Sub £5k Z4.... good/bad idea? What spec/engine?
Discussion
So my better half has decided she wants a convertible for the summer. Budget is £5k and there does seem to be a good selection of these about for the money.
It must have heated seats but other than that no real prerequisites. Is there an engine and/or trim level sweet spot?
Finally anything to watch out for? The possibility of an IMS failure has already taken the boxster off the list, but not found any similar horror stories on the Z4... yet!
Or is this just a massively bad idea and it’s a case of up the budget or get an MX5?!?
It must have heated seats but other than that no real prerequisites. Is there an engine and/or trim level sweet spot?
Finally anything to watch out for? The possibility of an IMS failure has already taken the boxster off the list, but not found any similar horror stories on the Z4... yet!
Or is this just a massively bad idea and it’s a case of up the budget or get an MX5?!?
3.0i is a good car. A Boxster will run rings around it though.
The hood motor as above, sheared wiper linkage and most expensive, seizing steering columns. That is a pricey fix.
I'd have the Porsche and get the IMS bearing and rear main seal done. They're in another league as sports cars go.
The hood motor as above, sheared wiper linkage and most expensive, seizing steering columns. That is a pricey fix.
I'd have the Porsche and get the IMS bearing and rear main seal done. They're in another league as sports cars go.
I think you are making a good choice . The Z4 is a cracking car
The sweet spot in the range is without doubt the 3.0Si in sport trim .. but is likely to be just out of your budget
I’d say that any of the 6 cylinder cars are a better bet than the 2.0 litre . Purely for the sound of nothing else
Mechanically they are pretty bulletproof and the faults mentioned above are easy and cheap fixes .. and only effect a small number of cars
The sticky steering issue only effects the pre facelift cars
As to a boxter running rings around it .. I’ve driven both back to back and I wouldn’t agree with that .. they are different but equally fun on a good road with Zed being more go kart like
SE cars have fairly flat seats as standard but I’d say don’t get too hung up on spec .. buy on condition history and mileage
The sweet spot in the range is without doubt the 3.0Si in sport trim .. but is likely to be just out of your budget
I’d say that any of the 6 cylinder cars are a better bet than the 2.0 litre . Purely for the sound of nothing else
Mechanically they are pretty bulletproof and the faults mentioned above are easy and cheap fixes .. and only effect a small number of cars
The sticky steering issue only effects the pre facelift cars
As to a boxter running rings around it .. I’ve driven both back to back and I wouldn’t agree with that .. they are different but equally fun on a good road with Zed being more go kart like
SE cars have fairly flat seats as standard but I’d say don’t get too hung up on spec .. buy on condition history and mileage
There are some bargain 3.0's out there if you take time to search though. Someone started a readers car thread recently and it'll be well worth your seeking it out.
ETA
There you go.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
ETA
There you go.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by e30m3Mark on Tuesday 27th March 20:51
I'm on my 2nd Z4 Coupe, but I see you are looking for a Roadster.
They share many of their mechanical bits with the 3 Series of the era, so can have similar issues.
Cooling systems tend to need a refresh after around 80,ooo miles and/or 10-12 years. Radiators bow at the bottom and expansion tanks get brittle and split, so it's probably worth looking for one that has had this work done.
The 6 cylinder engines are the ones to go for - that's one of their more unique features.
There were 2.2 litre (170 bhp), 2.5 litre (192 bhp) and 3 litre options (231 bhp). Which one suits you best depends on what you are used to and what you want. But they are just different sized versions of the same engine (BMW M54), so running costs and economy are the same whichever one you choose - which is why most say go for the biggest one!
There was a facelift in early 2006 but unless they've done plenty of miles they're probably going to be out of your budget. The facelift models got a different engine (BMW N52) in 2.5i (best avoided as only 174 bhp), 2.5Si with 218 bhp and 3.0Si with 265 bhp. These engines use an electric water pump, and a new one costs about £300 + fitting. But they rev better and probably suit a Z4 better!
If you want to find out more I'd recommend a visit to z4-forum.com - you might even find one for sale in their classifieds!
There are 4 or 5 members on there in different parts of the country who can revive a dead roof motor and relocate it into the boot away from the roof drains for not much cost.
Good luck with your search.
They share many of their mechanical bits with the 3 Series of the era, so can have similar issues.
Cooling systems tend to need a refresh after around 80,ooo miles and/or 10-12 years. Radiators bow at the bottom and expansion tanks get brittle and split, so it's probably worth looking for one that has had this work done.
The 6 cylinder engines are the ones to go for - that's one of their more unique features.
There were 2.2 litre (170 bhp), 2.5 litre (192 bhp) and 3 litre options (231 bhp). Which one suits you best depends on what you are used to and what you want. But they are just different sized versions of the same engine (BMW M54), so running costs and economy are the same whichever one you choose - which is why most say go for the biggest one!
There was a facelift in early 2006 but unless they've done plenty of miles they're probably going to be out of your budget. The facelift models got a different engine (BMW N52) in 2.5i (best avoided as only 174 bhp), 2.5Si with 218 bhp and 3.0Si with 265 bhp. These engines use an electric water pump, and a new one costs about £300 + fitting. But they rev better and probably suit a Z4 better!
If you want to find out more I'd recommend a visit to z4-forum.com - you might even find one for sale in their classifieds!
There are 4 or 5 members on there in different parts of the country who can revive a dead roof motor and relocate it into the boot away from the roof drains for not much cost.
Good luck with your search.
