Years to avoid when looking for a used Z4?

E

easyrider

Member
Hello. And, yes, I am a newbie to the Z4-forum. For financial reasons I've been searching cars.com and carmax.com for a good, low mileage Z3 or Z4. I don't know too much about either but am starting to dig in and learn. After seeing some nice Z3's and Z4's on both cars.com and carmax.com it occurred to me that maybe there are some years I should avoid. So my questions are: (1)Are there any particular years of manufacture for Z3's and Z4's that one should avoid due to excessive problems with the car? (2)I see that this forum has a place for offering used Z4's for sale. Great! Besides this forum and cars.com and carmax.com, are there any other places I should be checking into to find a good used Z3 or Z4? BTW, I am not into muscle and flare: am just looking for a basic Z3 or Z4 with the smallest engine made for that year and having a manual transmission. (And naturally, of course, it has to look great and be in great condition. :) ) Thanks!
 
easyrider - welcome.
Wrong place to ask about the Z3, but some guys on here have owned both so may be able to comment. Very different cars.

There are no years or models to really avoid as it's the same basic car end to end aside engine change at facelift time.
I think the US only got 6 cylinder engines so the 2.2 is the smallest.
Personally I'd go for a 2.5 of any year you can find. Avoid SMG as that was a little problematic and stick to the straight manual you mention.

Think about options and colour combos that are a 'must have'

If you find one you likee post a link and the guys will comment on value, etc.
 
I've always thought the 2007 to be a particularly fine vintage ... great balance, rounded yet quirky, wonderful notes, sublime terroir, and getting even better with age. Real collector's piece. Consume now or enjoy watch it bloom.
 
Hi and welcome to the Forum. All been said I think. 6 cylinder engines on the Z4 are the ones to go for, and as CJ you did not get the 4 cyl 2.0l Zed so that narrows the options to engine size which links to your budget. Good luck in the search. There's a pre purchase checklist link in my signature some of which is UK only but in general most applies when checking out a pre owned anywhere.
 
Thank you all for responding so quickly! I have read all your comments and suggestions and have noted your pointers for future reference. Can anyone recommend a decent overview book that goes into Z3/Z4 design/models/specs/etc? I looked briefly at Amazon for one and found "BMW Z4: Design, Development and Production--How BMW Creates the Ultimate Driving Machines" but at $200 new and $285 collectible it's a bit pricey for me. :) Thanks!
 
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