Future new owner

[Gaffa22]

Hi guy's
My name is Mark and I'm from Norwich.
I currently drive a 2004 Honda S2000 which i've had for 3 years. It's used as sunny day fun car and for touring (I am currently in Italy with it). I decided to look at replacing the S2k with something a bit more modern and powerful.
Having considered the alternatives, Boxter, SLK 350, and Audi TT, I have come to the conclusion that a Z4 35i would probably suit me best, so the search for a low mileage car circa £15k has begun, hopefully that will get me a nice 2009/2010 model, ideally with DCT.
Now my only concern is reliability, the S2k is an ultra reliable car and I've had no problems. I am well aware that the internet/social media is full of disgruntled wingers so it's sometimes difficult to sift out the truth, so I thought this forum would be a good place to get honest reviews of the BMW Z4 range.
I am an ex mechanic and am more than capable of doing most repairs, but it's the cost of failure of a major item that concerns me. I am assuming that an 7/8 year old car with c 35k miles, if having been well looked after should be fairly reliable, and with the option of extended warranty should I have any concerns ?

[buzyg]

Welcome. I assume you have considered the z4MR. Your budget is right for a decent one. I think you would appreciate the engine after your S2K. It revs, but with a bit more torque, kinda like a big brother. Mine is a 2008, had it 6 1/2 years now & touch wood, it's been the most reliable car I have owned. No DTC though, so if that's a priority it's out.

Don't take one out for a test drive unless you wan't one. As once driven, forever smitten.

[Gaffa22]

Hi buzyg
Thanks for the reply
Yes I had considered the earlier Z4M, the appeal of the 09 on 35i was the combination of power and economy and I wanted as new a car as I can afford as would like to keep it a fair while, the BMW will depreciate far more than the Honda, in fact I will probably make a £2k gain on my S2k.
DCT is not a priority just a nice to have, I think.
I will road test both a DCT and manual and see which I like the most.

[gabrielh]

Hey I'm in the exact same boat as you having owned an AP1 and AP2 S2000. Sold them couple years ago and doing my researches for a new roadster, I narrowed it down to the Z4 E89. Going to be more practical for commuting and wifey will enjoy it better. Going to pick mine tomorrow if all goes well. 2011 3.0 in space gray.

[Gaffa22]

Hi gabrielh the S2000 is a great fun car for sure, I'm looking forward to test driving the Zed so I can compare.
Did you have a LHD AP2 or a Facelift AP1, I beleive there are only a couple af AP2's in the UK
Good luck with the new car.

[gabrielh]

I'm in the US

[Gaffa22]

Ah that explains it, I'd be really interested to compare the US AP2 with the UK version but as there are so few over here it's very unlikely to happen.