Edited by Mr Tidy on Wednesday 28th March 00:30
More useful info, thanks to all, its very much appreciated. That RR car though..... £2650!!! Just goes to show they are out there. I will budget for a hood repair and renewal of the cooling system accordingly then.
Hopefully we’ll be able to find one and I can spend more time in here, much friendly than the GG section!! All that remains now is to get the missus behind the wheel of one and make sure she likes it!
Hopefully we’ll be able to find one and I can spend more time in here, much friendly than the GG section!! All that remains now is to get the missus behind the wheel of one and make sure she likes it!
MrBig said:
Hopefully we’ll be able to find one and I can spend more time in here, much friendly than the GG section!! All that remains now is to get the missus behind the wheel of one and make sure she likes it!
If you think it is more friendly on here then you'll love the Z4 forum - it's even more friendly! Get the OH into one, and hope she likes it! If you are both going to use it the electric seat option with memory could be useful!
£5k should get you an absolute mint, fbmwsh 3.0i in my view.
I’d take £3k for mine and it’s just had INSP2 and all the stuff the indy spotted done.
M sport seats, average options, new tyres etc.
The biggest issue you’ll face is finding a decent example imo.
Even back in 2009 when I bought there were some shoddy examples about. 9 years later I dread to think what might be lurking haha.
I’d really really recommend the m sport seats above all else.
I think Si models had them as standard so maybe worth stretching to a facelift for that reason alone imo.
I’d take £3k for mine and it’s just had INSP2 and all the stuff the indy spotted done.
M sport seats, average options, new tyres etc.
The biggest issue you’ll face is finding a decent example imo.
Even back in 2009 when I bought there were some shoddy examples about. 9 years later I dread to think what might be lurking haha.
I’d really really recommend the m sport seats above all else.
I think Si models had them as standard so maybe worth stretching to a facelift for that reason alone imo.
Mr Whippy said:
I’d really really recommend the m sport seats above all else.
I think Si models had them as standard so maybe worth stretching to a facelift for that reason alone imo.
Sadly the Si models didn't all have the M-Sport seats, only the Sport models. I think Si models had them as standard so maybe worth stretching to a facelift for that reason alone imo.
The SE models came with the flat seats BMW called "Sport" seats, although I have seen some SEs with the M-Sport ones - presumably selected as an option.
2.5i, with 190 odd bhp, is good value. There seem to be quite a lot of them, making them a bit cheaper than the 3.0i, but they're still quick enough to be fun.
Decide, up front, whether you want Sport or SE, cos they're quite different. The SE has 17" wheels, sport suspension and a firm ride. The Sport has 18" wheels, even firmer suspension and would be at home at a trackday, but not quite as forgiving over potholes.
Is it a good idea? Certainly. The Z4 is about the only sports car I like that doesn't have any scary issues. Much cheaper to maintain than a Boxster, and the 2.5i is about as quick as an early Boxster as well. Also much less troublesome than a Box, on average. The top Porsche specialist in the country, Hartech, have said on threads on here that the 986 Box ideally should have an engine rebuild (£8K+) at 140K. The BMW straight six engine will do twice that standing on its head. Generally very reliable. Only notable issues are failing roof motors (people don't bother to unblock the drainholes), front springs go from time to time and, as has already been said, a fairly expensive electric water pump fails at about 70-80k on the N52 engine. Other than that, it's like running a 3 series.
As sports car purchases go, this one's actually quite sensible.
Decide, up front, whether you want Sport or SE, cos they're quite different. The SE has 17" wheels, sport suspension and a firm ride. The Sport has 18" wheels, even firmer suspension and would be at home at a trackday, but not quite as forgiving over potholes.
Is it a good idea? Certainly. The Z4 is about the only sports car I like that doesn't have any scary issues. Much cheaper to maintain than a Boxster, and the 2.5i is about as quick as an early Boxster as well. Also much less troublesome than a Box, on average. The top Porsche specialist in the country, Hartech, have said on threads on here that the 986 Box ideally should have an engine rebuild (£8K+) at 140K. The BMW straight six engine will do twice that standing on its head. Generally very reliable. Only notable issues are failing roof motors (people don't bother to unblock the drainholes), front springs go from time to time and, as has already been said, a fairly expensive electric water pump fails at about 70-80k on the N52 engine. Other than that, it's like running a 3 series.
As sports car purchases go, this one's actually quite sensible.
Johnny5hoods said:
Decide, up front, whether you want Sport or SE, cos they're quite different. The SE has 17" wheels, sport suspension and a firm ride. The Sport has 18" wheels, even firmer suspension and would be at home at a trackday, but not quite as forgiving over potholes.
From what I understand, the prefacelift 3.0 only comes in one trim level (described as either "nothing" or "SE"). It comes with sports suspension.As someone who always wants the sportiest model (and ends up hefty paying a premium for it!) this makes it a very interesting proposition!
Yeah all UK 3.0i had the m-sport suspension fitted as standard.
It’s very stiff but not terrible on non-RFT tyres.
I’ve done Nidderdale to Buckingham and back again the same day after a full working day, and genuinely got out at each end feeling fine.
So they’re stiff but not uncomfortable, and even the ‘stiffer’ msport seats are still very comfortable because they’re more supportive... no need to constantly move around or try stop yourself moving/sliding around.
It’s very stiff but not terrible on non-RFT tyres.
I’ve done Nidderdale to Buckingham and back again the same day after a full working day, and genuinely got out at each end feeling fine.
So they’re stiff but not uncomfortable, and even the ‘stiffer’ msport seats are still very comfortable because they’re more supportive... no need to constantly move around or try stop yourself moving/sliding around.
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