BMW Z4 E85 opinions (or alternatives)
Discussion
Thinking about treating myself after the past year or so we have had, and buying myself a 2 seater convertible of some sort as a toy, and have sold it to the mrs that we can do a staycation coastal tour in it 
and currently the best option Ive come to (using man maths) is an early 2.5 or 3.0 Z4. These seem to be around for under £5000ish which is absolute maximum I want to spend.
What are the things to look out for? One I have seen that has caught my eye is a 2003 2.5 with recent premium tyres, recent brake pads/discs/lines and has had the roof motor relocated to the boot.
What other things should I be looking for, I have seen that the cooling system can be a weak point on M54s, and I imagine all cars of this age will need to be checked for rust. But is there anything else to look for?
Also, if you have any ideas of something similar for the same sort of money then suggest away.
Cheers
and currently the best option Ive come to (using man maths) is an early 2.5 or 3.0 Z4. These seem to be around for under £5000ish which is absolute maximum I want to spend.What are the things to look out for? One I have seen that has caught my eye is a 2003 2.5 with recent premium tyres, recent brake pads/discs/lines and has had the roof motor relocated to the boot.
What other things should I be looking for, I have seen that the cooling system can be a weak point on M54s, and I imagine all cars of this age will need to be checked for rust. But is there anything else to look for?
Also, if you have any ideas of something similar for the same sort of money then suggest away.
Cheers
Edited by SteBrown91 on Monday 15th February 19:48
I bought mine as a cheap convertible that wouldn't rust (unlike the Japanese options) and being based on an E46 wouldn't be that expensive to run (unlike a Boxster).
Certainly that's a compromise though - I'd imagine a Boxster would be better proposition if running costs were ignored.
Generally quite reliable, but shares problems (except rust) with the E46.
Runflats are awful, many will have knackered front bushes which won't help
The roof motor relocation is a good idea, but I've put it off as even when they do break they can be revived again.
M54 specific - cooling system can be problematic, but also common are rocker cover gasket leaks and worn out VANOS units.
I think £5k is strong money for a 2.5 - the 3.0 isn't exactly thin on the ground or that expensive so it's where I'd put my money.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Certainly that's a compromise though - I'd imagine a Boxster would be better proposition if running costs were ignored.
Generally quite reliable, but shares problems (except rust) with the E46.
Runflats are awful, many will have knackered front bushes which won't help
The roof motor relocation is a good idea, but I've put it off as even when they do break they can be revived again.
M54 specific - cooling system can be problematic, but also common are rocker cover gasket leaks and worn out VANOS units.
I think £5k is strong money for a 2.5 - the 3.0 isn't exactly thin on the ground or that expensive so it's where I'd put my money.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Cheers,
The one I have my eye on is up for 4 and a bit (5k is my max really) which is strong but also seems to have had alot of work done. The 2.5 appeals as it is a good compromise between power and insurance (the 3.0 is 100 quid a year more to insure for me). But if a good 3 litre came up i'd be interested.
A boxster probably is a better car, but im no driving god - as long as its a fairly good steer, makes a nice noise and isnt going to ruin me I'm happy
The one I have my eye on is up for 4 and a bit (5k is my max really) which is strong but also seems to have had alot of work done. The 2.5 appeals as it is a good compromise between power and insurance (the 3.0 is 100 quid a year more to insure for me). But if a good 3 litre came up i'd be interested.
A boxster probably is a better car, but im no driving god - as long as its a fairly good steer, makes a nice noise and isnt going to ruin me I'm happy
I'm on my 3rd E86 Z4 since 2014 so while not directly relevant it does mean I've found "z4forum.com" really useful, and cars advertised on there have usually had plenty of TLC. Many people on there recommend replacing the run-flats tyres (especially if they are the OE Bridgestones) with normal tyres for better ride and steering.
Between you you've highlighted the usual problems, although a few people have had issues with the Electric PAS pump and/or ABS pump. New ones cost silly money, but ECU Testing can rebuild them for much less and give a lifetime guarantee!
The 2.2i, 2.5i and 3.0i all use the M54 engine just in different sizes so running costs are the same for all them, but an N/A straight 6 has to be one of their unique features.
A relocated roof motor is a bonus, and getting it moved while it still works is an easier, and therefore cheaper, fix than trying to revive a dead one. But there are a few people on the forum who will do both.
Anyway good luck finding the right one.
Between you you've highlighted the usual problems, although a few people have had issues with the Electric PAS pump and/or ABS pump. New ones cost silly money, but ECU Testing can rebuild them for much less and give a lifetime guarantee!
The 2.2i, 2.5i and 3.0i all use the M54 engine just in different sizes so running costs are the same for all them, but an N/A straight 6 has to be one of their unique features.
