Hello! Looking at a Z4 tomorrow.

[rich1068]

Hi all.

I've decided to treat myself a little and after initially looking at Z3s but not really finding anything suitable, I've decided a Z4 could be just the ticket. A friend had one and loved his so, you know...

I've read through a million posts here and elsewhere and watched many YT videos. Of varying quality. I'm off to see an '05 manual 2.2i SE tomorrow and on paper everything checks out. Price is good for a dealer, sub-60k mileage, very good MOT history, one owner from new and according to the seller, stacks of paperwork. I'd really appreciate a top 5 of things to look out for if someone could impart their wisdom?

The only thing that's giving me slight pause is that on close inspection of the pictures there looks to be paint bubbling on the O/S front wing. I only spotted it after agreeing to go and look. Any thoughts on this? I do know a very good body shop that I've used many times after cheap car purchases but I'd hate to think this is one of those where if it's got this far then the car's knackered. No mention of underside corrosion on any of the MOTs.



Many thanks in advance.

 

[bigwinn]

Front wings are fairly easy to replace (repair is unlikely with that level of rusting) but Titan silver can be difficult/challenging to find a perfect match

The rears are the ones to watch as they are harder to replace

 

[rich1068]

Thanks. I read about there being a bit of a moisture trap behind there but don't know how true that is. Unless it's poorly repaired accident damage?

The car is over 20 years old so I don't expect mint condition, just don't really want anything serious.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I think bigwin has covered your question about the wing. They do have a lip on them where the arch liner sits so if the liner wasn't located quite right I suppose it's possible there would be a build up of road dirt.

The only other common corrosion issue seems to be the rear brake pipes, especially just in front of the rear passenger side wheel. You probably won't be able to inspect them, but if it is had an MOT advisory for them they'll need replacing. My last two Z4s have both needed that.

Make sure the electric roof works properly. Where BMW put them they often end up sitting in a pool of water from the roof drains. There are a few people who specialise in relocating them into the boot out of harm's way for £200 or so.

Other than that it's only really checking what you would check for any older car, although thankfully the 6 cylinder engines are pretty bulletproof.

 

[rich1068]

Thank you.

Apart from the usual rear spring issues there is a mention of the rear brake lines in 2016 but nothing since.

And regarding the roof, I've seen this mentioned more than once. My mate with the Z4 had to take a trip to Zed Shed when he had his. But I've since spoken to the seller and there's an old bill for about £1k to get this sorted. Sounds like a dealer job to me

 

[enuff_zed]

Thank you.

Apart from the usual rear spring issues there is a mention of the rear brake lines in 2016 but nothing since.

And regarding the roof, I've seen this mentioned more than once. My mate with the Z4 had to take a trip to Zed Shed when he had his. But I've since spoken to the seller and there's an old bill for about £1k to get this sorted. Sounds like a dealer job to me

A dealer will remove the roof and fit a brand new motor back in the dark wet dungeon. Several of us can relocate the motor to the boot without all that rubbish, and also without using the ZedShed method of levering the casing until the cable ties snap and the whole lot crashes into the hall sensors. @Number5 is the roof king (Bristol), followed by @bigwinn (Lincoln), @Street (Newcastle) and me near Norwich. Apologies to any others I’ve forgotten.

 

[MikeyH]

Hello welcome to the forum from a fellow 2.2i owner. I bought mine from a forum member in Sheffield 4.5 years ago and still love it. That sound pulling in 2nd gear is amazing. Enjoy your new car and this amazing forum.

 

[paddy wright]

Welcome along- and particularly welcome to the exclusive 2.2 club

 

[rich1068]

Hello welcome to the forum from a fellow 2.2i owner. I bought mine from a forum member in Sheffield 4.5 years ago and still love it. That sound pulling in 2nd gear is amazing. Enjoy your new car and this amazing forum.

Welcome along- and particularly welcome to the exclusive 2.2 club

Sheffield/South Yorkshire/2.2i connections everywhere. Maybe we should start our own v.v.exclusive forum?

Assuming I buy it.