Hello all. This seems a friendly forum. I'm looking for advice really, as I'm looking to buy a Z4 roadster for my son as he'l soon be leaving Uni. Budget is £4,500 -5k. Would be interested in any comments as to the best spec to look for, also I've seen one I like the look of but it has a flashing warning light which is connected to the roof. Anyone know what this might cost to repair? Is it a common fault? Thanks all
another new member
- Thread starter Marmalade
- Start date
Depends on what colour the light is... If it's orange, then either the rear shelf is up, or the £10 microswitch is faulty/broken, if it's red then that's a whole different, and possibly expensive kettle of fish..
Mike
Mike
Hi there and welcome. 
As Marlon says. Plenty of Zeds that work perfectly for your budget. If it's a simple fix then the current owner should sort it before the sale if not then you should look elsewhere unless you are a mechanic.
Of the E85's the 3 ltr cars are the best bang for your buck, however I suspect the insurance might come into play. In which case the 2.5 is a nice if less powerful 6 pot. The 2ltr is a 4 pot and for some reason has a slightly less robust reputation. I guess they get pushed harder. Enjoy your search.
As Marlon says. Plenty of Zeds that work perfectly for your budget. If it's a simple fix then the current owner should sort it before the sale if not then you should look elsewhere unless you are a mechanic.Of the E85's the 3 ltr cars are the best bang for your buck, however I suspect the insurance might come into play. In which case the 2.5 is a nice if less powerful 6 pot. The 2ltr is a 4 pot and for some reason has a slightly less robust reputation. I guess they get pushed harder. Enjoy your search.
Thank you guys for the welcome. Already good advice about the roof. I will ask what colour it is before I go look at it.
Hi Buzyg, yes insurance does come in to it, also I don't want him killing himself, we've all been in our mid twentys. :wink: If it was for me I'd be looking at the 3lt's..
buzyg said:Hi there and welcome.
Of the E85's the 3 ltr cars are the best bang for your buck, however I suspect the insurance might come into play. In which case the 2.5 is a nice if less powerful 6 pot. The 2ltr is a 4 pot and for some reason has a slightly less robust reputation. I guess they get pushed harder. Enjoy your search.
Hi Buzyg, yes insurance does come in to it, also I don't want him killing himself, we've all been in our mid twentys. :wink: If it was for me I'd be looking at the 3lt's..
Marmalade said:Thank you guys for the welcome. Already good advice about the roof. I will ask what colour it is before I go look at it.
buzyg said:Hi there and welcome.
Of the E85's the 3 ltr cars are the best bang for your buck, however I suspect the insurance might come into play. In which case the 2.5 is a nice if less powerful 6 pot. The 2ltr is a 4 pot and for some reason has a slightly less robust reputation. I guess they get pushed harder. Enjoy your search.
Hi Buzyg, yes insurance does come in to it, also I don't want him killing himself, we've all been in our mid twentys. :wink: If it was for me I'd be looking at the 3lt's..
Buy two. :wink:
I've already got a big boys car. 
Flashing warning light could cost from £500 upwards depending who fixes the problem (dealers would ask £1000 + 
Plenty of independent specialists that will do it for far less) - likely replacement of hydraulic motor is the costly bit.
Lots of early Z4s available at your price point but look for the cherished ones as the long service intervals can leave brakes and tyres and perhaps a big service around the corner if an owner hasn't kept up with maintenance. The good news is - there are great independent specialists that will keep your Zed on the road for far less cost than the dealers (and sometimes do a better job).
Do check insurance as the relative difference between the 2.5 and 3.0 has been reported as not that great . . . .
You may be able to stretch to a high mileage 2006 (facelift) 2.5si Sport - it will have all the ///M sport desirables like the M sport steering wheel, suspension and wheels.
If it's just the looks you are after then there are lots of 2.0i Sports about (not the SE version - unless you want a softer ride and non sport seats and steering wheel and smaller wheels with better riding higher profile tyres - some prefer the softer ride). They do have a reputation for long term issues with engine warning lights (over sensitive sensors) and exhaust manifolds can crack - (my independent said he would weld mine up if it went - in the 2 years I had mine, it was excellent and shrugged off spirited use - I loved it).
Good luck with your search - your son's a lucky lad!
Plenty of independent specialists that will do it for far less) - likely replacement of hydraulic motor is the costly bit.Lots of early Z4s available at your price point but look for the cherished ones as the long service intervals can leave brakes and tyres and perhaps a big service around the corner if an owner hasn't kept up with maintenance. The good news is - there are great independent specialists that will keep your Zed on the road for far less cost than the dealers (and sometimes do a better job).
Do check insurance as the relative difference between the 2.5 and 3.0 has been reported as not that great . . . .
You may be able to stretch to a high mileage 2006 (facelift) 2.5si Sport - it will have all the ///M sport desirables like the M sport steering wheel, suspension and wheels.
If it's just the looks you are after then there are lots of 2.0i Sports about (not the SE version - unless you want a softer ride and non sport seats and steering wheel and smaller wheels with better riding higher profile tyres - some prefer the softer ride). They do have a reputation for long term issues with engine warning lights (over sensitive sensors) and exhaust manifolds can crack - (my independent said he would weld mine up if it went - in the 2 years I had mine, it was excellent and shrugged off spirited use - I loved it).
Good luck with your search - your son's a lucky lad!