A relocated roof motor is a bonus, and getting it moved while it still works is an easier, and therefore cheaper, fix than trying to revive a dead one. But there are a few people on the forum who will do both.
Anyway good luck finding the right one.
I had a 2003 2.5 SMG for about 13 years, initially as my daily then sidelined to the weekend/holiday toy. It had most of the goodies except sport seats (on a courtesy car that I used I found that they were excellent). Didn't enjoy the M Sport dropped suspension in combination with 5 spoke 18 inch alloys. The roof did the dirty on me and cost a large fortune to replace the motor, sort out damaged electrics, and dry out the interior. Great upgraded stereo (440 watts, iirc). SMG was surprisingly fun despite being only 2nd gen - the dealer installed a software upgrade which killed most of the hesitancy. Plenty quick enough for me (I'm no driving diva) perhaps overly so (in the good old days 140 mph roof down on a deserted French dual carriageway was exhilarating!).
Big dislikes were the US build quality & materials - BMW took their eyes off the ball big time.
The Z4 replaced an MX-5 NB, and I'm 3 years post Z4 now in an ND. I guess you can see where this is going...I wasn't an MX-5 fanboy but now realise that for affordable, reliable, fun at accessible limits (140mph days blatting across France are rightly no longer possible) - the Mazda covers 95% of the bases very well indeed.
I don't regret buying the Z4, indeed I had some great fun with it but I wouldn't buy another. As for my MX-5, I've had it 3 years and in theory could look to change but it's my daily Sportbreak (only had it 18 months) that is the subject of lockdown 'fantasy Autotrader' browsing.
Big dislikes were the US build quality & materials - BMW took their eyes off the ball big time.
The Z4 replaced an MX-5 NB, and I'm 3 years post Z4 now in an ND. I guess you can see where this is going...I wasn't an MX-5 fanboy but now realise that for affordable, reliable, fun at accessible limits (140mph days blatting across France are rightly no longer possible) - the Mazda covers 95% of the bases very well indeed.
I don't regret buying the Z4, indeed I had some great fun with it but I wouldn't buy another. As for my MX-5, I've had it 3 years and in theory could look to change but it's my daily Sportbreak (only had it 18 months) that is the subject of lockdown 'fantasy Autotrader' browsing.
Sortie 10 said:
I had a 2003 2.5 SMG for about 13 years, initially as my daily then sidelined to the weekend/holiday toy. It had most of the goodies except sport seats (on a courtesy car that I used I found that they were excellent). Didn't enjoy the M Sport dropped suspension in combination with 5 spoke 18 inch alloys. The roof did the dirty on me and cost a large fortune to replace the motor, sort out damaged electrics, and dry out the interior. Great upgraded stereo (440 watts, iirc). SMG was surprisingly fun despite being only 2nd gen - the dealer installed a software upgrade which killed most of the hesitancy. Plenty quick enough for me (I'm no driving diva) perhaps overly so (in the good old days 140 mph roof down on a deserted French dual carriageway was exhilarating!).
Big dislikes were the US build quality & materials - BMW took their eyes off the ball big time.
The Z4 replaced an MX-5 NB, and I'm 3 years post Z4 now in an ND. I guess you can see where this is going...I wasn't an MX-5 fanboy but now realise that for affordable, reliable, fun at accessible limits (140mph days blatting across France are rightly no longer possible) - the Mazda covers 95% of the bases very well indeed.
I don't regret buying the Z4, indeed I had some great fun with it but I wouldn't buy another. As for my MX-5, I've had it 3 years and in theory could look to change but it's my daily Sportbreak (only had it 18 months) that is the subject of lockdown 'fantasy Autotrader' browsing.
Cheers all - I do like NC mx5s but the chronic hidden subframe/sill rust has put me off a bit! And they dont have a straight six!Big dislikes were the US build quality & materials - BMW took their eyes off the ball big time.
The Z4 replaced an MX-5 NB, and I'm 3 years post Z4 now in an ND. I guess you can see where this is going...I wasn't an MX-5 fanboy but now realise that for affordable, reliable, fun at accessible limits (140mph days blatting across France are rightly no longer possible) - the Mazda covers 95% of the bases very well indeed.
I don't regret buying the Z4, indeed I had some great fun with it but I wouldn't buy another. As for my MX-5, I've had it 3 years and in theory could look to change but it's my daily Sportbreak (only had it 18 months) that is the subject of lockdown 'fantasy Autotrader' browsing.
I've already had budget creep as for mid 5s I can get an LCI 2.5 which has the n52 and 6 speed
We had a 2007 E85 with the 2.0 Engine so different engine and later car but my Wife enjoyed the two years she owned it.
