Purchasing advice, please

[Ole gits rule]

I am no expert on the e85 but surely most of those sport and premium items would be standard on an M and things like sport button / alloys / AC / Charcoal filter / OB computer / power roof were on every Z4

Also didn’t think an M could run 17’ wheels because of the size of the brakes. Also didn’t think keyless entry was available on them either but like you I’m no expert on them

Maybe the OP needs to post a link to the actual car he is looking to buy which will give a few of the wiser ones something to gauge their comments on

[lfyost1]

Sorry for the delay. It is a holiday in the States to commemorate the battle fallen.
Here are some links to the adverts that I am following:
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/5UMBT93596LE89516
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/5UMBT93526LE89504
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/5UMBT93536LY52583
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/5UMBT93587LY52970
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/5UMBT93526LE89731

These links should be adequate to provide the information alluded to.
If not, please advise.

[mmm-five]

Is it Carfax telling you about these 'specifications' or is it the dealer/seller advert providing these 'specifications'?

You've still not actually provided links to the adverts, and I believe Carfax is a car history checking site, not a sales platform (something equivalent to HPI/Parkers in the UK) where a Carfax subscription is required to use your links?

All I can tell from the VIN numbers is that they're Z4Ms - the rest of the spec is either 'fluff' by the dealer - or simply the way Carfax displays it's information...as we've already said that a lot of these 'premium' and 'sport' items are standard fit.

Here are the build sheets of those you've posted, so you can see what sort of things the Z4M usually has - but remember the options listed here include items that are completely standard on all Z4Ms:
5UMBT93596LE89516
5UMBT93526LE89504
5UMBT93536LY52583
5UMBT93587LY52970
5UMBT93526LE89731

[lfyost1]

Carfax is now a sales platform. A major one. There are dealer website links on each listing.
I continue to appreciate all the comments and insights.
Layne

[Argyll Andy]

Carfax is now a sales platform. A major one. There are dealer website links on each listing.
I continue to appreciate all the comments and insights.
Layne

Hi Layne, when we click on any of your links it takes us to the following screen, nothing else, they’re all the same

[lfyost1]

Sorry! Here are some dealer sites:
https://www.schompford.com/used-Denver- ... 526LE89504
https://www.selectivecars.net/details/u ... m/73447046
https://www.kunibmw.com/inventory/used- ... 87ly52970/
https://foreignautoconnect.com/vdp/1756 ... n-IN-47401

Also please, how does the ride compare between the 'M' and standard models?
For context, the nearest BMW dealer to me is 100 miles away. The nearest 'M' Z4 is 540 miles away, so first hand information is not readily available.

[mmm-five]

They all seem to be using 'artistic licence' to make standard items seem either more special, or optional extras.

For example...'Bucket Seats' are not a standard fit item, yet all the descriptions list these. The car has sports seats...that's it!
Bucket seats have much more pronounced hip support to keep the occupant from sliding around when driving hard...the standard Z4M sports seats are not brilliant at that function and you'll end up using your knee to brace yourself.

Standard Z4M sports seats:


Bucket seats:


Unfortunately, there is no substitute for going and seeing the cars in person, and checking all the 'claimed' optional extras they have, that the service history is as accurate and complete as promised, and the condition is as good as they've said.

From the first link's 'Options' list:

