BMW z4 coupé (+History)
Discussion
Afternoon all. After being a member of the forum for a few years and finally buying my third car in September, I thought I now had enough history to write one of these posts.
1) Ford Fiesta Flight 1.3, 2008-2012
No decent pictures of mine unfortunately so this stock one will have to do! This is the same colour as mine with the same wheels.
My first car, purchased right before I went off to University for 4 years. Before this I spent a year driving my Mum's 1999 Micra. Replaced three months into my first job post University.
Only put around 20,000 miles on this over 4 years, but in a way it felt like I still got a lot of use out of it. First years insurance was over £1000 which was mad considering it only had 59bhp and took almost 16 seconds to reach 60mph!
Immediately fitted a new head unit, 6x9s and 2 12" subwoofers (as you do at 18 when you don't know any better!). I've since been told sitting in the back was torture! Other than that the car stayed as the manufacturer intended over the four years over which I had it, other than the large dent I put in the boot that rendered it useless! Bought in a bit of a rush as it was local – I really wanted a 1.6 Zetec S but insurance quotes put an end to that idea! In hindsight I probably should have gone with the 1.25 Zetec, the old 1.3 was a bit outdated at this point. I probably wouldn’t have picked a green one either, always liked the look of s blue or black Zetec S.
2) Alfa Romeo 147 1.6 Twin Spark Sport (2012-2016)
Bought in 2012, three months into my first post University job as an accountant. I saw a 147 for sale earlier in the year with a red leather interior for a bargain price and from that moment I knew I wanted one! The one I ended up with didn’t have a red leather interior, which is a shame, but I rectified this on my next car.
I first saw and put a deposit on this one in the rain (Which I have since learned is a terrible idea!) as I missed the fact that the wheels needed a refurb. Back in 2012 these were an absolute bargain – I knew I would be doing a lot of miles with work and I wanted something “interesting” that wouldn’t cost the earth on my graduate wage, this ticked all the boxes. A similar age and mileage Golf cost a fair bit more and wouldn’t have got as many second glances.
I still think the design is fresh – the day after I bought it I parked it next to a BMW E87 and thought it held its own considering the original design was from 2001. The first two owners took a battering on depreciation, which meant there was money left for me to tidy it up a bit. Unfortunately the Alfa GT was worth a fair bit more as I would have loved one of those if they were in budget. In the future I will be keeping my eye out for a nice 3.0 GTV as a second car if I ever get the chance to run two.
Compared to the Fiesta this felt FAST (to me at least) with twice the power at 120bhp and almost 6 seconds taken off the 0-60 sprint. In reality though, this is a heavy car and you can feel it when pulling off from a standstill. The car had a decent standard stereo and I fitted cruise control to make motorway driving nicer (this is easy to do in these). Unfortunately the suspension was never perfect for long and this was the biggest issue with this car, there were never long periods with no odd noises coming from one of the front corners. Both door handles and a sun visor also broke and had to be replaced. Over the 60,000 miles I put on this however, apart from this the car was reliable with no major issues. I briefly flirted with HIDs – though in hindsight these were probably not the best move given the car had reflector style headlights and I didn’t leave them in too long.
The only other problem with these is finding a buyer at this mileage, which is why mine is still for sale! At 9 years old it still looks great when cleaned up.
3) BMW z4 Coupé 3.0Si (2016-
So 9.5 years after passing my driving test, I finally got round to buying my third car. After qualifying as a chartered accountant at work and getting promoted after sticking it out for another year I thought it was time to treat myself.
I was 90% set on getting a mk2 TT 2.0 TFSI after driving one and starting a thread on this forum. Other cars I had considered were a 350/70z (not sure I could live with the economy and tax and much prefer the looks of the 370 to the 350), an s2000 (good ones are now very expensive) and one of these. I knew I wanted a 2 seater (or similar style) as I don’t need the practicality of more seats and I have always liked the look of coupés. I originally discounted the e86 as being too old (being the same age as my 147) and I also expected running costs to be well above the TT.
However, after having these recommended several times on here, I thought it was only fair to give one a go!
I test drove one at an AUC dealer in Leicester, unfortunately the car was pretty tatty, there were several dents, the paintwork was average at best, and the wheels were in appalling condition. The car also had virtually no options other than Xenons.
