BMW Z4 E85 Automatic 2.5

[aki]

Hey all, here what I'm looking for.

Z4 E85
Preferably preface

Location: West Yorkshire, local pick would be nice over travelling 100+k miles

Automatic 2.5
Unsure about 3.0 as I believe they all have the M sport suspension which I don't want

Colour: Grey, Silver, Black in that order. But don't mind other colours

Miles: Under 100k but will look at condition over milage

Heated Seats

Other features like Parking Sensors and Electric Seats are welcomed

I've seen one a little further down south than what I'd like so just making this post to see if I can get lucky here.

This is the one I'm currently keeping an eye on:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310183105773

Please let me know if any other information is required.

Thanks

 

[raymond.harper]

Be patient! The right car will come along eventually, don't snatch at the first one you see. That particular car I would not bother to look at. https://classicsworld.co.uk/guides/bmw-z4-e84-buyers-guide/

 

[aki]

Be patient! The right car will come along eventually, don't snatch at the first one you see. That particular car I would not bother to look at.

Any particular reason you say that? The Z4 is posted seems to be in great condition no?

 

[raymond.harper]

Look at the front slam panel around where the bonnet catch goes. The MOT history sounds like a totally different car to the one the owner is describing.

 

[Zedebee]

You won’t really know until you go and see it. It’s clearly had a good clean inside and out, but as Raymond has pointed out a grubby engine bay is a sure sign the owner is not a Z4 enthusiast. The recent MOT history is not very good either.

An early 2.5 auto is probably the cheapest E85 you can buy, you can do a lot better for your £4k. A car in good condition ought to be available for £2,000 upwards depending on mileage.

There’s nothing wrong with the the 2.5 at all, most people probably seek out the 3.0 and the 2.2 has a niche following. There’s nothing wrong with the auto either, just most people prefer their sports cars in manual. Hence 2.5 auto is somewhat of a value sweet spot, and there are plenty around.

Good luck with your search, I hope you find a good one.

 

[enuff_zed]

Look at the front slam panel around where the bonnet catch goes. The MOT history sounds like a totally different car to the one the owner is describing.

And in addition to that, they make a huge play on it being worth £6k in the Spring, so you think you're getting a bargain.
In all honesty, I'd be looking at £3k now or maybe up to £4k in the Spring if they're lucky.
Bit of mind games going on.
Also why would it have needed a new radiator at that mileage?
Tbf though, it seems they have addressed the shocks and brakes from the MOT.

I don't think it's a bad car, but the adverts that seek to tell me what an absolute bargain I'm getting will always make me wary.

 

[raymond.harper]

"Several previous owners," says the ad! It is actually 10.

 

[aki]

Look at the front slam panel around where the bonnet catch goes. The MOT history sounds like a totally different car to the one the owner is describing.

Yeah you're spot on, and the other replies here. I usually have a good look at the pictures, and I especially notice the interior. I somehow missed how grubby the interior was.

One thing however I'm unsure about is the comment on the price. A 2.5 auto around 80k miles is pretty much £4k. Extremely difficult, almost impossible to find an auto in good condition for 3k.

Thanks for the help

 

[enuff_zed]

Look at the front slam panel around where the bonnet catch goes. The MOT history sounds like a totally different car to the one the owner is describing.

Yeah you're spot on, and the other replies here. I usually have a good look at the pictures, and I especially notice the interior. I somehow missed how grubby the interior was.

One thing however I'm unsure about is the comment on the price. A 2.5 auto around 80k miles is pretty much £4k. Extremely difficult, almost impossible to find an auto in good condition for 3k.

Thanks for the help

Definitely not £6k.
£4k is the spring price

 

[Mr Tidy]

It's a shame you don't want a 3 litre because of the suspension as they all had the electric seats you'd quite like!

Good luck finding the right one.

 

[enuff_zed]

It's a shame you don't want a 3 litre because of the suspension as they all had the electric seats you'd quite like!

Good luck finding the right one.

Get a 3.0 and change the suspension. Not difficult and can be done I reckon for £600 parts plus labour unless you do it yourself. Basic spannering really

 

[Mr Tidy]

It's a shame you don't want a 3 litre because of the suspension as they all had the electric seats you'd quite like!

Good luck finding the right one.

Get a 3.0 and change the suspension. Not difficult and can be done I reckon for £600 parts plus labour unless you do it yourself. Basic spannering really

That's probably a very good plan. Any pre-facelift is probably going to be due a suspension refresh anyway, unless it has already been done.

 

[deltasierra]

You should get a facelift 2.5 Auto for £4k at this time of year and there are nice updates on later cars, they have a 6 speed Auto, does an early 2.5 have 5 speed auto ? Not sure
Be choosy buy on condition

 

[paddy wright]

Is auto a must?

 

[aki]

Is auto a must?

Yes auto only

 

[skmattwell]

I'll add that when I was looking for my 2.5 auto I couldn't find anything remotely decent for less than £3k. I actually found autos to be more expensive than manuals seen as there are a lot less of them and generally becoming more popular as a transmission (a lot of people take their test in an auto nowadays)

 

[raymond.harper]

Is auto a must?

Yes auto only

Perhaps you might want to consider a 171 Mercedes SLK where automatics are common and the manual box is rare. Plenty of examples at a good price. Very soft suspension!

 

[raymond.harper]

3 owners, 2007 SE 2.5 so more powerful engine. No accident history. MOT history is acceptable but the rear brake pipes will need to be replaced. The driver's seat is a little worn but you will get a warranty. The price is high but could be negotiated. https://www.gl-cars.co.uk/stock/used-vehicles-in-suffolk?sortOrder=&make=cbdef6d6-4a8a-4e7d-b81f-a09b00e6b3da&model=c6ce6158-1d94-4bc5-b870-a09b00e92d94&pricerange=0%2C44000&version=&odometerrange=&enginesizerange=&fueltype=&Transmission=&bodytype=&seats=&color=

 

[enuff_zed]

3 owners, 2007 SE 2.5 so more powerful engine. No accident history. MOT history is acceptable but the rear brake pipes will need to be replaced. The driver's seat is a little worn but you will get a warranty. The price is high but could be negotiated. https://www.gl-cars.co.uk/stock/used-vehicles-in-suffolk?sortOrder=&make=cbdef6d6-4a8a-4e7d-b81f-a09b00e6b3da&model=c6ce6158-1d94-4bc5-b870-a09b00e92d94&pricerange=0%2C44000&version=&odometerrange=&enginesizerange=&fueltype=&Transmission=&bodytype=&seats=&color=

That’s actually just a 2.5i according to the badging, so only 177bhp

 

[pvr]

I'll add that when I was looking for my 2.5 auto I couldn't find anything remotely decent for less than £3k. I actually found autos to be more expensive than manuals seen as there are a lot less of them and generally becoming more popular as a transmission (a lot of people take their test in an auto nowadays)

That surprises me as autos are always worth less than manuals for the E85/86. The market is very small for them.