Wanted - Weekend Facelifted E85 Fun

LichMike · Post by **LichMike** » Wed Sep 16, 2020 6:29 pm

Hi,

First post. I’m on the hunt for an E85 facelift model for something abit different at the weekend, and for UK road trips here and there. Budget is around £5k, and ideally I’d like that to get me properly set up - car, tax and insurance.

The appeal of a 2.5 Sport is high, but after a lot of reading up there’s so many different schools of thought - and for my intended use I’m wondering my cash is better spent on a good, slightly newer 2.0 in either Sport or SE (for comfort), I’d really like to bag one with cruise control but finding them hard to come by.

Guessing things to look out for are the roof motor relocation, anything else major? And if there’s good service history, is mileage an issue? Guessing depreciation is getting to not really be an issue.

Thoughts, opinions, experiences welcomed.

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Wed Sep 16, 2020 6:35 pm

If you are working on a limited budget, may I ask why it has to be a facelift?
I picked up a 2.5i pre-facelift for the wife for half of your budget, in excellent condition and she loves it.
The fact it's an auto would dissuade some, but that was her preference.
The straight 6 sounds lovely, the M54 engine purrs and not a soul will believe it's a 17-y-o car about to clock 100k.
Maybe it's just preference for looks? For me, the earlier cars looks better, but maybe you think otherwise?

LichMike · Post by **LichMike** » Thu Sep 17, 2020 7:22 am

Personally I do prefer the face lift - just simple things like the headlight cluster. I’m also finding more examples of face lift models with a couple of comforts like auto lights/wipers, aux plug, steering wheel stereo controls etc. That said, if I could find the right pre-face lift I wouldn’t discount it.

The draw of the 6 cylinder engines is high, so maybe I do need to consider all models.

Wyldie85 · Post by **Wyldie85** » Thu Sep 17, 2020 7:33 am

I think and SE or pre facelift will have to be the choice if you want all in fun for £5k.
I would definitely try and strive for a six cylinder if you can.

I found this one on AT with low miles and that lovely straight six.
Perhaps a marmite colour combination but seems tidy.

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Thu Sep 17, 2020 7:37 am

LichMike wrote: ↑Thu Sep 17, 2020 7:22 am Personally I do prefer the face lift - just simple things like the headlight cluster. I’m also finding more examples of face lift models with a couple of comforts like auto lights/wipers, aux plug, steering wheel stereo controls etc. That said, if I could find the right pre-face lift I wouldn’t discount it.

The draw of the 6 cylinder engines is high, so maybe I do need to consider all models.

That's fair enough. Everyone has their favourite. Good luck with your search.

LichMike · Post by **LichMike** » Thu Sep 17, 2020 10:20 am

Wyldie85 wrote: ↑Thu Sep 17, 2020 7:33 am I think and SE or pre facelift will have to be the choice if you want all in fun for £5k.
I would definitely try and strive for a six cylinder if you can.

I found this one on AT with low miles and that lovely straight six.
Perhaps a marmite colour combination but seems tidy.
ATTACHMENTS

EEF4AF31-E50C-442D-8DC1-42F2594BAF40.jpeg (109.57 KiB)

This one has caught my eye a couple of times, the interior doesn’t appeal too much - wondering whether I could come to love it.

Wyldie85 · Post by **Wyldie85** » Thu Sep 17, 2020 1:31 pm

It’s a bit of an odd choice with silver, I admit, but you might be surprised. It may lighten the cabin a bit when the roof is up so its not so gloomy. Well within budget though.

True-Blue · Post by **True-Blue** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 7:15 pm

I would avoid the E85 2.0 at all costs, had this engine in a different BMW and it’s one of the most unreliable BMW make.

Stick to a 6 pot

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 7:57 pm

I would stick to 6 cylinder models too, even if it meant not having a facelift model. For me the straight 6 is one of the Z4s unique features, and they just sound so much better!

I wouldn't get too hung up on finding one with cruise control as by all accounts it's pretty easy to retro-fit.

Good luck with your search.

LichMike · Post by **LichMike** » Sat Oct 10, 2020 7:25 am

Not been logged in on here for a little while, and wasn’t set up for notifications - sorted that.

I’m now part of the Z4 family proper, having picked up a 2004 2.5i SE a couple of weeks back. As a few commented, the facelift factor ended up not too much of an issue once I got to looking and driving, and after testing a 2.0 4 pot as well, there was no question as to whether I should have opted for a 6 pot.

Couple of tweaks so far to refit wing mirror glass as they were in abit of a bad way (look like they’d fallen and been re-stuck as it sounds like they do) and all important cup holders retrofitted for the odd commuting coffee or weekend road trip refreshment!

All I need now is some dry, sunny autumn weather to head out in!

futureZ4buyer · Post by **futureZ4buyer** » Mon Oct 12, 2020 4:30 pm

LichMike wrote: ↑Sat Oct 10, 2020 7:25 am Not been logged in on here for a little while, and wasn’t set up for notifications - sorted that.

I’m now part of the Z4 family proper, having picked up a 2004 2.5i SE a couple of weeks back. As a few commented, the facelift factor ended up not too much of an issue once I got to looking and driving, and after testing a 2.0 4 pot as well, there was no question as to whether I should have opted for a 6 pot.

Couple of tweaks so far to refit wing mirror glass as they were in abit of a bad way (look like they’d fallen and been re-stuck as it sounds like they do) and all important cup holders retrofitted for the odd commuting coffee or weekend road trip refreshment!

All I need now is some dry, sunny autumn weather to head out in!

It looks great!
Good thing that it's in sterling gray since that color is the best in showing lines of the E85 in my opinion.
Another good thing is that you went for a 6 pot

Good luck and enjoy!

Rucky · Post by **Rucky** » Mon Oct 12, 2020 4:55 pm

and a cruise control kit if its not already fitted is a simple plug in stalk, no loom required for the 04!

Wyldie85 · Post by **Wyldie85** » Mon Oct 12, 2020 6:31 pm

Great news! A good move going for the six cylinder. More pictures always welcome!

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Mon Oct 12, 2020 8:39 pm

Welcome to Z4 ownership OP.

Your car looks smart, and I can fully understand why you went for a 6 cylinder one!

Hopefully you'll get some decent weather for more driving.

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Tue Oct 13, 2020 9:03 am

Well there you go, ended up with the earlier one, but I'm sure you'll love it just as much.
More or less the twin to my wife's one as it happens.
Hope you'll have lots of happy 'Weekend UN-Facelifted E85 Fun' in it.

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