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Noob looking to purchase
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- Newbie
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Sat Jun 17, 2017 7:15 pm
Noob looking to purchase
Hi all
I recently sold my Tiger Supercat and thinking of replacing it with a Z4.
What are the common pitfalls or things I shoukd look for when purchasing say a 2007 or 2008 Z4?
I know it's maybe a vague sort of question but any knowledge you can impart would be gratefully received
Thanks for your time
I recently sold my Tiger Supercat and thinking of replacing it with a Z4.
What are the common pitfalls or things I shoukd look for when purchasing say a 2007 or 2008 Z4?
I know it's maybe a vague sort of question but any knowledge you can impart would be gratefully received
Thanks for your time
- markplant
- Lifer
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- Location: Sheffield
Noob looking to purchase
3.0 Manual. Sterling Grey. Cream leather Electric an Heated. Professional Navigation/Sony tablet replacement. Storm Werks . an parts waiting to be fitted
- mr wilks
- Legend
- Posts: 21897
- Joined: Wed Jul 04, 2012 10:02 pm
- Location: Lancashire
Noob looking to purchase
Pitfalls
though fortunately if bought wisely none of the 07/08 Z4s will ruin you , its this forum that fans the flames
though fortunately if bought wisely none of the 07/08 Z4s will ruin you , its this forum that fans the flames
3 ZMRs
3 E89s
5 Si coupes
5 Si roadsters
997 C4
TTRS
F82 M4
MK7 Golf Gti
current Bmw 6 Gran Turismo
3 E89s
5 Si coupes
5 Si roadsters
997 C4
TTRS
F82 M4
MK7 Golf Gti
current Bmw 6 Gran Turismo
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
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- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Noob looking to purchase
Welcome OP - obviously on here we would all congratulate you on your impeccable taste!
There was a facelift in early 2006, so all cars built in the years you have specified will be facelift models.
So the first question is do you want a Roadster or a Coupe? Also bear in mind the Coupe only came with the 3 litre engine.
If it is a roadster, which engine do you want? There is a choice of 4 cylinder 2.0i, 6 cylinder 2.5i, 6 cylinder 2.5Si (fundamentally a 2.5i that isn't restricted by mapping) and lastly 3.0Si. (FWIW my local BMW independent recommends avoiding BMW 4 cylinder engines).
Both Roadster and Coupe were available as "M" models with a 3.2 litre engine that same as in the E46 M3, but as you didn't mention this what follows assumes you aren't considering one of those.
Then do you want manual or automatic?
Z4s came in SE and Sport spec - the latter have slightly lower, stiffer suspension but probably more important much more appropriate seats for this sort of car! But Sport seats were an option on SE models, so you may get lucky!
Bear in mind as well that your budget may limit your choices on the above! But if you narrow it down to a couple of options ideally you want to try each of them before you decide. If you specify where you are located you never know, someone on here may be able to help with that!
Then there is the question of options, as standard spec is rather basic! Do you need electric seats, heated seats, Xenon headlights (recommended), parking sensors, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, CD changer or upgraded stereo? Some of these are an easier retro-fit than others so work out what would be a deal-breaker.
Finally, this may help you a bit:- viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281&hilit=Buyers+guide
You could also have a look at the E85/E86 problems header on the forum, or try the search function.
I may have missed one or two things, but hopefully someone more knowledgeable will be along with their advice soon!
Good luck finding the right one, and don't forget to post photos.
ETA Too much typing - markplant beat me to it!
There was a facelift in early 2006, so all cars built in the years you have specified will be facelift models.
So the first question is do you want a Roadster or a Coupe? Also bear in mind the Coupe only came with the 3 litre engine.
If it is a roadster, which engine do you want? There is a choice of 4 cylinder 2.0i, 6 cylinder 2.5i, 6 cylinder 2.5Si (fundamentally a 2.5i that isn't restricted by mapping) and lastly 3.0Si. (FWIW my local BMW independent recommends avoiding BMW 4 cylinder engines).
Both Roadster and Coupe were available as "M" models with a 3.2 litre engine that same as in the E46 M3, but as you didn't mention this what follows assumes you aren't considering one of those.
Then do you want manual or automatic?
Z4s came in SE and Sport spec - the latter have slightly lower, stiffer suspension but probably more important much more appropriate seats for this sort of car! But Sport seats were an option on SE models, so you may get lucky!
Bear in mind as well that your budget may limit your choices on the above! But if you narrow it down to a couple of options ideally you want to try each of them before you decide. If you specify where you are located you never know, someone on here may be able to help with that!
Then there is the question of options, as standard spec is rather basic! Do you need electric seats, heated seats, Xenon headlights (recommended), parking sensors, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, CD changer or upgraded stereo? Some of these are an easier retro-fit than others so work out what would be a deal-breaker.
Finally, this may help you a bit:- viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281&hilit=Buyers+guide
You could also have a look at the E85/E86 problems header on the forum, or try the search function.
I may have missed one or two things, but hopefully someone more knowledgeable will be along with their advice soon!
Good luck finding the right one, and don't forget to post photos.
ETA Too much typing - markplant beat me to it!
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
- srhutch
- Moderator
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Noob looking to purchase
The 2.5si is mechanically different to the 2.5i. You cannot remap the 2.5i to 2.5si spec.Mr Tidy wrote: ↑Sat Jun 17, 2017 8:46 pm
If it is a roadster, which engine do you want? There is a choice of 4 cylinder 2.0i, 6 cylinder 2.5i, 6 cylinder 2.5Si (fundamentally a 2.5i that isn't restricted by mapping) and lastly 3.0Si. (FWIW my local BMW independent recommends avoiding BMW 4 cylinder engines).
