Newbie without z4

[Taylo63]

Hello All
As the subject reads, I’m new to this forum and considering a z4 as a “Sunday” car. The only other convertible I have owned was a Triumph Stag (many years ago now!) So i hope Z4’s are a bit more reliable .
After much deliberation I have decided to go for a 2.0 litre version prob 2005 on wards. ( I live in a Greater London suburb and there’s no knowing what Mr Khan will do with ULEZ !!)
With this in mind do you think £4500-£5000 should get me a decent example.
Also what are the areas to check / of concern for the 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engines? I ve read a few issues with cam chains?
Many thanks

[Ole gits rule]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I am certain your budget will get you cracking example of an e85 - not certain what to look for as I have an e89 but I am certain someone will be along to point out the possible issues.

Good luck with the search

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/402797278324 ... Sw9mBges~N - no heated seats but sensible price / mileage

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174734891315 ... SwB4FgVN6A - heated seats / higher miles £1k less

or push the boat out a little:

viewtopic.php?f=41&t=128322

viewtopic.php?f=41&t=128322

[blunderthumbs]

I think Z4's are far more reliable than Stags. If it were me I would go and test drive a few before making my decision. Drive the 2.0 then try the 2.2 straight six, 2.5 and 3.0L. The straight six engine is bullet proof if looked after and sounds sexy.

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. The Z4 is proving to be a reliable car , that wears the miles well. Your budget should make finding a decent 2ltr car a sensible option. Typically this is the wrong time of year to be buying a convertable, from a budget perspective. But of course the right time to jump in and enjoy a few decent test drives. Hope you find a good example soon. I would always say, with older cars, buy on what you see, ie condition of the car. Does it come across as loved/cherished.

Happy hunting.

[tiglon]

My limited experience with a 4-pot e85 was not a positive one in terms of reliability. To be fair, I bought an absolute dog at a cut down price and should have expected the worst, but when I asked my local BMW specialist what the best course of action was he replied with "get one with 6 cylinders".

Get the extra cylinders if you can, it'll be worth it for the reliability and sound. BMW straight sixes are some of the most incredible engines out there, don't make the same mistake I did!

[Haggisman]

I’m with Tiglon on engine engine size, hard to beat the six cylinder. Shame if ULEZ ( don’t have such a thing in NZ) dictates engine and therefore driving experience.

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome.

My Indy gave me very similar advice to tiglon's - go for 6 cylinders and preferably petrol.

And the straight 6 is one of the Z4s unique features anyway. I'd certainly try to drive one of those before making a final decision. After all you aren't going to enjoy your Sunday car in the ULEZ!

Anyway good luck with your search whatever you choose.

[Zedebee]

Prices for N52 (post facelift) engined models seem to being chased up except for the unloved 2.5i. For your money you should be able to get a well sorted M54 (pre-facelift) 2.5i. No slouch at 192hp and there are plenty of them around. There have also been some lovely examples of 2.2i on here recently, still with that wonderful straight six. Buy a well looked after car that has had all its problems sorted and don’t worry too much about mileage.

[SCOTTY L]

Hi there and welcome to the fourm.

[Z4paul]

Welcome to the forum. Had my 2.0 e85 for a while now and love it. No issues or dramas of note. Much prefer it to my MX5 and certainly has the grunt when i need it. Will pm you and offer a drive out if you are able