Advice Please. Looking to buy a Z4

[Lexi]

Hi There,

I'm new here & would like some helpful advice. I am thinking of buying a Z4 2003/2004 model, preferably a 3.0 litre engine with manual transmission. Having never owned a BMW before I was hoping that someone would be kind enough to let me know any down sides to Z4 ownership.

I haven't actually been to view any Z4's yet as I'm not entirely sure what I should be looking out for. I know the obvious things to watch for, like making sure that there is a FBMWSH, not too high mileage & to do a HPI check before parting with any cash but other than that I'm clueless!

I have roughly £13500 to spend but would prefer to be looking around the £12500. I've seen a few on Pistonheads.com, Autotrader.co.uk & also on e-bay that are what I'm looking for & in my price range but I thought I'd better get some advice before taking the plunge.

I would be grateful of any feedback

 

[Mattt]

Welcome. Where in the UK are you?

 

[Lexi]

West Midlands

 

[Lotus1]

I was hoping that someone would be kind enough to let me know any down sides to Z4 ownership.

...it's a real tight squeeze getting 3 adults in the back...

Steve

 

[Lotus1]

I was hoping that someone would be kind enough to let me know any down sides to Z4 ownership.

...it's a real tight squeeze getting 3 adults in the back...

Steve

Sorry, that wasn't very helpful but I couldn't resist. Sounds like you're aiming at something similar to my car - I've had a couple of minor issues...window lift mechanism broke, rain sensor for the wipers doesn't work...but there really isn't anything specific to worry about. If it's got a full service history, just make sure everything works before you take the plunge. You should study the 'Problems' section to see the sort of issues that some owners have had.

Welcome aboard

Steve

 

[GAZA62]

Welcome

As above really the usuall stuff as you said and check for accident damage as they are not slow cars but above all be patient and wait until a good car comes along and you will be very happy they are a superb car to own had mine 6 months now and still grin everytime i start her up

 

[no fit state]

rain sensor for the wipers doesn't work...

But that's an easy fix....Just don't let anyone tell you, you have to have new windscreen :thumbsdown:

 

[Aebous]

Keep in mind that not all BMW's are represented in the problems forum. That said, if your getting an 03/04 keep in mind maintenance costs. There are numerous threads on that if you search in this forum. As far as downsides, I think the only one is like Lotus1 put it....putting 3 people in the car. It just doesn't happen legally.
I suppose my only downside with the car is the inability to not race the car everywhere I go.

 

[Herminator]

rain sensor for the wipers doesn't work...

But that's an easy fix....Just don't let anyone tell you, you have to have new windscreen :thumbsdown:

If a new windscreen is needed because of a chip/crack, does the rain sensor cause extra problems?

 

[cj10jeeper]

Narrow down 'West Midlands' a lttle and tou may be close enough to come and look at mine. I'd be happy to run you around in it show a 3.0i 2003 and point to all the bits you should be looking for and at. When you're done there is a BMW dealership 2 miles away to droole over newer ones...

 

[no fit state]

rain sensor for the wipers doesn't work...

But that's an easy fix....Just don't let anyone tell you, you have to have new windscreen :thumbsdown:

If a new windscreen is needed because of a chip/crack, does the rain sensor cause extra problems?

No, a new windscreen will come complete with the optical part of the rain sensor already attached.

You just don't need a new windscreen because of a faulty rain sensor.... though the dealers will tell you, you do.

 

[Lexi]

Narrow down 'West Midlands' a lttle and tou may be close enough to come and look at mine. I'd be happy to run you around in it show a 3.0i 2003 and point to all the bits you should be looking for and at. When you're done there is a BMW dealership 2 miles away to droole over newer ones...

I'm in Wolverhampton.
I know that a 3.0 litre engine will have some good power on it but are they responsive & is there any difference in responce between the manual & the auto box?

As I've only just started looking I don't want to buy the first one that comes along. I would like to see a few first to make sure that it's the right car for me.

Thank you all for being so helpful, I really do appreciate it

 

[Dreamer]

Not much advice apart from look what extras are on the car. Sounds simple but..Check everything works! Also note when the big inspection services are due as these are expensive. In fact everything on the car is pretty expensive if it goes wrong so maybe go for a warranty unless your friendly with your local garage

 

[cj10jeeper]

Narrow down 'West Midlands' a lttle and tou may be close enough to come and look at mine. I'd be happy to run you around in it show a 3.0i 2003 and point to all the bits you should be looking for and at. When you're done there is a BMW dealership 2 miles away to droole over newer ones...