However, when I took the car out for a spin there was something “special” about it which the TT just couldn’t match. I have also always been a fan of “something different” and I began to lean towards the e86 over a TT. I particularly liked the "old school" feel of the car but not so much having the interior to match. I briefly considered looking at an e89 at the same dealership for similar money – there is a vast difference between the quality of the interior in the e86 and e89, but in the end I decided I could live with the interior of the of the e86 – I only wish BMW had made a real e89 coupé!
So I got back on the hunt to find the “right” car and managed to track down a reasonably local one with a red leather interior and CSL style wheels. Upon seeing the car my mind was almost immediately made up. The car was in superb condition and had clearly been looked after. I took the car for a quick blast round the local B roads, then left to make a decision.
Called the dealer back later in the week, negotiated a price and collected.
The car is a late 2007 with the following options:
- Multi-Function steering wheel
- Auto dimming mirror
- Electric heated sports memory seats
- Storage package
- Xenon Headlights (Automatic)
- Parking Sensors
- Rain Sensor
- Cruise Control (essential for me)
- M Sport suspension
The previous owner had also removed all of the external badges other than the BMW logos, changed the wheels for some CSL style alloys and added a stainless exhaust and larger grooved and vented discs on front and rear. The car also has a black front grille and a (tatty) stubby aerial that I will replace ASAP. The car certainly looks like it has been well looked after and has been registered in Scotland and Wales as well as England. The trader I bought it from picked it up from Devon!
The first thing that got me smiling was how fast the car was compared with my previous two cars, with twice the power of the 147 at a similar weight. The torque of the 3 litre engine is also a big step up for me from the 1.6 in the 147. The car is also reasonably practical with a large boot for this type of car. Insurance is less than on my 147 and the MPG is almost identical (though I run it on premium rather than regular fuel). Tax is also only one bracket higher.
I’ve put around 1700 miles on it since collecting, including more than one 3 hour continuous drive, which was comfortable and handled by the car with ease. I haven’t done too much to it – I’ve bought a Bluetooth AUX adapter to enable Bluetooth audio and calls to “update” the old school interior. Since my 147 I have liked to keep the interior of my cars stock – and given how tidy this one is inside I doubt I will do much more here. The 147 was pretty basic inside so I don't feel like I am missing much.
Looking forward to getting to know the car a bit better – I do about 15,000 miles a year so I don’t think it will take too long!
4) Up next
Given how long I hang onto cars I expect to have this for at least 3 years. Next up I would like to move into a Porsche – hopefully a 991 Targa, but perhaps a Cayman depending on what budget I have when the time comes. Then again perhaps after this I will want something else entirely.
Thanks for reading
1) Ford Fiesta Flight 1.3, 2008-2012
No decent pictures of mine unfortunately so this stock one will have to do! This is the same colour as mine with the same wheels.
My first car, purchased right before I went off to University for 4 years. Before this I spent a year driving my Mum's 1999 Micra. Replaced three months into my first job post University.
Only put around 20,000 miles on this over 4 years, but in a way it felt like I still got a lot of use out of it. First years insurance was over £1000 which was mad considering it only had 59bhp and took almost 16 seconds to reach 60mph!
Immediately fitted a new head unit, 6x9s and 2 12" subwoofers (as you do at 18 when you don't know any better!). I've since been told sitting in the back was torture! Other than that the car stayed as the manufacturer intended over the four years over which I had it, other than the large dent I put in the boot that rendered it useless! Bought in a bit of a rush as it was local – I really wanted a 1.6 Zetec S but insurance quotes put an end to that idea! In hindsight I probably should have gone with the 1.25 Zetec, the old 1.3 was a bit outdated at this point. I probably wouldn’t have picked a green one either, always liked the look of s blue or black Zetec S.
2) Alfa Romeo 147 1.6 Twin Spark Sport (2012-2016)
Bought in 2012, three months into my first post University job as an accountant. I saw a 147 for sale earlier in the year with a red leather interior for a bargain price and from that moment I knew I wanted one! The one I ended up with didn’t have a red leather interior, which is a shame, but I rectified this on my next car.
