Z4-forum.com

Hi guys,
Just looking to buy my first z4 ,hopefully a 09 onwards for the tin roof and flappy paddel shift ( can't use a manual after a bad bike accident).
Any buying advice gratefully accepted .
I havr been on U.Tube looking at all the videos and the e89 seems to be just right for an old fart like me!
Just sold an f430 replica that I spent a load of cash getting right with a lexus 3 ltr v6 so am used to a bit of power. Is the 3ltr z4 the one to go for ?
Look forward to hearing from anyone in the Harrogate area or anywhere in the North for meetups!
Cheers Mike.

Hi,

I don't have a z4 any more, but have had 6 of them. All 3ltr. If you can afford it I'd say go for it. it's always been the top of the range apart from the "M" version, which means in most cases more equipment as standard or people specced them better.

2009 would be the last of the old shape (E85) soft top and new shape (E89) folding metal roof. so you'll need to decide which you're gonna go for. I've had one E85 and 5 E89s. The E89 is more refined than the E85, but that's not always what you want. There's loads of info on this site for every model, engine size, colour combo. so the more you read the better prepared you'll be when you go to look at one.

Good luck with the search.

Welcome to the board. E89 for the gearbox and the flappy paddles. Though folks also rate the auto in the E85 if you can track one down.

Thanks for the info .I was under the impresion that the e89 came out in 09, definately want that for security as well as comfort.
So 2010 it is then

Hi mike,

You are correct the E85 was produced until 2008, hence there are a few around actually registered in 2009. However all Z4’s built in 2009 are the hard top E89 variety. So your search should begin from 2009 onwards, there will be both manual and auto cars, you’ll need to seek out an auto for the paddle shift.

The E89 Z4 with tin roof and flappy paddles started in 2009. I would say the 3 litre is the one to go for but I am biased!

30i for probably the best reliability silky smoothness and fantastic sound, 35i or 35is if you want more poke and can be highly tuned but expect to dish out some dosh keeping it on the road.

Alternative you can join the 4 pot club if you don't mind loosing the smoothness and sound of the 6. you can get the 18i or 20i and they can be re-mapped to around 270 or 280 BHP, some say they are better handling due to the lower engine weight up front but personally for most people most of the time you probably won't notice much difference. Beware that the 18i models are likely to a lot lower specced than any of the others.

So you have a huge choice and only you can decide what feature you want out of your Zed, which will dictate which model you go for.

Hi I’m in Thirsk this weekend at Bagby Airfield working there with my E89 if you wanted to meet up and discuss the pros n cons etc happy to do so..I’m leaving Monday morning ..

Hi and welcome to the forum Mike.

I've no experience of E89s but have become addicted to straight 6 BMWs, to the extent I'm now on numbers 5 and 6 in the last 6 years.

But the 4 cylinder turbos have their fans too, so it probably just depends what you prefer.

Happy hunting!

Cheers guys ,deffo going for the 6cylinder and auto e89 just hoping I can find a decent red or blue car preferably without run flats !

Sorry if I missed thanking anyone for good advice given (not too clever with my tablet yet! ) Wanted to get to Bagby to meet up with p bondar but prior engagement precluded that, hope to see you sometime M8.
Thanks for welcome messages also !

I found one! getting delivered next week , red ,magnolia ,semi aoto, and nav e23i 53K. Spotless .
Was ladies car for last two years ( garage owners wife).

Mike gorman wrote: ↑Sat Sep 26, 2020 5:26 pm I found one! getting delivered next week , red ,magnolia ,semi aoto, and nav e23i 53K. Spotless .
Was ladies car for last two years ( garage owners wife).

Congratulations on the new purchase and welcome to the forum

Congratulations and welcome to the forum

Great news Mike!

I hope you realise we'll want to see photos of your car once you have it!

Thanks guys , can't wait ,like a child at xmas!.
Photos when I get it!