New member looking to buy

[Z4M-2006]

Could it be because it's a 2.0 ?

[stuartinzg]

It's a 174 bhp 2.0 in a car weighting as much as it does... it couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding, no wonder you didn't think it was special...

Time to find one with 6 cylinders

[philip27]

I just got an 23i and the straight six engine is fantastic. I tried a 2.0 and it does not come close try out some more is what I'd say.

[Mr Tidy]

I have to say that if you want that "special" feeling you probably need to try driving a 6 cylinder one while they still exist - a naturally aspirated straight 6 BMW is pretty special - although even BMW don't actually make any now!

But I would definitely try to get a drive in one (says he who bought a 320td Compact without trying a 325ti, then followed that with a 123d without trying a 130i, but as I now have a 325ti as a daily at least I know what I missed for nearly 10 years so can speak from experience)

Good luck anyway and hopefully we'll see what you get in the Newbies forum soon!

[stuartinzg]

It makes me sad that people try the 18i/20i and think this is a true Z experience. Of course for some (young, insurance) it will be great as they accept the limitations. But this chap had bigger expectations which is a bit like trying a C180 when you wanted a C63

[cerbera]

Thanks for all the words of encouragement above. I have heeded the advice and will be travelling to bonny Scotland next Saturday to have a look at, and hopefully leave a deposit, on this sDrive30i.

[mr.tourette]

Thanks for all the words of encouragement above. I have heeded the advice and will be travelling to bonny Scotland next Saturday to have a look at, and hopefully leave a deposit, this sDrive30i.

now your shapin'

[stuartinzg]

Very nice, I think you'll love it!

[TitanTim]

The 4cyl 2.0 shouldn't feel any slower than the old 2.3 6cyl and is a more torquey engine over the 6cyl with a similar power output, having said that the 2.0 I had the engine was god awful probably the worst I've suffered in any car I've owned so would agree and would stick with the 6cyl.

Tim.

[cerbera]

I've read the in depth buyers guide in the Newbies section, but is there anything in particular I should be looking out for on the N52 engine.
Only thing I've found is something to do with the HVA which is supposed to have been remidied on the 2009 engine.

Cheers.

[imported]

Don't be shy go to a main dealer. The current model is basically the same s**t, even the brochure. They are rarely pushy and they basically make the same money whether you buy new or low-mileage especially when you take out finance.

Must haves:
Heated seats (I think this might be standard though?)
Sat Nav (car will look dated without it)
19" or higher alloys

Don't worry about comfort access or any of that as you can just get Smarttop.

My car doesn't have this but I know some cars from BMW have an independent petrol heaters available. It basically gets your car heated when the engine is off and runs off the petrol and can be controlled via a timer. The idea is when you leave your house you immediately get into a warmed up car rather than it getting warm only just before you arrive at work.

[A1GSS]

Never mind. Finally got a test drive today at a local dealer and got to say came away unimpressed. Looks great but was missing something, that something that should have made it feel special.

That'll be an extra 2 cylinders... ?

[philip27]

That looks lovely I'm sure you won't be dissapointed with it.

[Baza]

For me when I bought a 3.0 six cylinder was a must. The 3.0i S drive is a great car to drive lovely smooth power pack ,you will not be disappointed.

[cerbera]

After a rocky start with my Z4 I finally got out on Saturday in the cold sunshine with the roof down. Heating on full, bottom warmers activated I was lovely and snug. Looking forward to some more cold dry days now