2.5/3.0 buying

[dmsims]

I was due to go and view a 3.0 forum car early next week, now withdrawn (pity as it looked great)

My question is given that 3.0's seem thin on the ground is what are thoughts on the 2.5 which seem more plentiful (and a bit less money)

I have seen this one (no Idrive) https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509176403952 any comments ?

I have been doing some homework and scouring the forum on specific checks - how is my list below ?

Look for oil weeping from gasket issues around the valve cover exhaust side and from the oil filter housing gasket

Check the water pump has been replaced

The 19” 326m wheels are also prone to cracking especially with run flat tyres

Ask what works have been done to the roof (sensors/microswitches)

Check the boot for water ingress

Roof operation on battery only

Original Shocks?

Have the Vanos solenoids been replaced ?

Hydraulic reservoir in boot for leaks

 

[Mr Tidy]

That's a shame as 30i E89s seem quite hard to find. They do have usefully a bit more power that a 23i, nearly 25% more, so you need to ask yourself if you'd miss that. If so patience may be required to find a 30i!

That looks like a good list, although I don't know about the hydraulic reservoir.

 

[B21]

Check carefully for signs of water ingress around the battery tray/ boot carpets / boot storage area …carefully examine rear light clusters for cracking / segment failures

 

[flybobbie]

I think the 23i is sufficient, had one now 14 years i think.
The chassis can't cope lots of power, barely 23i.
Find one with iDrive display, nice toy but not deal breaker now you can get screens cheap alternate.
Nice to have the heated seats.
Buy 30i if i could though.
Buy cheap and then throw money at tyres and shocks.

 

[raymond.harper]

Check the actual roof loom with the wiring and pipes for cracks and perishing. Always do a scan; the electronics in a Z4 are complicated, and it may have some faults. You need a model-specific reader, not a generic one.

 

[Argyll Andy]

Depends how you're going to drive it. If driving quickly the 23i will leave you wanting more. Main reason I sold mine. Missed out the 30i and went for a 35iS but have travelled many many miles in the company of 30i's and they didn't seem to have the same issues. 23i's also very regularly are lower/basic spec. The Sound system /functionality in mine was very basic.

 

[dmsims]

Check the actual roof loom with the wiring and pipes for cracks and perishing. Always do a scan; the electronics in a Z4 are complicated, and it may have some faults. You need a model-specific reader, not a generic one.

Any suggestions for a reader?

Thanks for the info

 

[raymond.harper]

Any suggestions for a reader?

Thanks for the info

I have an Acel BM700, you can get one from Temu for £71! Many of the members like the creator C420/ 410

 

[dmsims]

Thanks - it arrives on Tuesday