Considering getting a Z4 (currently have a E60 530D)

[fizz]

Hi guys/gals,

Just joined up as im looking to do a bit of research on the old early Z4's around 2005/2006 plate and i think im leaning towards the 2.2i 6 pot as i currently run a E60 530D and im going to miss the poke and want the sound of the petrol 6 pot too.

I've mainly had a jap sports car background inc mr2 turbo's, DC2, DC5, EP3, ST205 GT4 to name a few but ive always fancied a Z4 and finally going to scratch that itch.

Looking to have a read about the common faults etc and so get an idea what to look out for when i go and see some in person in the near future. I know if they are anything like the E60 then i will have a good amount of research to do!

Anyway... here's my current motor and looking forward to move from this to a z4.

Cheers
Fizz

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. A fine 5 you have there.

I take it you are talking about the E85. when referring to the old Z4. There all old once you buy them.

In that model range the one most will recommend, if you are after best bang for your buck, is the 3.0si

What budget are you looking at?

[greg81]

Having a 530d I can guarantee you'll be extremely disappointed with the 2.2 in terms of power. I had one for a couple of year and while it was a great car with no problems, my wifes 2l Kia was far more powerful

[Smartbear]

The 2.5 & 3.0 z4 are no more expensive to run than the 2.2. There seems little point going for it?
Rob

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum Fizz.

I really think you'd find a 2.2i a disappointment after a 530d. And as has been said already the 2.2i, 2.5i and 3.0i all use the same engine, just in different sizes, so they all cost the same to run!

But I suppose the best way to find out would be to try one and go from there.

Anyway here is a link to a buyer's guide someone on here put together:- viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281

[agrimes1989]

I have a mapped e90 330d and a 3.0i z4 . The 330d blows it out the water for sheer speed but the z4 is definitely more fun to drive as a full package : I do regret not getting the si though .

[rosskins]

Hi fizz. I have an e60 525d sport. love it. completely different car to my other car - a z4 3.0si which i use mainly in Spring/Summer and the e60 covers the rest/extreme weather days! I love the e60 which is a much better cruiser and can bolt when it needs to. The Zed is much faster from start to finish but it can be very cruel on our pot hole ridden roads. Neither car has run flats. The 3.0si Zed will give you more poke (a feeling really as you are much further down to the ground) but the the engine noise is great and it is clearly quicker on all fronts. Common faults - mine is a roadster so the roof motor failure is well documented here in this forum and it is also just about to have an ABS module replacement (it is 10 years old afterall). But other than that, both cars have been most excellent engine wise. My e60 had a windscreen wiper replacement last year at £700 god-damn. But all in all, I have stuck to BMW above other makes given the true life cost of BMW vehicles for the last 15 years. But I guess that is the way I drive

[jhpgram]

Welcome! That 530d will be very powerful in comparison to the 2.2
Definitely go for the 3 litre and get the most out of that itch if you're scratching it, you won't regret it!

[paddy wright]

Welcome- 2.2 is a great motor!

[Beacon101]

Nice 5 series buddy, u will notice a size difference in the Zed.

I am very new to here and I've only had my Z4 Coupe for a few months and I love it. Mine is a 3.0 and the fuel consumption isnt to bad. I'm getting around 28mpg, that's without thinking about it and using premium fuel. Just mentioning this in case that was putting you off the larger engine.

As for things to look for, I wanted the coupe as I liked the backend, so this did put the price up and less to look at (I think there was only 9 on auto trader when I was looking). If your looking for a soft top there should be more to choose from. As far as I know, the engines on the e85/86 are pretty bulletproof and I dont think there is much to worry about (I maybe wrong, but when I was doing my research that was what I was told). As for other areas, I know the rear springs can snap, so look for this. My steering was all over the place when I had mine, but that was just age related, bushes, tracking and tie rods etc. Other than this, and I know you probably already know this, but really look before you buy. I saw a few before choosing mine, some looked good on the pics and when I went, their paint was poor upclose. I also saw some with flaky paint on the allows (dont know if this was aftermarket job gone wrong).