I first saw and put a deposit on this one in the rain (Which I have since learned is a terrible idea!) as I missed the fact that the wheels needed a refurb. Back in 2012 these were an absolute bargain – I knew I would be doing a lot of miles with work and I wanted something “interesting” that wouldn’t cost the earth on my graduate wage, this ticked all the boxes. A similar age and mileage Golf cost a fair bit more and wouldn’t have got as many second glances.
I still think the design is fresh – the day after I bought it I parked it next to a BMW E87 and thought it held its own considering the original design was from 2001. The first two owners took a battering on depreciation, which meant there was money left for me to tidy it up a bit. Unfortunately the Alfa GT was worth a fair bit more as I would have loved one of those if they were in budget. In the future I will be keeping my eye out for a nice 3.0 GTV as a second car if I ever get the chance to run two.
Compared to the Fiesta this felt FAST (to me at least) with twice the power at 120bhp and almost 6 seconds taken off the 0-60 sprint. In reality though, this is a heavy car and you can feel it when pulling off from a standstill. The car had a decent standard stereo and I fitted cruise control to make motorway driving nicer (this is easy to do in these). Unfortunately the suspension was never perfect for long and this was the biggest issue with this car, there were never long periods with no odd noises coming from one of the front corners. Both door handles and a sun visor also broke and had to be replaced. Over the 60,000 miles I put on this however, apart from this the car was reliable with no major issues. I briefly flirted with HIDs – though in hindsight these were probably not the best move given the car had reflector style headlights and I didn’t leave them in too long.
The only other problem with these is finding a buyer at this mileage, which is why mine is still for sale! At 9 years old it still looks great when cleaned up.
3) BMW z4 Coupé 3.0Si (2016-
So 9.5 years after passing my driving test, I finally got round to buying my third car. After qualifying as a chartered accountant at work and getting promoted after sticking it out for another year I thought it was time to treat myself.
I was 90% set on getting a mk2 TT 2.0 TFSI after driving one and starting a thread on this forum. Other cars I had considered were a 350/70z (not sure I could live with the economy and tax and much prefer the looks of the 370 to the 350), an s2000 (good ones are now very expensive) and one of these. I knew I wanted a 2 seater (or similar style) as I don’t need the practicality of more seats and I have always liked the look of coupés. I originally discounted the e86 as being too old (being the same age as my 147) and I also expected running costs to be well above the TT.
However, after having these recommended several times on here, I thought it was only fair to give one a go!
I test drove one at an AUC dealer in Leicester, unfortunately the car was pretty tatty, there were several dents, the paintwork was average at best, and the wheels were in appalling condition. The car also had virtually no options other than Xenons.
However, when I took the car out for a spin there was something “special” about it which the TT just couldn’t match. I have also always been a fan of “something different” and I began to lean towards the e86 over a TT. I particularly liked the "old school" feel of the car but not so much having the interior to match. I briefly considered looking at an e89 at the same dealership for similar money – there is a vast difference between the quality of the interior in the e86 and e89, but in the end I decided I could live with the interior of the of the e86 – I only wish BMW had made a real e89 coupé!
So I got back on the hunt to find the “right” car and managed to track down a reasonably local one with a red leather interior and CSL style wheels. Upon seeing the car my mind was almost immediately made up. The car was in superb condition and had clearly been looked after. I took the car for a quick blast round the local B roads, then left to make a decision.
Called the dealer back later in the week, negotiated a price and collected.
The car is a late 2007 with the following options:
- Multi-Function steering wheel
- Auto dimming mirror
- Electric heated sports memory seats
- Storage package
- Xenon Headlights (Automatic)
- Parking Sensors
- Rain Sensor
- Cruise Control (essential for me)
- M Sport suspension
The previous owner had also removed all of the external badges other than the BMW logos, changed the wheels for some CSL style alloys and added a stainless exhaust and larger grooved and vented discs on front and rear. The car also has a black front grille and a (tatty) stubby aerial that I will replace ASAP. The car certainly looks like it has been well looked after and has been registered in Scotland and Wales as well as England. The trader I bought it from picked it up from Devon!
