So many choices

[twoscoops61]

Hi, I am completely new to the Z4 and have only ever drive 3 and 5 series as company cars. As I am now older but but wiser I decided its time for some fun so with a budget of between £3000 and £5000 I have decided to buy myself a Z4. BUT reading the forum and reviews there are so many choices and lots of conflicting advise SO need some help please. With the budget I have I am looking realistically at a 2003 - 2006 model. I see there are 2.0, 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 litre options and I initially thought 2.5 straight 6 but now I am not sure as I have read lots of good things about the 2.0i - Any help would be really really appreciated. Thanks in advance Gaz

[enuff_zed]

Welcome to the madhouse Gaz.
With that budget you'll be looking at the upper end of the pre-facelift market and some of the facelifts.
I would steer away from the 2.0i. Whilst I am running one and its fine, they are not known for soaking up the higher mileages.
The straight 6 M54 engines in 2,2, 2.5 or 3.0 sizes are virtually bomb-proof if looked after.
The later (facelift) N52 comes in 2.5i (replacing the 2.2), 2.5si (more powerful tune), 3.0si.
The M54 is a much torquier engine from low rpms, whereas the N52 likes to be revved more. The equivalent N52 engines each have a bit more power than their M54 brethren, but in daily use it's not really too noticeable, with the earlier engine's torque filling the gap for 95% of daily conditions.
The M54 2.2 is often overlooked, but I had one and with it's closer ratio gearbox it is a cracking B-road car.
For motorway journeys the 2.5 or 3.0 are slightly less revvy, using their extra torque to allow slightly more spaced out gearing.
A lot of people do say that the 2.5 and 3.0 in M54 guise have little to separate them, though in most cases a 3.0 will have been more highly specced.
I'd suggest saying where you are roughly, seeing if anyone local is willing to let you have a look at their cars, and deciding what you need before diving in.
Good luck, and at least you've started in the right place.

[twoscoops61]

Thank you that is really helpful

[DMike]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

In previous threads covering similar grounds, the six pot 2.5 and 3.0 litre ones are what most recommend. A well maintained 2.5 or 3.0i pre-facelift with a M54 engine is quite bullet proof. They tend to have a couple of well-known niggles to sort out with age (DISA valve, VANOS seals, roof motor relocation). Those are DIYs well documented on the forum, if you have the resources (garage, some basic tools and time).

[twoscoops61]

Thank you Mike

[enuff_zed]

To reinforce DMike's points. Of course the roof motor will be common to every version. The Vanos seals do not break the engine, they simply reduce the effectiveness of the variable valve timing so you lose a little power. If you buy it like that you'll never notice until you have them done.
The main issue of the three is the DISA. This sits above the throttle body. It is a plastic flap, located top and bottom by two short plastic spindles, which wear. If it lets go the parts all set off to visit the inlet valves. It is a very easy fix to modify it with metal parts, but something to bear in mind when you're viewing cars.

[Zedebee]

You will pay a premium for a 3 litre car, just because it’s the biggest/most powerful, although running costs are much the same. The 3 litre is definitely gruntier at the traffic lights, but there is not a lot of difference once you get going. Autos seem to be quite a bit cheaper than manuals. The ‘box is reliable but avoid the specialist SMG option which seems to attract more problems.
As stated above, the 6 cylinder engines are good for high miles if properly looked after, but the suspension doesn’t cope so well. Look for evidence this has been refreshed or allow some cash to do it yourself (DIYable and not hugely expensive).

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum Gaz - I think most of it has been covered already.

Personally I'd go for a 6 cylinder model every time as a straight 6 is one of the Z4s unique features, and the sound track is better!

The only pre-facelift model that had a 6 speed gearbox was the 3.0i which may be a factor if you plan to use it for Motorway trips.

You might find a 2.5 facelift in your budget - just be aware that there were 2 versions, the 2.5i with 177bhp and the 2.5Si with 218bhp. Facelifts also came in 2 trim levels, SE and Sport. Sport models had M-Sport seats as standard so are real bonus as used ones are very sought after - can be close to £1,000 if they are electric and heated. And very few pre-facelifts have them.

Anyway good luck finding the right one.

[twoscoops61]

Thank you all so much I will keep you updated with my progress

[MikeyH]

Welcome to the forum, all been said really. I have a 2.2 and for driving around Devon lanes it’s great, I think the exhaust is quieter but still sounds great. Mine is a facelift but has the M sport seats from factory so you might find one. Anyway good luck with your search.