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
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- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Noob looking to purchase
There you go OP - I was sure someone wold know!
Just out of curiosity srhutch what are the differences? They're both N52 engines in the facelift I assume?
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
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- Newbie
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- Joined: Sat Jun 17, 2017 7:15 pm
Noob looking to purchase
Thank you for your responses and Mr Tidy .... that answer was above and beyond the call ... thank you
I was thinking about a 2.5 roadster.
I read somewhere about sticky steering on older models meaning an expensive steering column replacement. Is this a common problem?
I also heard that the roof drains in the wheel arches block and make the roof leak?
Are there any other common problems to check for?
Thank you again
Very much appreciated
I was thinking about a 2.5 roadster.
I read somewhere about sticky steering on older models meaning an expensive steering column replacement. Is this a common problem?
I also heard that the roof drains in the wheel arches block and make the roof leak?
Are there any other common problems to check for?
Thank you again
Very much appreciated
- philbo909
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1072
- Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2017 4:46 pm
- Location: SN8
Noob looking to purchase
Mark's link really explains all this, but problems with coils breaking and bushes wearing is common. Not too expensive a problem to have thoughNifty wrote: ↑Sun Jun 18, 2017 10:25 am Thank you for your responses and Mr Tidy .... that answer was above and beyond the call ... thank you
I was thinking about a 2.5 roadster.
I read somewhere about sticky steering on older models meaning an expensive steering column replacement. Is this a common problem?
I also heard that the roof drains in the wheel arches block and make the roof leak?
Are there any other common problems to check for?
Thank you again
Very much appreciated
Sapphire black z4 coupe 135,000miles young
- Marlon
- Lifer
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Noob looking to purchase
The blocked drains don't make the roof leak - the water that collects damages the roof motor that BMW in their infinite wisdom placed there!
There are members on here that will clean and overhaul the motor and relocate it to the boot for very reasonable cost
Gone: 3.0si 2008 E85
911 997 Carrera S
- Silverzedtom
- Senior Member
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- Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2017 8:19 pm
- Location: East Sussex
Noob looking to purchase
Welcome to the forum
The roof motor problem is poor design. The gutter where the rear section of soft top meets the metal leads to two 'wells'. One well (n/s) houses the roof motor and has a small rubber bung with a very small opening that likes to get blocked with debris from the sky and trees. I check both sides of mine every couple of months and use a custom covers hood cover for mine as when it's on the rouge guttering isn't used
Getting the motor moved to the boot as they did on the e89 is a cheap and easy job that a fair few forum members do.
Only a small niggle really but the cup holders aren't built to last. I have replaced both of mine.
The coolant tank is a weak spot. I have seen a fair few posts about cracking.
There will always be bits that break / fall off or just wear out on an e85, a lot of the parts don't owe us much at ten years old.
Once you have done your research and found the car for you I'd forget about problems until they / if they arrive. This is such a big forum there's a vast list of problems that can create fear Very handy if sh1t does hit the fan though.
Hope your in a zed soon!
The roof motor problem is poor design. The gutter where the rear section of soft top meets the metal leads to two 'wells'. One well (n/s) houses the roof motor and has a small rubber bung with a very small opening that likes to get blocked with debris from the sky and trees. I check both sides of mine every couple of months and use a custom covers hood cover for mine as when it's on the rouge guttering isn't used
Getting the motor moved to the boot as they did on the e89 is a cheap and easy job that a fair few forum members do.
Only a small niggle really but the cup holders aren't built to last. I have replaced both of mine.
The coolant tank is a weak spot. I have seen a fair few posts about cracking.
There will always be bits that break / fall off or just wear out on an e85, a lot of the parts don't owe us much at ten years old.
Once you have done your research and found the car for you I'd forget about problems until they / if they arrive. This is such a big forum there's a vast list of problems that can create fear Very handy if sh1t does hit the fan though.
Hope your in a zed soon!
E85 2.5si
F55 Cooper S
F55 Cooper S
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- Newbie
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- Joined: Sat Jun 17, 2017 7:15 pm
Noob looking to purchase
Thank you.
AlanJ's check list post is great, thank you for directing me there.
A lot to think about.
I'm in Cumbria and there seems to be none for sale anywhere near me which I find odd.
Probably going to have to look towards the North East to purchase.
I'll keep researching while I search
Thanks for the warm welcome
AlanJ's check list post is great, thank you for directing me there.
A lot to think about.
I'm in Cumbria and there seems to be none for sale anywhere near me which I find odd.
Probably going to have to look towards the North East to purchase.
I'll keep researching while I search
Thanks for the warm welcome
- srhutch
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Noob looking to purchase
Yes same engine. The intake manifold is different, but not sure what else. There is more info on here as some have looked into upgrading. Always been deemed not worth trying.
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
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- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Noob looking to purchase
You learn something every day - thanks!
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
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Noob looking to purchase
What about the poor 2.2i, you can't ignore that!
Merlot 2.2i SE, so far new discs and pads, seats replaced, Cam cover replaced, Roof now fixed, new diff x3, new halfshafts, new drop links and other bouncy bits,
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
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- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
Noob looking to purchase
Sorry but BMW ignored it, not me - they didn't do a 2.2 in the facelift! I think that is what the lower powered 2.5 was intended to replace.
BTW it was good to meet you this morning.
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black