Thinking about a BMW Z4
Discussion
Hi All,
I am looking at getting a Z4 and would like some information on what to look for and which one to get. I really fancy a 3.0 and could probably afford a 2004 plate model with low mileage from what I have seen in the classifieds (about 10k - my budget). I want to know if it is worth the extra dosh over a 2.5 though. Has anyone driven both?
If anyone knows of any good ones about for sale, let me know, am going to try and test drive one this weekend.
Cheers,
Rhod
I am looking at getting a Z4 and would like some information on what to look for and which one to get. I really fancy a 3.0 and could probably afford a 2004 plate model with low mileage from what I have seen in the classifieds (about 10k - my budget). I want to know if it is worth the extra dosh over a 2.5 though. Has anyone driven both?
If anyone knows of any good ones about for sale, let me know, am going to try and test drive one this weekend.
Cheers,
Rhod
Its a good car, owned one for 3 years. I had the 2.2 which was a wee bit underpowered at 170bhp, 0-60 in 7.5 but was still good fun.
3.0 will be a whole lot better power wise.
Handling is sublime and has quite a low stance and good driving position, specifically with that roadster seat positioning almost directly over the rear wheels.
Ride quality will be dismal if the car is on run flats, especially on British roads which lack the glass like smoothness of European/US roads. I changed mine to non run flats and instantly it was a better car to drive and improved handling/grip even more.
Boot is deceptively big and I used to be able to squeeze a weeks food shopping for a family of four in the boot (just).
3.0 will be a whole lot better power wise.
Handling is sublime and has quite a low stance and good driving position, specifically with that roadster seat positioning almost directly over the rear wheels.
Ride quality will be dismal if the car is on run flats, especially on British roads which lack the glass like smoothness of European/US roads. I changed mine to non run flats and instantly it was a better car to drive and improved handling/grip even more.
Boot is deceptively big and I used to be able to squeeze a weeks food shopping for a family of four in the boot (just).
It depends on what you're used to. Looking at your profile it seems that the current daily dirver is a 2.0 Z3. The 2.5 Z4 will feel significantly gruntier than this.
I've just bought a late 2003 3.0 Z4, which I consider to have adequate performance for a modern sports car. However, I was spoiled for 2 years running round with at least 400hp under my right foot in cars that weighed the same as the Z4!
Buy on condition rather than mileage. The lower mileage cars are probably more likely to cost you more in running costs, as items such as rear springs and wishbone bushes will not have broken/worn out yet (but will probably be imminent!)
I've just bought a late 2003 3.0 Z4, which I consider to have adequate performance for a modern sports car. However, I was spoiled for 2 years running round with at least 400hp under my right foot in cars that weighed the same as the Z4!
Buy on condition rather than mileage. The lower mileage cars are probably more likely to cost you more in running costs, as items such as rear springs and wishbone bushes will not have broken/worn out yet (but will probably be imminent!)
I agree with what's been said, ownership ought to be a pretty enjoyable experience as long as you take a little care when buying. Roof mechanism can fail, which will be expensive, leather can wear sooner than you'd expect, and star spoke (108) allows can corrode. Rear spring replacement won't cost the earth, headlights might. I've had no significant issues with mine in 5 years.
You'll get more info here http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/
Good luck
This has been on their forecourt for a while so maybe a deal is possible http://www.lillyandconstable.com/index.php?page=st... not sure if they're 17s or 18s, not very high spec but ok and low mileage. Worth trying an auto if yo've not previously, does the best of all worlds very well.
You'll get more info here http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/
Good luck
This has been on their forecourt for a while so maybe a deal is possible http://www.lillyandconstable.com/index.php?page=st... not sure if they're 17s or 18s, not very high spec but ok and low mileage. Worth trying an auto if yo've not previously, does the best of all worlds very well.
Edited by Sticks2 on Thursday 9th April 15:10
I will get shot down in a burning ball of flames - I did last time this question came up.
