It's Time

[Nick2449]

For my second mid life crisis.
I'm looking at the Z4 on Auto trader 2.2 se hardtop auto 2004 in Ashford Surrey for £4k. Does anyone know this car. I'm toying with whether to make the journey to see it. Looking forward to being part of the Z4 community. I'm based in Kent.

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I don't know of the car, but now I know what hardtops sell for that doesn't sound expensive!

Shame it's in the wrong Ashford though.

Good luck getting the right one.

[buzyg]

Welcome to the board.

[Marlon]

Welcome along. Why don't you link to the advert?

[Nick2449]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... rchad=Used

[Mr Tidy]

That looks great OP, but I'm not that up to speed on E85 prices (I've only had E86s). And sadly it doesn't have the heated seats, which do seem to be very popular on the Roadster.

But a good hard-top seems to sell for up to £1,000 if it has the stand and cover so that's a positive.

Although if I was thinking of buying I'd want to see the hood operate anyway - new roof motors are a stupid price from BMW, although there are a few people on the forum who can revive them and relocate them for sensible money (just don't tell the seller).

And I'd want a new MOT seeing as it expires next month.

[firebobby]

Welcome to the forum, nice looking E85 with some good extras. Hard top, folding mirrors and multi function wheel. No heated seats though, which in a roadster is very desirable. I see the 2.2 doesn't have the fun button either.
Looks fine though

[Z4 COUPSTER]

Welcome aboard. I'm sure there might even be some discount on that at this time of year. Seems a good buy.
D

[skelters]

Both headlights need brought back to life.

Drivers side probably needs dried out or replaced.

16 inch Alloys look a bit naff.

Drivers side rear brake disc looks like it needs replaced.

Do any of those tyres match?

Could be looking at...

New set of tyres
Two new headlights
Alloys are all kerbed so a refurb
New Brakes pads, discs?


What's the service history?

Mot History is colourful in that it's had a few failures in the past. The front springs have been replaced regularly.

Brakes may have been done around 60,000 miles as the next MOT had.... Nearside Rear brake caliper securing device missing clip

It needs a good clean inside and out.

I'm not saying no but there'll be better cars around with less work required.

[Z4 COUPSTER]

You need to drive it a 2.2 sludger may feel a bit flat tbh. I had that in an e46 convertible and I know heavier car but was a bit painful on performance.
For what it's worth.
D

[Crazy Harry]

Go drive it; then go drive a 3.0

My impression from my time spent on here is that the 3.0 burns no more fuel and is more likely to come with a better specification. If you don't need the hard top (remember the Z4 is an all year drop top - some of the best days are in winter) you won't need to spent much if any more to get one with heated Msport seats and more options. Go drive and walk away for a while to compare it to other E85's - this time of year there are more sellers than buyers and better cars out there.

[Nick2449]

Sorry tried to post but didn't come up. Hardtop and Auto a necessity as will be daily driver . Don't mind doing brakes, tyres lights as like to be safe. Been standing 6 months by looks of tax history so might be up for a deal. Will check service history carefully. Will feed back

[Z4 COUPSTER]

As crazy Harry says. Go and try a 3.0i also they are far better all round.
D

[csquire4]

I wouldn't worry about the hardtop. The standard rag top is very well insulated and well fitted and I'm sensitive to that kind of thing. A lot of hard tops don't fit that well and one I test drove had lots of wind whistling so was no quieter than soft top. Also, you have the hassle of storing and putting it on and off which is a 2 man job. (It can be done on your own using the 'tourtoise' method but I wouldn't advise it).

Don't rush to buy it, these will be slow sellers at this time of year so you have plenty of time to lok at others and make sure you buy the right car. This is a good forum to look for well sorted cars.

[Marlon]

If its an auto you are after and don't want the extra horses the 3 ltr gives then its worth checking out the service history and maybe a test drive, however I'd insist on new MOT and go in low on your offer.