The 2L engine was gutless to be fair and it slipped a timing tooth, fortunately it was just one tooth and £350 later we had a new bracket and tensioners and all was hunky dory but that is 'common ish' on those 2L engines. I would definitely stick to the 2.5/3L straight six engines from that era, the M54 was one of the best engines BMW made in my opinion, at least until the latest Bxx engines came out.
Front lower wishbone bushes are common on them, ours had 75k miles and needed doing. Transformed the handling once done, made a huge difference so they must have been bad! The MOT guy could move the front wheels around, fortunately I know him so did them myself a few days later.
We had ours 2 years and other than tyres, brakes and suspension bushes, the only issues were the timing slipping a tooth which is not common on the M54 anyway, its specific to the N46. Our roof was fine, no rips or tears and the motor worked fine. It was algae ridden though and I used the Renovo three step cleaning kit, cost about £50 and was the best investment we made as the roof looked virtually new afterwards. The difference was like night and day.
As with any car of that age and likely mileage, its going to require some maintenance but the M54 is fairly trouble free as long as its had regular oil changes.
The 2L engine was gutless to be fair and it slipped a timing tooth, fortunately it was just one tooth and £350 later we had a new bracket and tensioners and all was hunky dory but that is 'common ish' on those 2L engines. I would definitely stick to the 2.5/3L straight six engines from that era, the M54 was one of the best engines BMW made in my opinion, at least until the latest Bxx engines came out.
Front lower wishbone bushes are common on them, ours had 75k miles and needed doing. Transformed the handling once done, made a huge difference so they must have been bad! The MOT guy could move the front wheels around, fortunately I know him so did them myself a few days later.
We had ours 2 years and other than tyres, brakes and suspension bushes, the only issues were the timing slipping a tooth which is not common on the M54 anyway, its specific to the N46. Our roof was fine, no rips or tears and the motor worked fine. It was algae ridden though and I used the Renovo three step cleaning kit, cost about £50 and was the best investment we made as the roof looked virtually new afterwards. The difference was like night and day.
As with any car of that age and likely mileage, its going to require some maintenance but the M54 is fairly trouble free as long as its had regular oil changes.
I bought a 2003 2.5 roadster nearly 2 years ago ( for £2.5k ! ) I had to get a dead hood sorted - £120 almost while you wait relocation, which revived the motor just fine. Apart from routine maintenance and ditching the run flats it's cost me nothing. I'm seriously thinking about ditching my daily and using it all the time. It's a nice drive and a nice place to be.
The Z4 forum has been useful too
The Z4 forum has been useful too
SteBrown91 said:
Thinking about treating myself after the past year or so we have had, and buying myself a 2 seater convertible of some sort as a toy, and have sold it to the mrs that we can do a staycation coastal tour in it and currently the best option Ive come to (using man maths) is an early 2.5 or 3.0 Z4. These seem to be around for under £5000ish which is absolute maximum I want to spend.
What are the things to look out for? One I have seen that has caught my eye is a 2003 2.5 with recent premium tyres, recent brake pads/discs/lines and has had the roof motor relocated to the boot.
What other things should I be looking for, I have seen that the cooling system can be a weak point on M54s, and I imagine all cars of this age will need to be checked for rust. But is there anything else to look for?
Also, if you have any ideas of something similar for the same sort of money then suggest away.
Cheers
I bought a 2004 3.0 E85 last year. The main things to look out for, apart from any BMW of that age, is that the roof motor has been relocated to the boot. Aim for the biggest engine you can get and go from there. and currently the best option Ive come to (using man maths) is an early 2.5 or 3.0 Z4. These seem to be around for under £5000ish which is absolute maximum I want to spend.What are the things to look out for? One I have seen that has caught my eye is a 2003 2.5 with recent premium tyres, recent brake pads/discs/lines and has had the roof motor relocated to the boot.
What other things should I be looking for, I have seen that the cooling system can be a weak point on M54s, and I imagine all cars of this age will need to be checked for rust. But is there anything else to look for?
Also, if you have any ideas of something similar for the same sort of money then suggest away.
Cheers
Edited by SteBrown91 on Monday 15th February 19:48
Take a long test drive, surprised no-one's mentioned it but these were one of the first cars with EPAS and this gets 'sticky' off-centre after an hour or so of driving around. There's a common aftermarket fix to lubricate the steering column but it's unproven as a reliable solution.
Drove me mad and ended up selling the car after about 5 months, as otherwise the 3.0i we had was pretty decent.
One of the reason to go for the M of course, as that had hydraulic steering.
Drove me mad and ended up selling the car after about 5 months, as otherwise the 3.0i we had was pretty decent.