The first thing that got me smiling was how fast the car was compared with my previous two cars, with twice the power of the 147 at a similar weight. The torque of the 3 litre engine is also a big step up for me from the 1.6 in the 147. The car is also reasonably practical with a large boot for this type of car. Insurance is less than on my 147 and the MPG is almost identical (though I run it on premium rather than regular fuel). Tax is also only one bracket higher.
I’ve put around 1700 miles on it since collecting, including more than one 3 hour continuous drive, which was comfortable and handled by the car with ease. I haven’t done too much to it – I’ve bought a Bluetooth AUX adapter to enable Bluetooth audio and calls to “update” the old school interior. Since my 147 I have liked to keep the interior of my cars stock – and given how tidy this one is inside I doubt I will do much more here. The 147 was pretty basic inside so I don't feel like I am missing much.
Looking forward to getting to know the car a bit better – I do about 15,000 miles a year so I don’t think it will take too long!
4) Up next
Given how long I hang onto cars I expect to have this for at least 3 years. Next up I would like to move into a Porsche – hopefully a 991 Targa, but perhaps a Cayman depending on what budget I have when the time comes. Then again perhaps after this I will want something else entirely.
Thanks for reading
Edited by flight147z on Tuesday 8th November 10:51
Looks cracking that! It's a common mod but the CSL wheels just suit the coupe so god damn well!
Your history sounds much like mine in terms of years too (uni 2008-2012), got a 130i 3 years ago now and have toyed moving to a z4 coupe but i just cant justify losing the practicality just for the looks, looking back i should have started with the coupe, eapecially as they basically havent depreciated which is the best thing about owning this generation z4!
Hope you have many good and reliable years to come!
Your history sounds much like mine in terms of years too (uni 2008-2012), got a 130i 3 years ago now and have toyed moving to a z4 coupe but i just cant justify losing the practicality just for the looks, looking back i should have started with the coupe, eapecially as they basically havent depreciated which is the best thing about owning this generation z4!
Hope you have many good and reliable years to come!
lewisf182 said:
Looks cracking that! It's a common mod but the CSL wheels just suit the coupe so god damn well!
Your history sounds much like mine in terms of years too (uni 2008-2012), got a 130i 3 years ago now and have toyed moving to a z4 coupe but i just cant justify losing the practicality just for the looks, looking back i should have started with the coupe, eapecially as they basically havent depreciated which is the best thing about owning this generation z4!
Hope you have many good and reliable years to come!
Thanks!Your history sounds much like mine in terms of years too (uni 2008-2012), got a 130i 3 years ago now and have toyed moving to a z4 coupe but i just cant justify losing the practicality just for the looks, looking back i should have started with the coupe, eapecially as they basically havent depreciated which is the best thing about owning this generation z4!
Hope you have many good and reliable years to come!
I think the boot in the coupé is great - I can fit a large suitcase in there and a laptop/work bag - I don't think I could live with the roadster boot. If you need back seats though the e86 is clearly no good. I will miss being able to carry around my road bike!
I have run a Z4 Coupe as a daily driver for the last year and a half during which it has cost me a set of tyres and servicing only. It is such a good looking car and many people can't believe it when I tell them mine is now 10 years old.
I think the problem will be what to replace it with. It is quite a rare car and I rarely see another. For the foreseeable future I'll keep it - it's only done 60,000 miles from new. I'd also suggest that there aren't many cars that I could buy that look like it, drive like it and don't appear to depreciate.
Anyway time for a gratuitous photo.
I think the problem will be what to replace it with. It is quite a rare car and I rarely see another. For the foreseeable future I'll keep it - it's only done 60,000 miles from new. I'd also suggest that there aren't many cars that I could buy that look like it, drive like it and don't appear to depreciate.
Anyway time for a gratuitous photo.
sjj84 said:
Have you actually tried to fit your bike in the boot? I've had a mountain bike in mine before, not tried the road bike yet. Obviously both wheels off, don't think I even had to take the seat post out.
Haven't tried yet - I have done some research now though and found the following so it appears doable with some effort
TR4man - nice car and a similar amount of miles to me (I went over 55k yesterday). I was keen on a black one myself.
I suspect mine will lose more than I would like given the amount of miles I will put on it!
