Looking for a Z4 Newbie

[Argyll Andy]

I notice that it seems to be the 35 fan club posting...no comments from the other model fraternity?

At your budget and not wanting to get into a G29 M40i the 35iS is the logical choice imo. If you’re looking for power/fun other models, particularly the 18/20/28’s, are all the same engine and very tuneable if that’s your thing

’m not really into the dull some people might called subdued colours....did they not make them in some brighter more cheerful colours?

Pictures of mine below, not what I’d call subdued or dull. They also do a bright yellow the same as @PBondar

I’m not sure where you suggest I look, there don’t appear to be many 35 models

I bought mine in September from BMW as an approved used car. It’s been discussed on here a few times and BMW dealers are buying privately and retailing as AUC’s I think there’s a few on their site just now. For a well spec’d 2014 40k miles expected to pay upwards of £20/21k.

[Ed.Straker]

Hiya, I've a 2010 3.0 auto and am happy with it.
Not really overly concerned about speed as being a biker you're very hard pushed to find a car that compares imho.
Only got mine 12 months ago and with lockdown I've only done around 1000 miles.
It does seem to go fairly well for a car :
Love the roads in Wales but again not had chance to explore in the Z4.
I also have matlock etc in my playground.
I would imagine your budget is over the top for a 3.0 which could be why not many have responded.
I bought my fully loaded one with 1 former owner and 35k miles for £12500.
Really helpful forum for gathering information and advice.

Many thanks..I did drive an auto 30 version...it was nice and I liked the balance and it seemed to ride very well despite the state of roads around here. The auto box was ok but not as good as the newer 40Mi I test drove. Didn’t like the shape and style of the latest model.

I had various fast for their day bikes so outright acceleration in most cars is pretty pathetic compared to bikes plus you can’t squeeze down the outside of a queue in a car. I did consider getting a modern rocket ship but can’t be bothered with all the protective gear, plus I don’t think my body will bounce as well now.

Is there a wiki that allows you to see how weights/performance/features varied over time?

[Ed.Straker]

Argyll Andy..yes that’s a much better colour..not seen one like that..

I see pbonar has a bright yellow one on his signatures..not seen one like that either.

Thanks for the feedback on locations and probable prices.

I’ll look at the used BMW site.

[Owdgit]

Not sure if there's a site detailing all the specs but I'm certain someone will be along soon enough to advise.
Can't say much about the auto box, not had anything similar to compare with.
It does seem to make a big difference using the sports modes though.
I still ride bikes while I'm able, as the saying goes "you don't stop riding because you get old, you get old cause you stop riding"
Riding a bike is a great stress buster as you have to fully concentrate on what you're doing whereas in a car it's easier to be distracted by radio, mobiles, satnav and so on. Plus you get looked at strangely if you wear leathers in a car
Have you thought about an atom or similar?

[Ed.Straker]

Fully agree in terms of attention when riding...you need to know what the plonker in the car playing with his phone is going to do before he even thinks about it.

I went for a road tour with friends in Caterhams and Westfields..very nippy, great handling but I think I’m too fond of creature comforts now.

Only one 35 car on BMWs used car site. I was expecting quite a lot of off loaded summer stock. I thought people were having a hard time. Maybe they are all mature citizens with excess cash in their pockets.

[ronk]

I had a 3.0l auto prior to the current 35is and although both 6cyl 3.0k cars - there the similarities end !

Good as the 3.0l is the 35is is much better- the salesman said it was and I was very sceptical. I was wrong.

This is in no way condemning the 3.0l in any way.

[Mr Tidy]

Mr. Tidy judging by your signature I detect some small bias to fixed heads..?

I’ve had several coupes and relatively fast GTs but fancy the wind in the hair feeling...well that is if I had any..

You noticed!

I've never had a convertible and never wanted one. Plus now I'm getting on a bit I'm trying to keep the hair I still have.

Whether it matters to you may depend on what you want, but I read this thread earlier that suggests the E89 is less Sports Car than the E85/86 and more of a GT:- viewtopic.php?f=23&t=126331

They did make E89s in some proper colours - Melbourne Red looks great.

[Argyll Andy]

Only one 35 car on BMWs used car site. I was expecting quite a lot of off loaded summer stock. I thought people were having a hard time. Maybe they are all mature citizens with excess cash in their pockets.

They seem to be going up in price slightly and any coming to market are shifting quite quickly. Iirc there were 5 on BMW’s AUC last week and some as high as £28k (2016 11k miles Estoril Blue). The time of year doesn’t appear to be hurting them at all.

I don’t know anything about this car in the link below or the dealer but this appeared on a search alert recently. I personally think it a bit expensive but that’s only my view. It’s not got the same interior as mine and the wheels aren’t right for the age but the stock 326’s are renowned for cracking so likely that why it’s now on 296’s, which aren’t great either for cracking. The newer ones are slightly better. Search cracked wheels on the forum and you’ll see plenty of threads.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2015-BMW-Z4- ... 4514252308

My alacantara interior which was an optional extra

[ronk]

Weren’t the 326’s beefed up on later cars ?

[Argyll Andy]

The 296’s were by having a bigger lip above the rim on the inside on the later cars. I’ve not seen anything similar about the 326’s but I’m definitely not an expert so they may also have been improved and I just haven’t seen anything in relation to that

[Zed Baron]

I’m still trying to work out SHADO !

Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organisation

[Ed.Straker]

Thanks to all for the advice..

I had planned to go and do a couple of extended drives on a 28 and 35 I’ve identified at relatively local dealers...they are not the right colours or specs but will allow me to get a better feel for the these things.

I’m a bit of an Audi Quattro fan, I currently have an A5 Quattro turbo diesel that’s been re-mapped, the point being that I’ve found even within a single model range the feel of the car can vary much based on changes of wheels/tyres/suspension and type/size of engines.

Unfortunately the latest restrictions have terminated any practical assessments until further notice.

So I’ll do some more desk research and ask on the relevant pages some more specific comments as they occur to me.

Thanks again.

[Ole gits rule]

Now it fits into place

I was way too old for progs like that !

Oh me too - but watched the reruns during lockdown

[Ole gits rule]

Thank you gentlemen for your thoughts. I’ve spent an interesting evening with a couple of glasses of Shiraz digesting your comments and studying AT to see in more detail how the market looks.

I notice that it seems to be the 35 fan club posting...no comments from the other model fraternity?

I’m not really into the dull some people might called subdued colours....did they not make them in some brighter more cheerful colours?

I’m not sure where you suggest I look, there don’t appear to be many 35 models..and those that exist seem to be relatively expensive, larger mileages and not as many gadgets?

Mr. Tidy judging by your signature I detect some small bias to fixed heads..?

I’ve had several coupes and relatively fast GTs but fancy the wind in the hair feeling...well that is if I had any..

When I had drop heads in the past I really loved the top down heater on the feet effect..I need a cap now to keep the head warm..-:)

I’m really looking forward to doing some big trips, I see you have what seems a surprising number of trips planned for Scotland and non for Wales or anywhere else it seems?

Nothing wrong with Scotland I hasten to add..

I have a 23i but that was more about budget than performance, if I had 15 to 18K then a 35iS may have been my choice.

Go for the orange or yellow although that is a marmite colour but I love both.

[Ole gits rule]

How about this one - it is a 4 cylinder, 28i but can be chipped for more performance, has a good spec and is a great colour.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2014-BMW-Z4- ... Sw5DlfwH60