Apart from this it's just what you want, regarding style and optional extras, to what your budget is. I wasnt really bothered in this respect. I got mine for a good price, with a good body and service history. There are a few jobs that needs to be done but I like to fiddle and play anyway.

Hope this helps somewhat and this forum is a good place to start for info when you have your Zed.

[GregE85]

Hi Fizz,

Most will say go for a 3.0. I’d say consider a 2.5si. Great spec car, MSport interior comforts, 6 pot. 218bhp.

[fizz]

Welcome to the forum. A fine 5 you have there.

Thank you very much mate... she's a lovely old girl. Very well kept as you can see.

In that model range the one most will recommend, if you are after best bang for your buck, is the 3.0si

What budget are you looking at?

I've got a budget circa £4k so wont be anywhere near the 3.0si going by the prices i've seen.

Going by the research ive been doing i didnt realise how thirsty these cars are and when i looked at the weight i was shocked to see them as heavy as heavy if not more than the similar age 3 series!

My MR2 turbo used to give me 22mpg locally but then it hit 60 in 5.2 sec. Granted not in the same comfort and spec of the zed so it all depends what you are happy to compromise with.

Having a 530d I can guarantee you'll be extremely disappointed with the 2.2 in terms of power. I had one for a couple of year and while it was a great car with no problems, my wifes 2l Kia was far more powerful

Uff.... the Kia feel quicker?

I either go Zed or be sensible and go for a soot chucker 1 series coupe on about the 09 plate. I've seen the 118d is only 30 road tax per year and gives 40+ local MPG. If the zed aint as quick as i thought for the low mpg then i might go sensible. I'm in two minds right now.

Hi fizz. I have an e60 525d sport. love it. completely different car to my other car - a z4 3.0si which i use mainly in Spring/Summer and the e60 covers the rest/extreme weather days! I love the e60 which is a much better cruiser and can bolt when it needs to. The Zed is much faster from start to finish but it can be very cruel on our pot hole ridden roads. Neither car has run flats. The 3.0si Zed will give you more poke (a feeling really as you are much further down to the ground) but the the engine noise is great and it is clearly quicker on all fronts. Common faults - mine is a roadster so the roof motor failure is well documented here in this forum and it is also just about to have an ABS module replacement (it is 10 years old afterall). But other than that, both cars have been most excellent engine wise. My e60 had a windscreen wiper replacement last year at £700 god-damn. But all in all, I have stuck to BMW above other makes given the true life cost of BMW vehicles for the last 15 years. But I guess that is the way I drive

I have to say i do love the 530D and im resisting getting it remapped and throwing more monies into it as its a very clean stock'ish example. (ive upgraded the halo to LED lights which look much better)

The insurance is the big kicker for where i live as it's £1100 whereas the Zed comes in about £600 which is nuts. As said earlier, the other sensible option is to go for the 118D and enjoy the mpg and low running costs.

Appreciate the info on your experience with having both mate.

Nice 5 series buddy, u will notice a size difference in the Zed.

Thank you very much sir.

I am very new to here and I've only had my Z4 Coupe for a few months and I love it. Mine is a 3.0 and the fuel consumption isnt to bad. I'm getting around 28mpg, that's without thinking about it and using premium fuel. Just mentioning this in case that was putting you off the larger engine.

28mpg... presume that's mixed driving? I'm based in Bradford where there's bloody hills everywhere so none of the stated MPG's for the cars are ever met. lol

As for things to look for, I wanted the coupe as I liked the backend, so this did put the price up and less to look at (I think there was only 9 on auto trader when I was looking). If your looking for a soft top there should be more to choose from. As far as I know, the engines on the e85/86 are pretty bulletproof and I dont think there is much to worry about (I maybe wrong, but when I was doing my research that was what I was told). As for other areas, I know the rear springs can snap, so look for this. My steering was all over the place when I had mine, but that was just age related, bushes, tracking and tie rods etc. Other than this, and I know you probably already know this, but really look before you buy. I saw a few before choosing mine, some looked good on the pics and when I went, their paint was poor upclose. I also saw some with flaky paint on the allows (dont know if this was aftermarket job gone wrong).

Good info mate, appreciate it.