WANTED I’m Thinking of buying a Z4M

Wanted
Jammysam96

Jammysam96

Member
 Manchester
Hi everyone,

I’m thinking of buying a Z4M but can’t decide on a couple I’ve seen on auto trader.

They all range from 65-130k miles done.

All seem to have good service records and good maintenance on them but is there anything I should be watching out for with them?

Also is it worth having the rod bearings upgraded when having one at those higher miles? Saw one car has had them done.

Any advice would help! Id be driving a fair few miles on it as I plan to keep the car for myself and use it daily ( I’m nostalgic for the car because it’s one my late farther had )

Many thanks in advance!
 
Do it

Stop thinking and take the plunge seriously I’ve not regretted it

Deffo budget in getting your rod bearings and vanos seen to
 
Think I should try and get one with lower miles in the 60k range or reckon it doesn’t matter if I get things fixed up and keep on top of maintenance?
 
Depends what the long term plan is

If you are worried about sell on value then follow miles with good provenance

I saw a well used m on 159k last week and it looked great and the owner used it every day come rain or shine
 
Oh I wouldn’t mind if the price dropped to £0 haha I just don’t want to get shafted on getting one with more miles and it causes more problems. In that case I’ll have a look and get one that’s been looked after which most of them seem to have been! And not worry to much on the miles on it :)
 
Buy on condition more than anything - low mileage cars can also be money pits!! These cars are there to be driven and enjoyed. As long as it’s been serviced enjoy the car, remember any car can fail or have issues - they are machines made by man ultimately so don’t get too bent out of shape over it.
Finally, drive a few if you can as you’ll soon get a feel for a poorly maintained car.
 
Hi and welcome to the forum. :thumbsup:

After 5 years with a 3.0Si I took the plunge, got my M in 2019 and still absolutely love it. :D

It had done 76K when I got it after 7 previous keepers so I had budgeted for new bearing shells. I had them fitted at 78K and half of the old ones were showing copper so it was time - also had new engine mounts as the old ones were shot. My ex-Sytner Indy recommended ACL shells so that is what it got. He used OE bolts but some people seem to prefer ARP bolts.

It's now at almost 99K now but still running brilliantly so I wouldn't rule out a well maintained higher mileage one especially as you plan to use it. I know the value of mine will take a hit when it reaches a 6 figure mileage but I also bought it to use it!

Buying a lower mileage one may be a false economy if it needs big jobs like bearing shells or Vanos done.

Given their age now a car that has had a recent suspension refresh is a bonus.

Good luck finding the right one and following in your father's footsteps!
 
A lot have covered this already bit 100% buy on condition not mileage. Personally they're getting to the age where they have had several owners and you simply wont know how it's been driven when cold until one day the rod bearings come a-knocking, by which time it's too late. For the sake of what £1300, I'd definitely budget getting them done by a specialist within the first 6months post-sale...

The rest simply depends on how 'enthusiastic' you want to be when driving it. If you want to enjoy running the engine out occasionally but mostly are content with enjoying the experience bimbling around backroads, I'd factor in some money to keep on top of the service schedule, get an indy to look after it for you, and leave it at that. If you're wanting to make it a bit more enjoyable to drive enthusiastically there are plenty of bits I'd look at refreshing - Rear Trailing Arm bushes, Front Control Arm Bushes, springs and dampers and an alignment will give it a nice refresh - even at 60k all these components will be very tired and baggy.

What I'm saying is, if you want to get the car to drive and enjoy I'd avoid the lower mileage examples as they'll be more expensive, but still need bushes and rod bearings - and the value is in the low mileage so if you drive and put miles on it you'll lose more value comparatively. Get one that's been well looked after, don't be scared of the mileage, plan to get the rod bearings and imo the above bushes done and the springs and dampers and an aligent and it'll drive really nicely on the road!

Enjoy, I still get half tempted to buy a roadie for the top down experience on the road!
 
Nice, congratulations! I’m sure your father would be really pleased and proud.
More pictures and details as well as a review please. 😊👍🏻
 
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