I'm in Wolverhampton.
I know that a 3.0 litre engine will have some good power on it but are they responsive & is there any difference in responce between the manual & the auto box?

As I've only just started looking I don't want to buy the first one that comes along. I would like to see a few first to make sure that it's the right car for me.

Thank you all for being so helpful, I really do appreciate it

Well you're welcome to drop by and look at mine and of course then you get to see one without any sales patter. Drive an auto, etc.

Are they responsive - well stick a 3 litre in a 2 seater car and you have the answer. Manual or auto is purely a personal choice, both go pretty damn quick. There are strong supporters of both and it's the one question that you'll rarely get an answer on and the ideal engine size.

When you find one as said before check everything carefully and make sure it works. It's too easy to be taken in by the shiny car and forget the aircon doesn't work, or electric seat not working.

Top of my list at this stage is to pick your 'must have' accessories. From ///M sport seats to Sat Nav, Xenon headlights, heated seats, sport button, type of wheels, colour, etc. Prioritise then use that to start to cull examples. all those I listed are generally very desirable but you'll unlikely find all of them. Retrofit of anything is very expensive so get it at purchase.

Your budget is going to constrain you so you'll have to decide if age, waranty FSH, options, etc. is you priority.

Enjoy looking and post pictures and prices of examples you like ane members will give opinion freely

 

[gannet]

I know that a 3.0 litre engine will have some good power on it but are they responsive

That would be a yes! mines a manual and I dont have any complaints no matter what gear you are in

 

[Lexi]

Not much advice apart from look what extras are on the car. Sounds simple but..Check everything works! Also note when the big inspection services are due as these are expensive. In fact everything on the car is pretty expensive if it goes wrong so maybe go for a warranty unless your friendly with your local garage

So at what mileage are the big inspection services?

 

[thomo]

If you fancy a 2.5ise I have just put mine up for sale. It's an 03 reg and is still under BMW warranty for 6 months, number of desirable extras. Bit of a blatant plug, but PM me, or give me your e-mail address and I can send you more information if you are interested.

I went through this entire process about 6 months ago, saw quite a few cars and there does seem to be quite a difference in the ones that have been looked after properly. Plenty about so be picky.

They need servicing every 14,000 miles approx, although this does depend on how you drive it I believe. The common consenus seems to be you need, leather, and heated seats, with the M sport seats also being very desirable.

Make sure you check the roof operation, as there does seem to be a few older cars which have problems. The engines seem to be pretty bullet proof. Tried and tested, and for their size offer exteremely reasonable mpg.

Go and drive a couple see what you think, try and drive some with different wheel sizes, as they do ride differently with the smaller wheels although they don't look quite as good. A lot of people tend to ditch the run flats as well to improve the ride.

Overall though a great car to own, and very good value now. Not as expensive to run as you'd think. If you have any other specific questions please ask

 

[Lexi]

Make sure you check the roof operation, as there does seem to be a few older cars which have problems. The engines seem to be pretty bullet proof. Tried and tested, and for their size offer exteremely reasonable mpg.

What kind of problems do they have with the roof? I did see one for sale where the hydrolics for the roof mechanism had broken, but you could still put it up & down manually. Is that a common problem with the older models? Also you say the engines seem pretty bullet proof, so does this mean that if the car has been well looked after, that I shouldn't be put off by high mileage?

 

[Lexi]

I have just found exactly what I'm looking for

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/503598.htm

Only it's £3500 over my budget :thumbsdown:

Damn, I need to get that elusive winning lottery ticket!!! Mind you if I had that then I'd probably go for the Alpina Roadster S :roll:

 

[cj10jeeper]

I have just found exactly what I'm looking for

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/503598.htm

Only it's £3500 over my budget :thumbsdown:

Damn, I need to get that elusive winning lottery ticket!!! Mind you if I had that then I'd probably go for the Alpina Roadster S :roll:

Nice car but probably £1k to £2k overpriced.

Don't worry too much about high mileage, especially on the bigger engines, if it's been well services

There have been a few cases of the hood motor seizing when the roof drain fills with water and corrodes the hood motor. It's time consuming and expensive to repair. Not something you can do much about other than clean the drains when you buy.