I went for the 2.5i as I felt that the 3.0i offered very little extra to justify the increase in insurance premium for me. If you are of a more mature age then I doubt it will make much difference in all honesty. MPG is pretty similar given the 3.0i has 6 gears, overall running costs should be near identical. Purchase price, at the time I got mine, was pretty similar also.
What swung it for me was couple of hundred £ saved a year in insurance and the fact that there was a very high spec'd model sitting a mile away from my house in a BMW dealership with warranty etc.
3.0i gives you electric seats, 6 speed gearbox and sports suspension over the 2.5i, cant comment on the sports suspension as my 2.5i has it anyway but to me electric seats are a waste and simply serve to add weight to the car.
That said, given equal costs, you may as well go for the 3.0.
I went for the 2.5i as I felt that the 3.0i offered very little extra to justify the increase in insurance premium for me. If you are of a more mature age then I doubt it will make much difference in all honesty. MPG is pretty similar given the 3.0i has 6 gears, overall running costs should be near identical. Purchase price, at the time I got mine, was pretty similar also.
What swung it for me was couple of hundred £ saved a year in insurance and the fact that there was a very high spec'd model sitting a mile away from my house in a BMW dealership with warranty etc.
3.0i gives you electric seats, 6 speed gearbox and sports suspension over the 2.5i, cant comment on the sports suspension as my 2.5i has it anyway but to me electric seats are a waste and simply serve to add weight to the car.
That said, given equal costs, you may as well go for the 3.0.
I had the same dilemma a year or so ago, and eventually plumped for a 2.5. Basically, it had the spec i needed (not much in way of creature comforts for me) plus it had the all important elipsoid alloys 
. Had low mileage, only one owner, and was reasonably priced. Coming from a Cerbera 4.5, i am aware of powerful cars, and for the me the 2.5 more than meets my current needs. OK, it is not a 4.5 V8, but has more than enough of the fun factor. Has been very reliable, and i do love it to bits. As previous posts have stated, in terms of pure driving pleasure and performance, unless you are really into your 0-60s and top speeds, the difference between a 2.5 and a 3.0 will be marginal. Take engine size out of your mind for a while, and look at potential cars which fit your bill - whether it is a 2.5 or 3.0 might not matter as much if you find the one for you.
. Had low mileage, only one owner, and was reasonably priced. Coming from a Cerbera 4.5, i am aware of powerful cars, and for the me the 2.5 more than meets my current needs. OK, it is not a 4.5 V8, but has more than enough of the fun factor. Has been very reliable, and i do love it to bits. As previous posts have stated, in terms of pure driving pleasure and performance, unless you are really into your 0-60s and top speeds, the difference between a 2.5 and a 3.0 will be marginal. Take engine size out of your mind for a while, and look at potential cars which fit your bill - whether it is a 2.5 or 3.0 might not matter as much if you find the one for you.Hi Guys,
I did have a 2.0 Z3 which I loved and as I was 22 at the time, could not afford anything beefier. I have had a 2.0 Alfa Spider since, which was okay, but fell apart. I have been forced to go sensible and have a '99 IS200 Automatic at the moment. Way too boring! Insurance is not too much of an issue, the difference is only about £300 between the 2.5 and 3.0. I do enjoy having an auto, but think that a manual would be so much more fun in this sort of car, always had manuals before the Lexus. What do people think?
I have seen this one on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am... and it looks pretty good and relatively new given my budget. However mileage is quite high. I have had a chat with the seller and he has said I am welcome to get an AA car check and will part ex my Lexus. Been given his best price has £9950, but may try and knock that down a bit.
That one in Kent looks sweet as, not my favourite alloy/colour combination. Doubt if I could get him down to £10k. May be worth a look though...
I did have a 2.0 Z3 which I loved and as I was 22 at the time, could not afford anything beefier. I have had a 2.0 Alfa Spider since, which was okay, but fell apart. I have been forced to go sensible and have a '99 IS200 Automatic at the moment. Way too boring! Insurance is not too much of an issue, the difference is only about £300 between the 2.5 and 3.0. I do enjoy having an auto, but think that a manual would be so much more fun in this sort of car, always had manuals before the Lexus. What do people think?
