Hello - looking for advice

[chris83]

Hi all, I have just started the hunt for my first BMW. Looking for a Z4 coupe (manual), condition/history is important. Colour, wheels and spec not so much. A darker interior would be my only real preference.

Went to view my first one at a small dealer and was put off by some corrosion on the ns rear quarter in front of the wheel and a fairly obvious rattle coming from under the car when I test drove it. A little disheartened as it was a lot of fun to drive and there doesn't seem to be too many for sale near me in South Wales.

How wary I should be of rust in general? Is this a common spot for them to go? Any other tips that might help me in my search are very welcome

[Z4 COUPSTER]

Where you to in South Wales bud? And keep looking I looked for almost 2 years, and I'm in the trade.

[chris83]

Hi. 2 years!? Hope I don't have to wait that long

I'm based in Cwmbran

[Z4 COUPSTER]

There are plenty about, but you may have to travel. It took me that long as prices started going bonkers even trade values. I waited as I have to "buy right" people in the car game will know what I mean.
Generally they don't seen to suffer with rust.
Keep looking and when you get one we can have a meet up. I'm in Bridgend. Good luck

[Crazy Harry]

Hi and welcome,

Have you tried the buyers guide?

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281

and looked at the adds in the sales section?

[Z4 COUPSTER]

Forgot to add I bought mine privately, it was just the right time price and situation.

[Silverzedtom]

Welcome

You will almost certainly have to travel. You’ll find one soon though, good ones do come up on the usual sites.

I think I’m right in saying the boot lid on the e86 can suffer from rust. That and the rust you found are areas you’ll want to look at.

[richy176]

Hi

Rather than start a new thread I thought I would piggy back on this one as my question is similar. My son graduates from Uni in a few weeks and has landed a decent job starting in September so now is looking to upgrade his car (from a 1.1 ltr Seat).

Budget will be around £12k which should get him something around 2010 and 50k on the clock but not sure about engine size - is the 2.0 ltr quite good or does the 2.5 perform better?

Are there any particular problems to look out for or are these very reliable? The only other car he has considered is the Mazda MX5.

Thanks for any advise you can give.

Richard

[Mr Tidy]

Hi

Rather than start a new thread I thought I would piggy back on this one as my question is similar. My son graduates from Uni in a few weeks and has landed a decent job starting in September so now is looking to upgrade his car (from a 1.1 ltr Seat).

Budget will be around £12k which should get him something around 2010 and 50k on the clock but not sure about engine size - is the 2.0 ltr quite good or does the 2.5 perform better?

Are there any particular problems to look out for or are these very reliable? The only other car he has considered is the Mazda MX5.

Thanks for any advise you can give.

Richard

Welcome to the forum Richard, but you might be better off starting a separate thread as I think you'd get better feedback that way.

From 2003 to 2009 Z4s came as E85 (Roadster) and E86 (Coupe) with a fixed roof.

From 2009 they are E89 models and are all convertibles with a metal folding roof, so something of a different car really.

Also you have asked about differences between a 2.0 and a 2.5, but the Coupes like the OP is looking for only came with 3.0 litre engines (or as Ms).

Good luck anyway.

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum chris83 - a Coupe is a fine choice!

They do sometimes suffer from rust on the tailgate - bear in mind BMW gave a 12 year anti-rust warranty so early ones must be on a tight deadline now! But some on here have made successful warranty claims.

I'd echo what was said about being prepared to travel (unless you are very patient) - after all what I've read on here suggests only about 2,300 3.0Si Coupes came to the UK, so as soon as you start looking for specifics on mileage, spec. etc. the number for sale at any one time is always going to be small.

I travelled about 65 miles for my first, and 120 or so for my current one.

I'm not sure if the buyer's guide mentions it, but be aware the SE models came with what BMW called "Sport" seats whereas Sport models came with "M Sport" seats. Most people on here much prefer the M-Sport ones (hence even used ones can fetch up to £1,000 a pair), but some SE models were specified with the M-Sport seats so you need to see photos.

Good luck with your search.

[chris83]

Thanks all for the welcome and advice. Happy to say that there is now a 2006 coupe sitting on my driveway.

It's a sport model, (montego?) blue with black interior and silver dash trim. Seems to have a fairly good spec too with heated seats, computer/sat nav, upgraded stereo, auto lights/wipers and probably a few other things I'm not aware of yet.

Haven't noticed anything obvious that needs doing so far but I have ordered an aux cable and a new gear knob as the chrome coating has worn away. Other than that I'm just getting a big kick out of diving it.

[Mr Tidy]

Great news OP - Montego Blue Coupe is the way to go IMO!

Shame you have already ordered a gear knob - I could have done you a deal on one as I swapped mine for a ZHP one.

Still I'm glad you are enjoying yours - it would be hard not to!

[chris83]

[Z4 COUPSTER]

Where did you get it in the end? Looks a cracker. Mileage?

[R60BBA]

Nice motor