Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

New to the BMW world!

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
tsak
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Jan 04, 2018 5:02 pm

New to the BMW world!

Post by tsak » Thu Jan 04, 2018 5:07 pm

Hello,

I am from Greece and i plan on purchasing my first car. After long discussions and debates a Z4 won! I have already found a few pre-owned z4 E85 2.0I (EU) with Production Date 2006-01-08 that i am about to check and would like your input on a few topics.

As i am new on this world i would like to know:
1. What should i check to ensure that the pre-owned car is in a good condition
2. Common issues that can be found
3. Any tips for a newbie :)

Thank you!

User avatar
chapeau
Member
Member
Posts: 455
Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2016 5:14 am
Location: South Staffordshire

New to the BMW world!

Post by chapeau » Thu Jan 04, 2018 5:12 pm

Hello and welcome to the forum.This guide may help with looking at the car
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21281

If you do buy one then don't forget to post some photos. We all like photos of zeds.
E85. 2.5i SE. 2004. Sterling grey, anthracite 107s, black leather heated seats, hardtop, sound gen retrofit, matt black grills, stubby, zhp, cupholders retrofit, roof motor in boot.

User avatar
buzyg
Legend
Legend
Posts: 26422
Joined: Fri May 20, 2011 6:11 pm
Location: Cornwall

New to the BMW world!

Post by buzyg » Thu Jan 04, 2018 5:15 pm

Welcome to the forum . :) Is there any particular reason you are only looking at the 2ltr?
Image

tsak
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Jan 04, 2018 5:02 pm

New to the BMW world!

Post by tsak » Thu Jan 04, 2018 6:38 pm

Well i was looking for all versions, 2.0 - 3.0 but the only ones that were in good condition and with not many KM ( the current i am looking only has 59000km ) were the 2.0 ones.

tsak
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Jan 04, 2018 5:02 pm

New to the BMW world!

Post by tsak » Thu Jan 04, 2018 6:57 pm

Here are a few photos i could get from the dealer for your review :D

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

User avatar
Buckz
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1112
Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2016 11:00 am
Location: West sussex

New to the BMW world!

Post by Buckz » Thu Jan 04, 2018 7:04 pm

These cars do well with big km :) so I wouldn't be put off by higher mileage. In my personal opinion a 2.5 and over suits the z4 more.
Image

tsak
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Jan 04, 2018 5:02 pm

New to the BMW world!

Post by tsak » Thu Jan 04, 2018 7:14 pm

What is the estimate consumption per 100km for a 2.5 and also if you have any details for the 2.0-2.2 would be great

I mainly looking for a manual transmit with 6 gears. To be honest this will be my first owned car, I am a motorcycle junkie having plenty of superbikes thus I am not missing the feeling of speed and adrenaline. I want a car that would be great on all aspects and will be fun to drive also. Top speed matters but I believe that it won’t be the main reason for choosing a car. From the moment I saw the z4 on pictures I loved it and today that I saw one from close I knew that this was the car I have to buy. Imagine what will happen on the first test drive hehehhe

LordOxygen

New to the BMW world!

Post by LordOxygen » Thu Jan 04, 2018 7:21 pm

Don't test drive a 6 cylinder if you're aiming to get a 4 pot Zed.

Welcome to the forum.

bowler
Member
Member
Posts: 98
Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2017 5:28 pm
Location: Doncaster

New to the BMW world!

Post by bowler » Thu Jan 04, 2018 7:33 pm

Biggest difference with the 2.5 six for me is not just speed its flexibility. Will pull in fifth from very low speeds to licence loosing speeds with vigour and without fuss. :driving:

User avatar
Mr Tidy
Legend
Legend
Posts: 23608
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
Location: North West Surrey

New to the BMW world!

Post by Mr Tidy » Thu Jan 04, 2018 9:38 pm

Welcome to the forum OP. :thumbsup:

To be honest I wouldn't worry so much about mileage, more condition and history.