I have seen this one on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am... and it looks pretty good and relatively new given my budget. However mileage is quite high. I have had a chat with the seller and he has said I am welcome to get an AA car check and will part ex my Lexus. Been given his best price has £9950, but may try and knock that down a bit.
That one in Kent looks sweet as, not my favourite alloy/colour combination. Doubt if I could get him down to £10k. May be worth a look though...
The one on Ebay seems expensive for what it is.
How about something like this: ::clicky::
I'm sure you could get that down to £10k.
How about something like this: ::clicky::
I'm sure you could get that down to £10k.
dan101smith said:
The one on Ebay seems expensive for what it is.
How about something like this: ::clicky::
I'm sure you could get that down to £10k.
I believe that one has been about a while?How about something like this: ::clicky::
I'm sure you could get that down to £10k.
Not keen on the colour but try not to worry about the alloys, easily changed.
Yeah I had a look at that one. Not keen on the colour either! I think that anything at 10k is at the max of my budget, so I would not be able to afford changing the alloys unfortunately. I have noticed this one on ebay also. Has everything I want, just don't know what the reserve is...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
2.5i is a bit limp for this kind of car imho.
I drove a 2.5Si and it really didn't do much pushing until 4500rpm+
The 3.0i with only 12bhp more than the 2.5Si really is tons more tractable, and shows it's torque all over the revs, longer gear ratio's mean much nicer motorway cruising refinement, sound generator = much nicer noise, less hunting around for options as the 3.0i has most of the essentials you will want.
I'd definately say a 3.0 is worth spending a bit more for.
Just check mileages + mot's etc before putting any money down on the cheaper cars out there now, a friend had one that had 63k on the clocks, but the last MOT (when reviewed later online (the garage didn't provide it right away)), had 85k on it! It went back to the garage, and might pop up again, so beware! (was in the late £9k area)
I'd try find an honest higher mileage model with ellipsoid wheels and don't worry too much about all the toys/kit unless you really know you MUST have them. Also maybe avoid traders now, private prices have returned to reality and are now, imho, better than traders ones. Buy a private warranty for lots less than the traders premiums!
Dave
I drove a 2.5Si and it really didn't do much pushing until 4500rpm+
The 3.0i with only 12bhp more than the 2.5Si really is tons more tractable, and shows it's torque all over the revs, longer gear ratio's mean much nicer motorway cruising refinement, sound generator = much nicer noise, less hunting around for options as the 3.0i has most of the essentials you will want.
I'd definately say a 3.0 is worth spending a bit more for.
Just check mileages + mot's etc before putting any money down on the cheaper cars out there now, a friend had one that had 63k on the clocks, but the last MOT (when reviewed later online (the garage didn't provide it right away)), had 85k on it! It went back to the garage, and might pop up again, so beware! (was in the late £9k area)
I'd try find an honest higher mileage model with ellipsoid wheels and don't worry too much about all the toys/kit unless you really know you MUST have them. Also maybe avoid traders now, private prices have returned to reality and are now, imho, better than traders ones. Buy a private warranty for lots less than the traders premiums!
Dave
Hi Dave,
Thanks very much for that info. That is really useful. I think the 3.0 is the one I will go for, hoepfully I should get a test drive over the next couple of weekends. I completely agree with the alloy and kit choice. I am not bothered by sat nav, 6 cd changer etc. Heated seats would be nice, but again not essential. Ellipsoid alloys are a must!
If anyone sees one out there with this kit please let me know.
Cheers,
Rhod
Thanks very much for that info. That is really useful. I think the 3.0 is the one I will go for, hoepfully I should get a test drive over the next couple of weekends. I completely agree with the alloy and kit choice. I am not bothered by sat nav, 6 cd changer etc. Heated seats would be nice, but again not essential. Ellipsoid alloys are a must!
If anyone sees one out there with this kit please let me know.
Cheers,
Rhod
That black one on eBay looks nice.