One of the reason to go for the M of course, as that had hydraulic steering.
Is there any reason you haven't looked at a 350Z? IMO they have a better suspension setup than the Z4 you still get a nice 6 pot sound & they're a very good drivers car.
350Z
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSAN-350Z-3-5-V6-ROAD...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102078...
You can get coupes for sensible money:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008112...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-z-350-6-Fwd-Rear...
350Z
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSAN-350Z-3-5-V6-ROAD...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102078...
You can get coupes for sensible money:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008112...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-z-350-6-Fwd-Rear...
I get the OP's desire for an I6, my main reservation about replacing my V6 Sportbreak (above) with a Disco Sport is losing two cylinders. Today's 3 mile trip to the tip reminded me how smooth a 6 is.
Back on topic, I accept concerns about an MX-5's resistance to rust but when something does go wrong it will be much cheaper than to fix than a Z4 (even if you use a specialist rather than a dealer). My happy Z4 memories are tarnished by thoughts of early oxidised alloys, thin paint & surface corrosion (bonnet slam panels), cloudy headlights, rear brakes susceptible to chippings sticking between disc & pad (on a few occasions including on a col in the Pyrenees), dodgy electrics (the head unit/speakers were rendered US because of a knackered amp that would have cost hundreds to replace because they are so rare).
Back on topic, I accept concerns about an MX-5's resistance to rust but when something does go wrong it will be much cheaper than to fix than a Z4 (even if you use a specialist rather than a dealer). My happy Z4 memories are tarnished by thoughts of early oxidised alloys, thin paint & surface corrosion (bonnet slam panels), cloudy headlights, rear brakes susceptible to chippings sticking between disc & pad (on a few occasions including on a col in the Pyrenees), dodgy electrics (the head unit/speakers were rendered US because of a knackered amp that would have cost hundreds to replace because they are so rare).
Sortie 10 said:
I get the OP's desire for an I6, my main reservation about replacing my V6 Sportbreak (above) with a Disco Sport is losing two cylinders. Today's 3 mile trip to the tip reminded me how smooth a 6 is.
Back on topic, I accept concerns about an MX-5's resistance to rust but when something does go wrong it will be much cheaper than to fix than a Z4 (even if you use a specialist rather than a dealer). My happy Z4 memories are tarnished by thoughts of early oxidised alloys, thin paint & surface corrosion (bonnet slam panels), cloudy headlights, rear brakes susceptible to chippings sticking between disc & pad (on a few occasions including on a col in the Pyrenees), dodgy electrics (the head unit/speakers were rendered US because of a knackered amp that would have cost hundreds to replace because they are so rare).
To be fair I've never managed to find a cheap fix for rust issues, unless it's only affected a bolted on part! Back on topic, I accept concerns about an MX-5's resistance to rust but when something does go wrong it will be much cheaper than to fix than a Z4 (even if you use a specialist rather than a dealer). My happy Z4 memories are tarnished by thoughts of early oxidised alloys, thin paint & surface corrosion (bonnet slam panels), cloudy headlights, rear brakes susceptible to chippings sticking between disc & pad (on a few occasions including on a col in the Pyrenees), dodgy electrics (the head unit/speakers were rendered US because of a knackered amp that would have cost hundreds to replace because they are so rare).
But it sounds like you were pretty unlucky with your Z4 sadly. Cloudy headlights can be an issue on many older cars, but you can buy a kit to sort them using an electric drill for less than £100. Admittedly I've only done about 24K miles in my 3 E86s but I've never had a problem with a chipping sticking in the rear brakes, and haven't read of other owners having that problem.
It sounds like your car had the rare upgraded stereo as I'm pretty sure the standard one doesn't have a separate amp.
Mind you years ago I got put off Meredes after I had three and 2 of them kept having problems, but looking back I think I just bought bad examples of decent cars! But I've never considered having another.
To round this off (if anyone’s bothered! ) I am picking up a 2003 2.5 SE tomorrow - metallic grey with xenons (that aren’t too cloudy!), freshly refurbed elipsoid wheels with new tyres and all 4 shocks replaced in January. Only thing that lets it down is a small rust bubble on the front arch and the interior is a tad shabby in places. Really looking forward to spending some time in it
I’ll start a readers ride once it’s landed. Cheers all
) I am picking up a 2003 2.5 SE tomorrow - metallic grey with xenons (that aren’t too cloudy!), freshly refurbed elipsoid wheels with new tyres and all 4 shocks replaced in January. Only thing that lets it down is a small rust bubble on the front arch and the interior is a tad shabby in places. Really looking forward to spending some time in it I’ll start a readers ride once it’s landed. Cheers all
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