New car

[Scott94]

Hi all,

Looking to get an E85 or 86 ... recently got a new job and will be traveling 58 miles each day round trip, I fancy something that I will really enjoy driving! I usually buy newer cars - year or two old but fancy an older one and sick of depreciation - have always been scared of an older car for some reason, also fancy learning how to do a few things by myself!

So what tips do you have when buying an older Z4? Should I be looking at mileage? Is there any reason to not go for one with 100k+? What key things should have been done by certain mileage marks? Etc any any general tips! I’ve looked through a few old threads but just asking again for anything new!

Lastly, what kinds of real world mpg you getting on a 3.0? (Preferred engine) ... 55 of the 58 miles will be motorway driving so if I got the 3.0 what should I expect? Or should I really be thinking about another engine for better mpg??

**quick edit - has been asked before but just making sure an E85 and E86 can - do these cars fit golf bag and clubs in the boot?

Looking forward to being part of the club!

Cheers,

Scott

[greg81]

You sound just like me. I never wanted and older car but bit the bullet and have since been learning.

I always wanted a low miler but would be looking for condition, maintenance and history over miles.

I can comfortably fit a nice set of Ping I20 irons and a TM M4 in the boot in a cart bag with plenty of room to spare.

Best of luck!

[philbo909]

Motorway 40mpg if sticking to 70
I average 34mpg which is better than my old 318i saloon
No real issues with high milers, the n52 doesn't like short trips anyway!
At 100k+ miles the suspension will need a refresh,
So look for one that's been done and the water pump should've been replaced.
Where are you based?

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum Scott.

As you have spent some time on here you probably know that there was a facelift in 2006 when the 3 litre engines changed from the M54 (3.0i) to the N52 (3.0Si). The N52 is more powerful, but has a couple of foibles - there is no dipstick, you have to rely on a button on the dash, and they have an electric water pump that tends to die after about 10 years and costs over £200 just for the replacement part! So if you find a car that has already had it's water pump replaced that would be a bonus.

Mileage isn't really a problem, it's just a number - my current Z4 is on 87K and my daily 325i with the 2.5 litre N52 has done almost 135K but still runs really well.

I'm sure I read somewhere that an E86 boot will take 2 golf bags, but I've no experience of an E85.

My E86s have only been fun cars, but when I sold my first one the OBC was showing 34.0 mpg - my current one is showing 33.6 mpg, but that's probably because I'm enjoying it more!

Good luck finding the right one - and don't forget we like photos!

[m7xeg]

Averaging 37.2 this week as I’ve been driving on the motorway a lot. Usually about 34-35 with 60% of my miles being on the motorway.

When I bought mine it has issues with some misfires & the handbrake ratchets worn...not to mention it had an M badge stuck on the boot (3.0i)

[Scott94]

Thanks for the replies so far that was quick!

I have been hanging about the forum for 2 years now admiring peoples cars but finally decided I’m going for it!

I’m based in Scotland - Motherwell there are a fair few of us Scottish on here!

Currently drive a Mercedes C250 coupe 15 plate, really enjoy driving it! This will be going to my wife and I will be selling her Mini Cooper for Z4 purchase!

Cheers

[Mr Tidy]

That's the forum service in action!

I know what you mean about depreciation - I bought a pre-reg 123d in January 2008 when I was doing business miles and getting a car allowance, but after 6 and a half years and over 80K miles I sold it to get an E86 (at a loss of over £16K).

I'd much rather spend a bit keeping my E86 up to scratch - it's so much more fun to drive!

[buzyg]

You can't beat older car when it comes to value. Zeds are generally pretty reliable if cared for. No need to fear the miles, just keep your eye on the condition and whether the car has been loved. Welcome aboard.

[Z4 COUPSTER]

As most of above on Motorway both my M54 &N52 average middle to late 30s. If you equate depreciation into it what you don't loose in value..if so very little...to running costs in real terms, hell your petrol is free!!.
And I've had a lot of stuff in the boots of both always with plenty of room left, even flat pack furniture in the coupe. Go for it bud.
D

[Thierry]

Hi Scott,

If you've got your heart set on the z4 then the 3 litre is the engine to go for. You won't get much better fuel economy from the smaller engines. As people have said it can be good for 35 or even 40 mpg on a good motorway run.

I briefly used my 3.0 e86 for commuting (about 40 miles round trip), I hated putting miles on my pride and joy for the mundane daily drive to work. If I were you I'd be considering an old diesel that does 60mpg and that I'd happily run in to the ground, and get the z4 as a weekend toy. (I won't suggest a TT TDI for the best of both worlds, I'll get booted off the forum).

If you do get the 3.0 z4 then you're in for a treat

[srhutch]

One of the design criteria’s of the E85 was the ability to put two sets of bats in the boot.

Not a golf fan myself so never tried it though.

[redtailed78]

Welcome,

I've not tried to fit the clubs in the car yet but I'll give it a bash later, imagine it will be fine unless it's a huge cart type bag

When I was looking everyone advised to go with the 3.0 and I'm so glad I held out to get the bigger engine, on the 3.0 i think the main issue is the water pump. I don't think high mileage is an issue as long as it's been looked after correctly.

[the stripler]

Thanks for the replies so far that was quick!

I have been hanging about the forum for 2 years now admiring peoples cars but finally decided I’m going for it!

I’m based in Scotland - Motherwell there are a fair few of us Scottish on here!

Currently drive a Mercedes C250 coupe 15 plate, really enjoy driving it! This will be going to my wife and I will be selling her Mini Cooper for Z4 purchase!

Cheers

Hi mate,

im in motherwell myself. although not for long, moving to strathaven in 8 weeks.
If you need any help with finding a car im happy to keep a look out for anything that comes up.

gary

[firebobby]

Welcome to the forum, you can read all about the early MK1 Z4 in this months practical classics

[Big Andra]

Hi Scott, I’m just up the road in carluke. Had my Z for about a month now and I’m loving every minute I’m in it. Glad I held out for the 3.0. Not sure about the golf clubs though. Waste of a good dog walk