• Locking/Limited Slip Differential - STANDARD
• Rear Wheel Drive - STANDARD
• Traction Control - STANDARD
• Stability Control - STANDARD
• Brake Assist - STANDARD
• Tires - Front Performance - STANDARD
• Tires - Rear Performance - STANDARD
• Aluminum Wheels - STANDARD
• Aluminum Wheels - DUPLICATE
• Power Steering - STANDARD
• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes - STANDARD
• ABS - STANDARD
• Rear Defrost - STANDARD
• Convertible Soft Top - STANDARD
• HID headlights - STANDARD
• Automatic Headlights - STANDARD
• Heated Mirrors - STANDARD
• Power Mirror(s) - STANDARD (powered folding are optional)
• Intermittent Wipers - STANDARD
• Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers - DUPLICATE
• Rain Sensing Wipers - STANDARD
• Leather Seats - STANDARD SPORTS SEATS
• Bucket Seats - NOT STANDARD / NOT FITTED unless they're describing Sports seats as bucket seats
• Leather Steering Wheel - STANDARD
• Trip Computer - STANDARD
• Engine Immobilizer - STANDARD
• Power Windows - STANDARD
• Power Door Locks - STANDARD
• Keyless Entry - NOT STANDARD / NOT FITTED unless they mean remote open/close?
• Power Door Locks - DUPLICATE
• Remote Trunk Release - STANDARD
• Remote Trunk Release - DUPLICATE
• Climate Control - STANDARD
• A/C - STANDARD
• AM/FM Stereo - STANDARD
• CD Player - STANDARD
• Premium Sound System - STANDARD unless they mean Pro Nav & Hi-Fi
• Convertible Soft Top - DUPLICATE
• ABS - DUPLICATE
• Passenger Air Bag - STANDARD
• Passenger Air Bag On/Off Switch - STANDARD
• Front Side Air Bag - STANDARD
  
• Traction Control - DUPLICATE
• Stability Control - DUPLICATE
• Brake Assist - DUPLICATE
• Rollover Protection Bars - STANDARD

[lfyost1]

Excellent information, thank you.

[Ole gits rule]

Some great advice in here and as said there is nothing like going and seeing the car in the flesh.

Dealer listing items as special / different or non standard is my pet peeve - it frustraters the hell out of me as it almost as if they are trying to con you into paying more for something that is normal

[lfyost1]

These are two differently set up interiors. Just different years, or different 'packages'?

[mmm-five]

These are two differently set up interiors. Just different years, or different 'packages'?

They’re simply interior, exterior, trim choices and optional extras.

I don’t believe the Z4M had a huge amount of ‘option packages’ as most of the newer BMWs have. Yes, you could get extended storage ‘package’, or smoker’s ‘package’, and different hi-fi and sat-nav options, and of course you could pay a premium for ‘Individual’ exterior paint and interior trim options (such as extended or full leather, or bi-colour leather).

Some are no cost options, some are cost options.

You really need to check the relevant the build sheet (from the links I provided) to see what option codes they’ve got, and cross-check that with a sales brochure of the time to see what was standard and what was a co/no-cost option.

[lfyost1]

Got it, thanks.
How do I find build codes for other ones I might find?

[Mr Tidy]

mmm-five has pretty much covered it all.

Here's a link to a site where you can download various Z4 brochures - hopefully the Z4M one will help you:- https://www.onlymanuals.com/bmw/z4

There used to be loads of sites that would identify the original spec of any car using the VIN, usually just the last 7 characters, but many don't seem to work any more - or only work if you pay a fee! I used to use vindecoder, mdecoder, and others - hopefully you can find one.

[lfyost1]

Great brochure, Thank you.
Thought I had a nice one located yesterday. I made arrangements with a BMW independent mechanic to do a thorough inspection and while I was talking to the mechanic, the salesman sold it to someone else. Nasty business!

[craig3.2]

Sorry! Here are some dealer sites:
https://www.schompford.com/used-Denver- ... 526LE89504
https://www.selectivecars.net/details/u ... m/73447046
https://www.kunibmw.com/inventory/used- ... 87ly52970/
https://foreignautoconnect.com/vdp/1756 ... n-IN-47401

Also please, how does the ride compare between the 'M' and standard models?
For context, the nearest BMW dealer to me is 100 miles away. The nearest 'M' Z4 is 540 miles away, so first hand information is not readily available.

In my opinion, having owned a 2005 3.0i,from less than 2 years old back in 2007,with low miles,on Msport suspension (as new with car),on staggered 18s,for around 6 years,,my current z4m Roadster, which I have owned since 2012,
Also on staggered 18s,is actually More Comfortable than my previous e.0i z4 was,due to slightly higher profile tyres on my M from Factory.
It also handles better

P.s,both my zeds have been on Non Runflat tyres,as Ms come that way,and my 3.0i I swapped to Non Runflat almost immediately after purchase.