I'm sure there will be more going up for sale, but mainly only because the prices seem to have improved over the last 4 months. They haven't gone up that much though. I've seen a few 'ok' examples with good spec go for £9,000, they just have 90,000 miles or so. But from what I've read and seen, they do keep going well if looked after
Dave
I'm sure there will be more going up for sale, but mainly only because the prices seem to have improved over the last 4 months. They haven't gone up that much though. I've seen a few 'ok' examples with good spec go for £9,000, they just have 90,000 miles or so. But from what I've read and seen, they do keep going well if looked after
Dave
Rhodri1985 said:
Hi Dave,
Thanks very much for that info. That is really useful. I think the 3.0 is the one I will go for, hoepfully I should get a test drive over the next couple of weekends. I completely agree with the alloy and kit choice. I am not bothered by sat nav, 6 cd changer etc. Heated seats would be nice, but again not essential. Ellipsoid alloys are a must!
If anyone sees one out there with this kit please let me know.
Cheers,
Rhod
Just to but in here - I would go for heated seats, I too thaught I wouldn't use them but it can be the differance between roof up or down if it is a bit cold.Thanks very much for that info. That is really useful. I think the 3.0 is the one I will go for, hoepfully I should get a test drive over the next couple of weekends. I completely agree with the alloy and kit choice. I am not bothered by sat nav, 6 cd changer etc. Heated seats would be nice, but again not essential. Ellipsoid alloys are a must!
If anyone sees one out there with this kit please let me know.
Cheers,
Rhod
If I didn't have them my girlfriend would never let me have the top down in winter.
Good luck with the hunt, the 3.0 is such a nice engine, keeps a smile on my face!
Same here, my partner had the heated seats on in winter on every journey, even with the roof up
Not essential but do improve the comfort in winter if you want the roof down.
One other thing to just check, is that the rain sensor under the rear view mirror looks solid dark purple/black. If there is a large bubble etc it might not work right. Check the rain sensor wipers work ok.
It's either BMW + new screen, or insurance + new screen, or if you can DIY, probably a £10 gel pad to swap over
(at worst a £60 sensor with gel pad attached)
Dave
Not essential but do improve the comfort in winter if you want the roof down.
One other thing to just check, is that the rain sensor under the rear view mirror looks solid dark purple/black. If there is a large bubble etc it might not work right. Check the rain sensor wipers work ok.
It's either BMW + new screen, or insurance + new screen, or if you can DIY, probably a £10 gel pad to swap over
(at worst a £60 sensor with gel pad attached)Dave
Heated seats are a must IMO.
Wind deflector is also pretty good, it definitely makes a difference when doing higher speeds with the roof down.
Non-xenon headlights on the Z4 are widely regarded as crap - buy some upgraded bulbs or ideally look for a car with xenon headlights, they are MUCH better.
With regards to stereo, the basic stereo is pretty poor to be fair, and the amount I have my roof down, and the amount I have it down on the motorway I definitely wanted the upgraded stereo. Whether Carver is needed or not is another matter, but I certainly would miss it if I didn't have it as I do like my music.
Sat nav has never interested me as I drive more than one car and like to be able to move the TomTom about. Advantage to Sat nav is being able to hook the ipod up and have better functionality - some argue the dash looks much better with the built in sat nav. To me, it doesn't.
Another option that was expensive when new but I have found handy on a couple of occasions is the storage pack, saves bottles rolling around in the footwell due to the cargo net and cup holders are handy as i tend to do long journeys now for work.
Cutting a long post short, heated seats are a must, the rest are nice.
Wind deflector is also pretty good, it definitely makes a difference when doing higher speeds with the roof down.
Non-xenon headlights on the Z4 are widely regarded as crap - buy some upgraded bulbs or ideally look for a car with xenon headlights, they are MUCH better.
With regards to stereo, the basic stereo is pretty poor to be fair, and the amount I have my roof down, and the amount I have it down on the motorway I definitely wanted the upgraded stereo. Whether Carver is needed or not is another matter, but I certainly would miss it if I didn't have it as I do like my music.
Sat nav has never interested me as I drive more than one car and like to be able to move the TomTom about. Advantage to Sat nav is being able to hook the ipod up and have better functionality - some argue the dash looks much better with the built in sat nav. To me, it doesn't.
