2003 2.5-3.0

Thought i'd chip in as I very recently got a 2003 3.0i. Paid £6k for mine, 60k miles and pretty much every option. I originally had a budget of £5k but I couldn't find a good example that I would be happy to live with so decided to fork out the extra and it was very worth it!

I was pretty surprised with the sat nav actually...after you get past the awkward address input I found it to be good enough that I now keep my Tomtom at home rather in the glove compartment and use the onboard sat nav a few times a week for work destinations. Bear in mind that the map disc might be a little outdated but I absolutely love the integration that the screen brings. I also downloaded new firmware for the system, burnt in onto a DVD and within 10 minutes you have a much prettier display, "perspective mode" and a few bug fixes.....I'd say get one if you can! Flip out screen is also very cool.
 
Mechanically, unless one of these has been stupidly neglected, I assume they're a foregone conclusion in terms of reliability?

Bear in mind I've had a 3yr 'love/hate' relationship with a 20vt Fiat Coupe before, so I reckon a Z4 will be somewhat refreshing haha.

What besides the normal oil, brakes and fluids should I look for as having been carried out on 70K + plus mileages?

I know there's prob a search to bring this stuff up, but there could be valuable discoveries from owner owners post dating any guides, plus I think most forums have gotten alittle too 'use the search function', i prefer a discussion.

Thanks.
 
Just some under the hood things and other odds and ends to look for. Front strut tops, prone to cracking, broken rear springs, orig.pcv valve tends to hold moisture causing a milky look like what will make you first parinoid of a blown head gasket so check pcv first if milky, just to name a few all of which are easy enough diys and not too pricey if you're mechanically inclined. Look at plugs and coils for tune up.

In the how to section covers quite a bit of what you might run in to.
 
Did anyone mention broken rear springs? ........... yep but worth mentioning again, along with window regulators, air bag light due to a passenger seat sensor breaking (watch for owners fitting a bypass, it cures the light but passenger airbag may not work), sticky steering due to overheating electric PAS, roof motors giving up (very common!), older models now getting corroded break pipes, sounds a lot but engines and boxes are strong.

I had the 2.5 Vs 3.0 dilemma and ended up getting a low mileage, top condition, well specified 2.5se for my money and have always been very happy.
 
Piper1 said:
Just some under the hood things and other odds and ends to look for. Front strut tops, prone to cracking, broken rear springs, orig.pcv valve tends to hold moisture causing a milky look like what will make you first parinoid of a blown head gasket so check pcv first if milky, just to name a few all of which are easy enough diys and not too pricey if you're mechanically inclined. Look at plugs and coils for tune up.

In the how to section covers quite a bit of what you might run in to.
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Ok, cheers. Yeah, I'm fairly competent on a bit of fettling here and there, can certainly do all my own servicing on fluids etc
 
Ewazix said:
Did anyone mention broken rear springs? ........... yep but worth mentioning again, along with window regulators, air bag light due to a passenger seat sensor breaking (watch for owners fitting a bypass, it cures the light but passenger airbag may not work), sticky steering due to overheating electric PAS, roof motors giving up (very common!), older models now getting corroded break pipes, sounds a lot but engines and boxes are strong.

I had the 2.5 Vs 3.0 dilemma and ended up getting a low mileage, top condition, well specified 2.5se for my money and have always been very happy.
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Yeah, I don't mind the power drop to a 2.5 tbh, I've a bike capable of of 0-100mph in 5ecs and 190mph so that fulfills all my death wishes for speed :rofl:
 
dec11 said:
maxman said:
There is a comprehensive buying guide on here ,just do a search.
Go for a 3.0 as they have more kit as STD.
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Is the stereo equipment of high standard? That's about the only thing I'd modify if it isn't, saying as I'm getting on for being an old fart now haha
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Some of the 3.0 s have a 10 speaker system. with an amp in the boot..The location of the amp is next to the battery.
Sound is OK for a small cabin.
 
Can't complain about the satnav, whit the new maps and post code search it's as good as any other

Sent from my Xperia Arc S using Tapatalk 4
 
Well two out my posted vehicles have bad online reviews, another one sounded ropey as hell, he didn't know the diff between inspection 1 and 11 despite claiming to be well aware of Z4's!!!

Fooking hell, I hate buying cars!!!!!
 
Good thread for me to have had a quick read through, i'm in the same boat currently looking for a 2.5 Z4, i've got about £5500 to spend.

Never really put effort into buying a used car before, always bought <£1000 bangers so didn't really care too much, seems a nightmare trying to make sure you get a good one! Worried about getting screwed and have very little mechanical knowledge!
 
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