My E86 has done 85K miles (or 135,000 km) and the engine still runs great!

Good luck finding one - then we can see the photos. :)
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black

User avatar
Magicarcher
Member
Member
Posts: 543
Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2016 9:12 pm
Location: Warwickshire

New to the BMW world!

Post by Magicarcher » Thu Jan 04, 2018 9:59 pm

bowler wrote: Thu Jan 04, 2018 7:33 pmBiggest difference with the 2.5 six for me is not just speed its flexibility. Will pull in fifth from very low speeds to licence loosing speeds with vigour and without fuss. :driving:
Can't agree more.

However what I would say is go with what you are happy with test drive quite a few, the 2.0L are very different to any of the straight sixes. For me they didn't feel sporty enough, they didn't feel any faster than my Mini One and they didn't sound sporty either. Even the 2.2L 6cyl which I think is about the same performance as the 2.0L sounded nicer and felt faster. So I would encourage you to try a few if at all possible.

The one you are looking at looks very nice in the photographs I must say. But give it a thorough checkover.
Z4 3.0L 2005. Titan Silver. Audio Upgrade Second Stereo Pioneer X8700DAB, Sony Xplode 4 x 70W Amp, 6.5" Reckhorn Subs in rear cubby, Focal AS165-3 in fronts.

tsak
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Jan 04, 2018 5:02 pm

New to the BMW world!

Post by tsak » Fri Jan 05, 2018 4:10 pm

It wont be easy to find a 2.2 or 2.5 in a good condition but i will check them out... I was initially aiming for the 2.2 one but got sidetracked due to the low number of available pre-owned cars. I am going to check another 2.0 one the upcoming week and then will see if i can find a any 2.2 - 2.5 ones.

User avatar
DOOM
Member
Member
Posts: 187
Joined: Mon Dec 02, 2013 4:18 pm

New to the BMW world!

Post by DOOM » Fri Jan 05, 2018 4:29 pm

Is it an authorized dealer? Is there any warranty?
59k km seems too 'convenient' for most of the dealers in Greece.
would definitely choose a private sell/buy. Don't rush.
Can you deal with the running costs of a 6 pot = road tax, servicing, insurance?
'07 Z4C, Stratus Grey | square 108s | Quaife LSD | Lotus seats | Bilstein B4s | ZHP Knob| Cruise Control | Meyle Suspension arms | Pioneer head unit
Miata NBfl 1.8, Torsen T2, JVC Head Unit, Lotus Seat
Vauxhall Corsa C 1.4, bone stock :D

Monkeydonkeyratmagic
Member
Member
Posts: 491
Joined: Mon Oct 16, 2017 1:53 pm
Location: Windsor

New to the BMW world!

Post by Monkeydonkeyratmagic » Fri Jan 05, 2018 4:53 pm

Just bear in mind all petrol in Greece is very very expensive over diesel.
MR-2 Turbo Rev2

Yep no Z yet. On the hunt.

tsak
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Jan 04, 2018 5:02 pm

New to the BMW world!

Post by tsak » Fri Jan 05, 2018 5:07 pm

It is not an authorized BMW dealer but based on the owners manual that is included all services were made under an authorized BMW location. I have a plan to go check based on the VIN number i got and see if the numbers match. I also got the option to take the car into my mechanic at any time i want before the final purchase that would have better knowledge on what to check/verify and spot any issues.

Also i can afford the petrol, servicing and insurance costs. This wont be an issue for the moment. As mentioned the above one that i shared screenshots with is in a really great condition based on a non-mechanic eyes. I will see another 2.0 one the upcoming week that is from another dealer ( not authorized one but with a great name in Greece ) and after that i will also try to find a few 2.2 from a non-dealer.

Can anyone share their petrol/gas consumption per 100KM? would prefer if you know for all versions. Also what is the estimate servicing cost? I know that this can vary on multiply factors but any numbers would be great help for me.

Post Reply