Another option that was expensive when new but I have found handy on a couple of occasions is the storage pack, saves bottles rolling around in the footwell due to the cargo net and cup holders are handy as i tend to do long journeys now for work.
Cutting a long post short, heated seats are a must, the rest are nice.
All a matter of opinion really. My other car has heated seats, never use them, never missed them in the Z4. If it's winter I just put the heater on.
I'm pleased I've got sat nav, though it'd be better with audible safety camera warnings, but the rest of it is good. The screen is good for the OBC and Bluetooth too.
When all's said and done, if you find a car that's right for you, a lot of the options can be added, some more easily than others.
I'm pleased I've got sat nav, though it'd be better with audible safety camera warnings, but the rest of it is good. The screen is good for the OBC and Bluetooth too.
When all's said and done, if you find a car that's right for you, a lot of the options can be added, some more easily than others.
From what I can gather mine has:
Heated seats
Dimming mirror
Wind deflector
Storage pack
Steering controls
Multichanger
108 style 18" wheels
No xenon, not really too fussed. When I got the car they appeared crap, but upon adding new 90% brighter bulbs and adjusting the lights up half a turn, they feel as nice as xenon on dipped, and good enough on full beam. Xenon are ultimately better, but I wouldn't chase them unless I drove alot at high speed on a night on motorways etc...
I'd like the M-Sport seats, looking out for some. I don't have them though.
Stereo is standard, but again I'm not too fussed next to Carver/HiFi upgrades as I'm not a HUGE music fan. For normal music/radio it's actually fairly good. The Carver/HiFi again are ultimately better, but only once you have it as loud as I'd not want it anyway I often jump in my car the next day and the music comes on from parking up, and I'm surprised how loud I had it, and it is still good sounding (this is older CD's too, not lower quality mp3's or 'loud' new CD's etc)
Pro Nav seems well worth having, but as with some others I think it ruins the clean looks. I personally think the steering wheel controls ruin the looks too, but I find them so handy I want to keep them now
Probably the same with Pro Nav I guess
That said I rarely use my Tom Tom, and when I do it sits on the seat/floor and talks at me, I don't need to gorp at the screen!
It's easy getting caught up in wanting all the options, but most of them you just don't really need to enjoy the car as a sports car, or just be a good car.
A low-spec 3.0i is still well specced vs the lesser engined models. I think options would matter much more as you drop down the ladder (and be more of a nightmare to find the right ones!)
Dave
Heated seats
Dimming mirror
Wind deflector
Storage pack
Steering controls
Multichanger
108 style 18" wheels
No xenon, not really too fussed. When I got the car they appeared crap, but upon adding new 90% brighter bulbs and adjusting the lights up half a turn, they feel as nice as xenon on dipped, and good enough on full beam. Xenon are ultimately better, but I wouldn't chase them unless I drove alot at high speed on a night on motorways etc...
I'd like the M-Sport seats, looking out for some. I don't have them though.
Stereo is standard, but again I'm not too fussed next to Carver/HiFi upgrades as I'm not a HUGE music fan. For normal music/radio it's actually fairly good. The Carver/HiFi again are ultimately better, but only once you have it as loud as I'd not want it anyway
I often jump in my car the next day and the music comes on from parking up, and I'm surprised how loud I had it, and it is still good sounding (this is older CD's too, not lower quality mp3's or 'loud' new CD's etc)Pro Nav seems well worth having, but as with some others I think it ruins the clean looks. I personally think the steering wheel controls ruin the looks too, but I find them so handy I want to keep them now
Probably the same with Pro Nav I guess
That said I rarely use my Tom Tom, and when I do it sits on the seat/floor and talks at me, I don't need to gorp at the screen!
It's easy getting caught up in wanting all the options, but most of them you just don't really need to enjoy the car as a sports car, or just be a good car.
A low-spec 3.0i is still well specced vs the lesser engined models. I think options would matter much more as you drop down the ladder (and be more of a nightmare to find the right ones!)
Dave
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