10 Year Old Car

M

mountainman

Member
I have the opportunity to trade my car in towards a 2003 Z4 2.5i with near-as-makes-no-difference 60,000 miles. (They are only asking $11.5k for it...which I thought was a good price.)

I recognize that is a low-mileage car considering it's age. But....this will be a daily driver and my only vehicle with four wheels. Realistically, what kind of issues can I expect to see on a car this old?

I have read that the engines on these cars are nearly bulletproof, and should last me 200,000 or more. What about everything else?
 
Search for Alanj buyers guide. Main things are broken rear springs, cracked strut brace mount and coil pack failures. Welcome to the forum
 
I own a similar aged vehicle in the UK Just over 10 years with just over 60k mileage.
The car is in pretty great structural state for a 10 year old even though we salt our roads heavily (in Scotland) during the winter months. Its had some brake pipes replaced but other wise ok
Adding to what previously stated by paddy wright:
I had a windscreen wiper linkage fail but repaired myself with a quick drill and tap. Wiper Motors can also be an annoying issue.
Potential roof hydraulic motor failure. (I haven't suffered this touch wood!)
Suspension rubbers. Front wish bones anti roll bar bushes would probably benefit from a refreshment but fairly cheap and straight forward jobs. Car is very sensitive to suspension wear.
Head lamp lens going opaque but can be polished out.

I havent regretted the purchase even I was concerned about the age of the vehicle as you are.
Enjoy! :thumbsup:
 
My 2.5SE is 10 years old at 40k miles and have had less unexpected work than my newer daily driver over the last 4 years. Headlight washer, window regulator mechanism, routine brake replacement and corroded brake caliliper & pipes. From what I've gathered on the forum the six cylinder mechanicals are rock solid, just think 3 series BMW issues (such as they are) plus roof motors and the possibility of the electric PAS 'sticky steering' problem (I'll leave you to search the forum for that one).

I've owned several 'prestige' 10 + year old cars and had always rated my Mercs but the BMW seems to be as durable and without the rust issues that still plague Mercs from that era. Choose carefully, maintain fully and I'd say it value prestige sports motoring :thumbsup:
 
My Z is 10 years old with 62,000 miles

the only non maintenance items I have had to change is the radiator expansion tank and a few O rings
 
Just have a proper look at the car and its history. If its been well maintained and has receipts for the work carried out, I'd feel confident.

If the car has dodgy history and no evidence of repairs carried out - walk away.

These cars are reliable if looked after. If neglected, you're taking a big gamble.

My car is similar age - 82k on the clock, and has been pretty trouble free


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Thank you all for the welcome and thank you for the replies.

The general feeling I am getting is: as long as the car was maintained, it should be a decent purchase. If it wasn't maintained well....walk away.

It seems like most of the issues you all have suffered are relatively minor and easily replaced if you're fair hand with a wrench.

That is really heartening to hear.
 
Buyers guide in the link below - my car was 9 years old on September 9th. regular servicing (by time and not mileage) and its runs perfectly.
 
AlanJ, thanks for putting together your buyers guide. Paddy Wright suggested it in one of the first replies, and I found it after a quick search. I have a copy printed and in my bag, for I go see the car tonight.
 
*Sigh* It was a case of "too good to be true". I found a 2004 3.0i for the same price as the 2003 2.5 I was looking at. I went and test drove it....only to find the ride was a bit....off. I don't have a great amount of experience with these cars, but the others I have test drove felt smoother. I get home to check the VIN and, sure enough, "salvage title" pops up.

No thanks.
 
Hi. Welcome.

AlanJ has some good post. Wish i had found those earlier.

I have a 10 year old 3.0i, 100k miles. Purchased it at ~98,000. My only advice would be to not go to a dealer for repairs.

Some repairs i had done (at the dealer),
Front Control arm bushings ~$700
Valve cover gasket, $195 for inspection, ~$585 for repairs
Drive belts ~$400
Run flat tire ~$400

Other stuff:
Third brake light
headlight condensation
blown amp (not yet)
Diff bushings (not yet)

These links will be helpful if you do buy a Z4 and do your own repairs,
Part List/Diagrams:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=BT53&mospid=47799
Online Repair Manual:
http://bmw.workshop-manuals.com/Z_Series_E85/Z4_3.0i_M54_ROADST/index.php?id=4
For US, i get my parts at
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/catalog/shopcart/B134_catalog.htm

Even with all of those issues and repairs, I think was still worth the purchase. Its a cool car and fun to drive.

I hope this was helpful and Good Luck with your search.
 
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