Buying a Z4 - what checks to make before paying?

[bras0782]

Hi guys,

I'm close to buying a used Z4 3.0 (2004).

What sort of checks should I do to make sure the car is in good shape? I'm planning to phone a local BMW garage and ask them to do a used car check-up (if it's not expensive).

Thanks

[Vee]

Usual HPI check plus BMW delaers are kind enough to let you know what was done to the car each time it went in.
You need the reg or VIN and knwo which dealer it went to.

Other than that, consider an AA inspection. I know a few people who have used them with varying degrees satifsaction.

[bras0782]

I was thinking of taking it to BMW for a pre-purchase inspection (124 point check), but I got quoted close to £300 for it. That's very steep - would you guys recommend it?

Also, what about a warranty from The AA or RAC (or any other recommendation)? BMW will not extend it because the existing warranty has finished. Do you think it's worth having the warranty, and does it cover most things?

Thanks

[MK4 Slowride]

bras0782 said:

I was thinking of taking it to BMW for a pre-purchase inspection (124 point check), but I got quoted close to £300 for it. That's very steep - would you guys recommend it?

Also, what about a warranty from The AA or RAC (or any other recommendation)? BMW will not extend it because the existing warranty has finished. Do you think it's worth having the warranty, and does it cover most things?

Thanks

Are you purchasing it off 'ted in his shed' type garage? Instead of a pre-purchase check I'd say an ordinary MOT would be just as good except it wouldn't cover parts of the engine which should be detailed in the service history anyway. Isn't there a car of similar spec etc at a dealership which will then come with 1yr warranty & the usual gurantees? The warranty covers everything except consumables unless those consumables are faulty from the manufacturer.

[eowen]

Call BMW UK, they will tell you the spec, original purchase price, and dates/garages of any work/services.

I wouldnt pay a dealer for this service.

Get an HPI check.

[bras0782]

I'm buying the car private. The current owner seems a good enough chap, and he is also happy for me to get the car pre-checked, etc.

Unfortunately I haven't found an equivalent car at a BMW authorised dealer, or any other reputable one.

[gmarks1]

If the car is fitted with factory navigation, check that the screen rotates into the view position; they can develop an intermittent fault where the screen either does not rotate at all, or partially rotates then closes again. The stepper motor can fail, and you can only replace the whole unit, which is expensive.

Rear coil springs can break.

I have a 2002 3 series and a 2005 Z4; in my opinion, the build quality of the 3 series is noticably better, but on the other hand, the Z4 is much lighter, which is noticable in acceleration and handling.

Great cars though - hope you find what you're looking for.

Gary

[bras0782]

I'm looking to buy privately - what is the best way to pay for the car with peace of mind?

My last purchase was cheap enough to pay in cash - HA HA!

[pgilc1]

bras0782 said:

I'm looking to buy privately - what is the best way to pay for the car with peace of mind?

My last purchase was cheap enough to pay in cash - HA HA!

The risk is with the buyer, so whatever way he will accept. If you pay by cheque, be prepared to have to wait until it clears though.

[sniff petrol]

I wouldn't bother on a check with such a new car TBH, I'd take the risk and use the £300 you save to put towards any future work on the car.

[john_p]

gmarks1 said:

If the car is fitted with factory navigation, check that the screen rotates into the view position; they can develop an intermittent fault where the screen either does not rotate at all, or partially rotates then closes again. The stepper motor can fail, and you can only replace the whole unit, which is expensive.

Ah mine does this, BMW tried to blame my aftermarket ipod. W*****s.