003 or 4 car worth £6k which is a little more than I'd really want to pay-age and postcode not helping. interestingly though, a Clio 182 is about the same and I know which i'd rather drive about! Might run some quotes for an S2000 for a laugh and make sure I'm sitting down when it comes through...
£170.00 for me and the missus. That is for 5000 miles though and garaged, oh an I am 42. However I love my Z4. Got the 3L and it's a great drive, so solid. Maybe look at the 2.2l. It's also a V6 and quite a nippy motor by all accounts. Might save you a few £s
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff