Almost a Z4M Roadster owner....

[Prestonese]

Hi all! I saw a lovely mint Z4M roadster today and think I have finally found the one. Still a few things to agree with the current owner but hopefully no hitches from here. Can't wait to get hold of it and to share views with the forum!

I have been toying with high mileage versions, coupes and even a 3.0si but in the end found a beautifully kept version which I can imagine being a long term keeper.

Just out of curiosity, what is the first thing I should look out for and to check to make sure is all working properly? Anything you think would be worth refreshing even though it's done less than 40k miles and has fully BMW service history? Rear could? Bushes? The car drove beautifully and the engine was a peach. I've driven a few others but this one was super tight and felt really fresh. Any views or advice would be most welcome!

 

[buzyg]

Under 40k a well kept Z4MR shouldn't hold any unexpected surprises. Unless it's spent a lot of time on track or been ragged, the original suspension should still be in good order too. Check what's left in the discs and pads. Discs are not cheap. :wink:

Look forward to viewing the new beast.

 

[Prestonese]

Can't wait to share with you! I couldn't believe what great condition this one was in! I was due to test a few M coupes as well but none I could find has such a clean history and would have to surprise on the upside to change my mind. Besides, I've just come out of driving coupes and it's time for something different even though coupes are supposed to be more classic and er... more likely to "hold their value"

 

[Mad Professor]

Make sure its had inspection 2 if its anywhere near 40k
Also check to see if its had the uprated Vanos bolts -if not get them done
Should have no rattles at tickover -another sign of potential vanos issues
Check for uneven wear on the tyres -sure sign of suspension issues
Check roof goes up and down nice and quick

 

[Prestonese]

Anyone know where to find replacement floor mats with the M logos? I assume that's what they came with originally?

 

[dgm]

Just plain mats, there was no logo on them.

 

[Prestonese]

Finally picked my Z4M up today! Great old school fun. Car is in boxfresh condition with only 26k miles on the clock. Spartan spec just as I wanted it but the red leather is nice and the Ruby black paintwork is in top condition. Love the engine and the rawness of it all - much more interesting than most modern cars.

Happy with the choice of car but I just can't seem to get comfortable in the seats. Anyone else have this problem?

 

[Mr Tidy]

Congratulations OP - and well done for posting a photo when you could have been driving!

I didn't have a problem getting the seat comfortable, but did have to adjust the steering wheel as well to get everything set to suit me.

Keep fiddling with both, and I'm sure you'll get there! Then just enjoy.

BTW your car looks fantastic - lovely colour combination.

 

[Prestonese]

Thanks for the comments!
Went for a er...long drive this weekend and a few things I noticed - feel free to comment on this as well.

1. The car has an incredibly tight turning circle. Anyone else notice this? It is really handy though!
2. Driving on motorways with the top down is not too bad but what is the max speed you can do with the top up or down? I read previously that Porsche boxsters should only be driven to 125mph max with the top up. Not that I ever envisage hitting those speeds....
3. The engine is more flexible than my previous Cayman. Maybe it's the gearing but it feels livelier.
4. Still can't get comfotable with those seats!
5. Steering is a bit dead at centre even compared to some electric set ups on newer BMWs. Is this expected or do I need to play with the suspension set up?
6. Ride comfort isn't that bad and I don't find the car difficult or uncomfortable to drive in the city. It's the body rolls that is unsettling though if you need quick changes in direction. I suspect this car needs to be driven at 10/10ths or 6/10ths to be enjoyed. In between is probably not ideal for the factory set up?
7. Roof is solid and not too bad noise wise compared to coupes I've driven. Only a noise issue with rain which is expected. I can definitely hear the radio on the motorways.

Difficult to pin this car down. I love the flaws and the old school characteritics and the fact that it's not a Porsche. There are also no other cars comparable to this or as much fun at this sort of price bracket. There won't be anything else made like this again.

A friend of mine came along in a M235i but that felt like dull in comparison. Great daily though if you are into that sort of stuff but not a fun car by any means.

Thoughts welcome! Gratuitous photo attached!

 

[tomscott]

Paul and bing will attest you can get 155 with the top down... on the autobahn of course!

Body roll.. bit strange shouldn't be getting much at all. I had a coupe and it had a different sus set up than the standard but there was no roll at all it was very flat.

I agree on the 1/235/40 variants being great dailies but not much character in comparison. There are a lot of pros tho - Cheaper to run, better performance more frugal and dont stand out as much.

 

[RickRob]

I too found it difficult to the seat just right, but got there in the end. Best bit a about memory seats that the settings are set forever now!

 

[Bing]

Yeah, seats just need some fiddling. When I bought my first Z it instantly destroyed my lower back thought I'd made a huge mistake, couple of weeks later I had the position nailed.

Lovely car OP, ruby black is beautiful in the sun.

When you have it serviced have them check the engine mount bolts - specifically the ones holding the bracket that the engine mount sits on to the block, that are actually screwed into the block. They can sometimes come loose and shear, a manufacturing issue, something to do with excessive heat when testing backing off the torque of the bolts.

Enjoy - perfect time of year to come to MR ownership

 

[Prestonese]

Paul and bing will attest you can get 155 with the top down... on the autobahn of course!

Body roll.. bit strange shouldn't be getting much at all. I had a coupe and it had a different sus set up than the standard but there was no roll at all it was very flat.

I agree on the 1/235/40 variants being great dailies but not much character in comparison. There are a lot of pros tho - Cheaper to run, better performance more frugal and dont stand out as much.

What I mean about body roll is the way the car deals with cambers, bumps and changes in directions. You can feel the weight shifting a lot which doesn't give you much joy trying to correct lines. The car is flat until it hits cambers or you need to move lines. Not sure if I am explaining it well though!

It's not terrible but it's noticeable and affects the way you drive it. I did come from a Cayman GTS so it probably is unfair to compare!

 

[mr wilks]

330 miles covered in the Lakes this weekend in my 2006 80k Mroady & if there is a better car in its class for the money that offers so much id love to drive it this is my second & the magic is still strong .
Each & every drive is a thrill & never tire of the S54 noise as it builds in every gear ( add some BCS backboxes for the cream on the bun :evil: )
The grip in the bends just asks for pushing & the feel of the wheel couldn't be better .
Not sure id feel the same if it wasn't a weekend treat but it isn't so the pleasure is all ///Mine
Great cars & sure you will settle to it

 

[Bing]

Paul and bing will attest you can get 155 with the top down... on the autobahn of course!

160, but what's 5mph between friends at that speed :lol:

Just a bit noisy is all, but less than you'd expect. There's no limit on distance either - did a 1000km / one day shift with the roof down the whole way on the same trip

 

[buzyg]

Your new ///M looks a minter. 167mph is my personal record roof down. Never tried driving fast with the roof up, what's the point in a roadster.

You are close with the 6/10th or 10/10th thing. though in my experience it's a little broader than that. But trying to push on at 8/10th doesn't work for me either. The car doesn't load up properly, so you either cruise, which it's very good at. Or go for it, at which point it's sublime and will spit you out, if your not on top of it.
Plenty here have modded the suspension and brakes. Me I love em just as is. :wink:

On the seats, be sure to fiddle with the lip on the front of the seats, gives great support on longer journeys. I have my seat base tilted back as steep as it will go and the back almost vericle to make room for my long legs.

Enjoy.

 

[Prestonese]

330 miles covered in the Lakes this weekend in my 2006 80k Mroady & if there is a better car in its class for the money that offers so much id love to drive it this is my second & the magic is still strong .
Each & every drive is a thrill & never tire of the S54 noise as it builds in every gear ( add some BCS backboxes for the cream on the bun :evil: )
The grip in the bends just asks for pushing & the feel of the wheel couldn't be better .
Not sure id feel the same if it wasn't a weekend treat but it isn't so the pleasure is all ///Mine
Great cars & sure you will settle to it

Great roads up there! My sister lives in Keswick and I used to cycle around the area. Did you go anywhere near Honister pass or the road leading to Alston to the Hartside cafe at the top? They serve great cakes there by the way.

 

[mr wilks]

330 miles covered in the Lakes this weekend in my 2006 80k Mroady & if there is a better car in its class for the money that offers so much id love to drive it this is my second & the magic is still strong .
Each & every drive is a thrill & never tire of the S54 noise as it builds in every gear ( add some BCS backboxes for the cream on the bun :evil: )
The grip in the bends just asks for pushing & the feel of the wheel couldn't be better .
Not sure id feel the same if it wasn't a weekend treat but it isn't so the pleasure is all ///Mine
Great cars & sure you will settle to it

Great roads up there! My sister lives in Keswick and I used to cycle around the area. Did you go anywhere near Honister pass or the road leading to Alston to the Hartside cafe at the top? They serve great cakes there by the way.

Yep did Honister (pic taken near the top / note the weather & roofdown E86ers ) also Wrynose & Hardknott which i wasn't impressed with yes stunning place & views but i wouldn't send a goat up there some of the steep twisties near the top were lethal

 

[Prestonese]

330 miles covered in the Lakes this weekend in my 2006 80k Mroady & if there is a better car in its class for the money that offers so much id love to drive it this is my second & the magic is still strong .
Each & every drive is a thrill & never tire of the S54 noise as it builds in every gear ( add some BCS backboxes for the cream on the bun :evil: )
The grip in the bends just asks for pushing & the feel of the wheel couldn't be better .
Not sure id feel the same if it wasn't a weekend treat but it isn't so the pleasure is all ///Mine
Great cars & sure you will settle to it

Great roads up there! My sister lives in Keswick and I used to cycle around the area. Did you go anywhere near Honister pass or the road leading to Alston to the Hartside cafe at the top? They serve great cakes there by the way.

Yep did Honister (pic taken near the top / note the weather & roofdown E86ers ) also Wrynose & Hardknott which i wasn't impressed with yes stunning place & views but i wouldn't send a goat up there some of the steep twisties near the top were lethal

I agree. Wrynose, Honister and Hardknott are more suited to cyclists - though they aren't fun coming back down on a bike! They are really just single track roads - and not even as well laid as some of the single tracks on the North Coast 500. Kirkstone and Hartside are a bit more open and flowing and more suited for a "spirited" drive in my opinion. Great shot by the way. Love red sports cars and yours is really eye catching - in a good way!

 

[JamesHan12]

Struggling to send you a pm in response to your message about the car. Please feel free to contact me directly - James 07765 000107