I get my road bike in all the time. Wheels in wheels bags, seatpost out of frame, frame on top of wheels (dropouts in the wheel arch cubbies, make sure the weight of the frame is on the rims not the spokes). I can get two duffle bags in as well.
Great car BTW, I've had mine since May and still loving it!
Great car BTW, I've had mine since May and still loving it!
Great write-up OP!
I'm at the other end of the career spectrum - took a pension early in 2014 and used some of the lump sum to buy a Ruby Black Z4 Coupe! I had owned BMWs for nearly 9 years and had always thought the Coupe looked fantastic! And there was nothing for the money that I wanted nearly as much!
Fantastic car, so gratuitous photo:-
Had some work issues at the end of last year and ended up agreeing to sell it in May, but drove it once more for old times' sake before it got collected!
Very bad idea, as it made me realise what I had done, so I went and found another!
Sorry, nearly forgot to say those CSL-look wheels on yours are fantastic - one for the list of potential future upgrades!
Not sure if it is permitted but there is a very active forum dedicated to Z4s - probably worth joining if you haven't already!
Enjoy!
I'm at the other end of the career spectrum - took a pension early in 2014 and used some of the lump sum to buy a Ruby Black Z4 Coupe! I had owned BMWs for nearly 9 years and had always thought the Coupe looked fantastic! And there was nothing for the money that I wanted nearly as much!
Fantastic car, so gratuitous photo:-
Had some work issues at the end of last year and ended up agreeing to sell it in May, but drove it once more for old times' sake before it got collected!
Very bad idea, as it made me realise what I had done, so I went and found another!
Sorry, nearly forgot to say those CSL-look wheels on yours are fantastic - one for the list of potential future upgrades!
Not sure if it is permitted but there is a very active forum dedicated to Z4s - probably worth joining if you haven't already!
Enjoy!
flight147z said:
Very nice - I always think photos don't do the 108's justice!
I had a login on the z4 forum but it's not working anymore and I can't get any help from the mods which is a shame, so at the minute I am browsing on there only!
I got lucky with this one, because the 108s had been refurbed by a previous owner - they don't look good when the lacquer lifts around the bolt heads! I had a login on the z4 forum but it's not working anymore and I can't get any help from the mods which is a shame, so at the minute I am browsing on there only!
Shame you can't get any help from the Z4 mods - if you PM me with your user name I'll remind them!
Car has let me down for the first time today. Lowered the window to use the intercom to get into the car park at work, the window made a horrible grinding noise, went down and wouldn't come back up. I pulled it back up from the outside manually to prevent rain getting in and booked into the garage tomorrow. A quick google suggests it could be a window regulator.
One of the lights is also not self levelling when I turn the ignition so will get this checked out too
One of the lights is also not self levelling when I turn the ignition so will get this checked out too
Just awesome cars.
I've had to sort a few issues out on ours. We had the window regulator go, not too bad on parts and I replaced it.
Water pump was expensive as is electronic. BMW wanted 6 or 7 hundred before vat for pump and stat. Found new on eBay for about 300 and fitted myself.
Recently the xenon control ballast failed on the passenger side. This was just before service and mot. They very kindly replaced all the bulbs with halogens to get it through the mot. Apparently it's a fail if your headlight washers don't work with xenon but not with halogen (I'd removed fuse). However will be taking bumper off and replacing ballast as the lights are terrible without the xenons. Pain in the arse and about 80 for the ballast.
The
Aside from that it has been great, used daily on about 84k. Steering could use a little attention but that's quite common in these.
I've had to sort a few issues out on ours. We had the window regulator go, not too bad on parts and I replaced it.
Water pump was expensive as is electronic. BMW wanted 6 or 7 hundred before vat for pump and stat. Found new on eBay for about 300 and fitted myself.
Recently the xenon control ballast failed on the passenger side. This was just before service and mot. They very kindly replaced all the bulbs with halogens to get it through the mot. Apparently it's a fail if your headlight washers don't work with xenon but not with halogen (I'd removed fuse). However will be taking bumper off and replacing ballast as the lights are terrible without the xenons. Pain in the arse and about 80 for the ballast.
The
Aside from that it has been great, used daily on about 84k. Steering could use a little attention but that's quite common in these.
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