2003 3.0 Z4

D

docttor999

Member
Hi guys!

I am new to the forum, just sold my 2007 TTR due to awful reliability issues and going to jumpship to BMW I think. I am about to view a 2003 3.0 from an independnet dealer up for 10K with 52K miles on the clock. It has a full BMWSH and a few extra toys I am looking at.

I have searched and read up the useful advice on here, any direct issues for this particular year car I need to look out for, coils are in good nick I have been informed. Also I am looking to mod the car once I get it so will be posting for advice! I want to clear the front indicator lenses but reading on here I note that this is very difficult and exepensive, have I got this right?

Thanks for reading. :thumbsup:
 
Good choice for the best engine, spec and value

Clear headlights are a challenge as they were only made for a short period of time in 2005 before the facelift so are sought after. Fitting is a 30 minute bumper cover off and bolt in job.

You can't tell if the coils are good. Find the date they were last changed. Expect them to go as 30 to 40k and be £150+ the pair DIY

What price are they asking??
 
re full BMWSH, make sure oil has been changed at least every 2 years.

re headlights, you can chop up some donar facelift headlights and take the clear lens from that. That's what I did using CJ10Jeeper's very useful writeup.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2953

It cost me around £150 for the donar headlights, £12 for black silicon, £1 for mirrored film, £6 for the paint (which I later found that I didn't need as the indicator let out enough amber light without it). Not too bad considering it would cost over £600 for halogens and £1500 for xenons at the dealers. It's not as difficult as it seems. Just needs time and patience. :thumbsup:
 
Cheers guys will look into the indicators when I get hold of a car!

The car is on at 10,400 for 2003, 52K miles, xenons, electric seats, bluetooth, cd changer, park sensors, remote roof closure, in Silver. Not bad speck, I am only after the xenons really. It has the elipsode alloys, will sell them and get it lowered and add some aftermarket 19s - thats the plan!

What do you guys think of the price, will try and haggle sub 10k.
 
Hi,

My advice would be to get an MOT or get it on a 4 poster before you buy it, if you are interested. It's £50, if it passes you have piece of mind, if it doesn't walk away.

At least you can see what the springs, bushes etc are like, which tend to be the main things that you need to look out for as you have to replace some of these in pairs. Check tyres all round, as RFT's are a costly addition, (switch to non rft's asap), you can also tell if it needs alignment from the tread etc. Or ask them to get it aligned before you buy it etc.

One other thing to check is pads and discs, just make sure they are Kosher, as these can also be expensive. Other than that job's a goodun as they say.

Steve
 
The dealer is a family run business, he deals in prestige cars normally the Z4 is a part exchange for a boxster he sold! He can put a one yr MOT on it for me and comes with a 6 mth warranty so should be ok fingers crossed. Are there any way to check pads etc visually with wheels on? May ask him about the alignment.

cj10 - ur car looks awesome dude. May pick ur brains later to get a front mod like yours!
 
Mine is slightly higher spec and same mileage as that one, but its gunmetal. FBMWSH, just completed inspection 50m before i brought it. 4 new runflats.

I got it sub 9k privately.

Check the roof motor! cycle it a few times to see that it doesnt go slowly or pause at all.
if its duff youll end up like me and having to pay £250 to replace it.
 
docttor999 said:
Hi guys!

I am new to the forum, just sold my 2007 TTR due to awful reliability issues and going to jumpship to BMW I think. I am about to view a 2003 3.0 from an independnet dealer up for 10K with 52K miles on the clock. It has a full BMWSH and a few extra toys I am looking at.

I have searched and read up the useful advice on here, any direct issues for this particular year car I need to look out for, coils are in good nick I have been informed. Also I am looking to mod the car once I get it so will be posting for advice! I want to clear the front indicator lenses but reading on here I note that this is very difficult and exepensive, have I got this right?

Thanks for reading. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Sounds pretty much the same as mine,.. expect for,..mine had 10k less miles, has Xenons, and needed (still needs) about £500 of TLC at a bodyshop for bumps and scrapes.

I paid £10,500 private, ..but a somebody I know well,..so I probably paid a little bit more than usual I would to a stranger for that assurance.

So all in all the price you are paying sounds similar.
 
docttor999 said:
The dealer is a family run business, he deals in prestige cars normally the Z4 is a part exchange for a boxster he sold! He can put a one yr MOT on it for me and comes with a 6 mth warranty so should be ok fingers crossed. Are there any way to check pads etc visually with wheels on? May ask him about the alignment.

cj10 - ur car looks awesome dude. May pick ur brains later to get a front mod like yours!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the compliment - not bad for an old 2003 runabout :)
Pads - look through the rims and tou can see. Feel froa big lip on the disk. If there is they need changing

Price sounds OK for a dealer with warranty and MOT. Forget alignment - he'll just say it's OK

Good advice above about tyres, etc.

Check for scrapes and marks and remember much of the body is ally so delicate and easily dinged
 
Hi guys,

Just called the servicing dealer, all checks in ok with mileage just had MOT and Inspection 2 in May last month. In terms of warranty work just had an ignition coil changed (no 5) in May as well and one of the rear springs was done in 2008. I guess these were out of warranty and done at the garage. No mention of a VANOS change, should I be worried re the ignition coil change? Is this a common problem and will it be costly for me to fix if more cause issues?

Thanks!
 
bigshurv said:
CJ, what apart from the bonnet is ally? I thought that was it. :?
Click to expand...

bigshurv - my error I meant to say ally and thin vulnerable metal (no protection, complex contours) You're correct that only the bonnet is alloy the doors wings and boot are steel.

No worry on the ignition coil. Don't hear of many going. Rest sounds good except I woudl have changed both springs given the mileage, but they are claimed not to sag so not mandatory.
 
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