Buying a 2003 Z4 3.0 - NEWBIE here. GO or NO GO ?

[vmaniqui]

hi guys,

I am a newbie and my first post on this forum. apologize if not the right one. I am thinking of getting a 2003 Z4 3.0 automatic with about 111,000 miles on the odometer. I am in California and thinking of getting this car as a my daily driver. my commute is 120 miles a day. I may be driving it 3 to 4 times a day. is it a practical move for me? anything I need to know about the Z4 3.0 model? do you think I should pull the trigger? I can do some of the engine works myself too. let me know guys if I am doing the right thing here. appreciate the help.

thanks,
vic

[Chris_D]

If it's going to be your primary mode of commuting transport I'd suggest doing a full inspection before buying. Your main criteria is going to be reliability so it's worth spending the time and applying due dilligence. There's a handy guide on here somewhere in the FAQ's I think. Hopefully someone will be along to post a link. Common things to look out for are oil leaks and any strange noises.

Get hold of an OBD reader and agree with the seller for you to be able to scan it on inspection to see if it throws up any scary error codes but make sure you get to scan and drive from cold. Codes can be reset and then stay hidden for a while.

Check everything works including the hood, heated seats etc. If it has the airbag warning light on it could be a tricky and never-ending search for a fix. if it's the airbag module it could get complex and expensive.

Camcover gaskets will fail and I suspect at 111k miles yours will have been done but check around the back of the engine between the head and block when the engine is cold and with your fingers to see if there's any oil seepage. If you smell/see any smoke coming from around the exhaust manifold then this will be oil leaking onto the manifold from the camcover and burning off. Replacing is easy.
CCV systems will fail and on failure you will notice immediately as a drop in power and smoking. Replace with a cold-climate version as it has thicker insulation which can help prevent condensation buildup in the system.
Check the intake boot (after MAF, before intake manifold) as these fail at the elbow. You'll see a hole there or a chirruping noise when idling.
Get underneath with a torch and have a good look for any suspension damage/weirdness.

Waterpumps and thermostats are a failure item so make sure it's cooling properly with the needle resting bang in the middle of the gauge at all times.

CHeck the hifi works as Carver amps if it has the multi speaker system are hard to find/replace.

Check it pulls strongly. If not it may need a Vanos overhaul.

Swap in a new DISA valve if it hasn't had one already. The hinge pins for the butterfly valve fail and can be ingested into the engine and then it will be 'goodnight vienna'.

Then if you're happy with the inspection and agree on a price just use it during a shakedown period before you start using it for long commuting distances to make sure everything is tip top and you can rely on it for commuting duty.

A full service history is nice to have and if it's been owned by an enthusiast who's lavished love, attention and money on it then all the better. If it's been someone's school-run, shopper, drift-machine, trackday beater then walk away.

It's an auto box which would personally put me off but as theyre more popular in the US and as you will be using it to commute then maybe it's a wise choice for you, just make sure there's no weird noises or slushiness on gear changes.

Any pics?

[vmaniqui]

this is the only pic from the dealer. I am checking it out this week and your input is greatly appreciated. I'll make sure I do what you mentioned when I head to the dealership. thanks again.

[Chris_D]

possibly the worst photo in the world to make any sort of judgement on unfortunately.
If you can copy the chassis number from the window in the windscreen you should be able to find the full specification online.
good luck!

[Chris_D]

also, that photo is used once on the dealer website and doesn't match up to the description or your own mileage description.
Has it listed as Black Sapphire with beige interior and stands at 119k miles. Were you aware of that?
And $8k seems a bit high to me if I'm honest. Does it come with a full warranty?

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[vmaniqui]

Thanks guys.

Good catch. I didn’t even notice that. I emailed the seller/dealer to send me pics. Appreciate it.

-Vic

[vmaniqui]

here's the pic they sent me. thanks everyone.

[vmaniqui]

some more.

[vmaniqui]

more...

[futureZ4buyer]

If it is in a good condition, I think it's worth 8000$. Of course, I may be wrong.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4GLwf3tNbI
Look at this one and it was 7500$...

Prices in UK are much lower for these cars than in the rest of the Europe/World.
My 2.2i with 85000 miles and in good condition was 7500eur.

This example looks nice on pictures, but it's always the best to see it in person.

[rdm05z4]

Since they provided the Vin I would do a Carfax check even if it cost you a few $$. Also if according to the car fax report if it mentions any service repair shops I would try to contact them (as I did) to get any details not mentioned in car fax. I was fortunate that by doing this I was able to determine all maintenance on my current car was done either at BMW dealer or Authorize certified one. So even with high mileage I felt more comfortable in my purchase. You were wise to post on forum for advice prior to purchase. There are many knowledgeable folks here. Also I think there is a section on the forum for what to look for when purchasing. Good luck with you search for a fun ride.