Buying a Coupe

W

Wildfire

Senior member
 Epsom
Hey, first time poster. I've always liked the Z4 Coupe. I've looked at one but it had a very loud top end ticking when cold.

What sort of mileage are they good for?

Aside from the tapping top end, is there anything else I should be looking for?

I've got the cash, just need to find the car!

Cheers
 
Welcome to the forum.

The tapping you describe could be the HVA's. plenty of information about those if you do a search.

Broken springs are another common issue but not that costly to fix or upgrade.

I've had 2 Rosdsters and now got a Coupe and think they are great cars so you won't be disappointed.

Have a look at the forum marketplace. Plenty of cared for examples on here.
 
hello and welcome

check the rear hatch for signs of rust, its not common but I have heard of it, open it up and look on the inside
 
Hello and welcome aboard.

Highest mileage coupe I've seen was on 156k.

Plenty good examples around, so don't rush in :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

ps have you considered the roadster? They're very good :D
 
NeilP said:
Stick with the coupe!

:lol:
Click to expand...

Agreed. Having had both E85 and 86 the Coupe has more character by a mile, looks better, handles better - proper sports car. I've always regretted selling mine especially as I replaced it with the utterley (IMO) naff E89.
 
Just bought one myself. Having owned 7 BMWs over the years, mileage isn't a problem as long as it has been maintained. The 6 cylinder engines are good for 200k+ if you look after them.

You may be pleased to know that high mileage coupes (eg 100k+) can be 25% + cheaper than average mileage ones, as these are generally bought as weekend cars so not many have high mileage. So personally I was happy to pay significantly less for the car and factor in a bit of work that may be required. One with 175k on the clock sold for under 6k on Autotrader last week.
 
The ticking will almost certainly be the HVAs (Hydraulic valve adjusters), they have a habbit of getting noisy if the car is sat for an extended period - I couldn't drive my Coupe for a month due to a broken wrist, and mine were noisy for the first 15 miles, never heard them since though.
Take the car out for a spin, see if it goes away - then come back the next day when its got a cold engine to see if they're still noisy, if they are then they probably need sorting, if they're not then they should be fine.
 
parlivus said:
The ticking will almost certainly be the HVAs (Hydraulic valve adjusters), they have a habbit of getting noisy if the car is sat for an extended period - I couldn't drive my Coupe for a month due to a broken wrist, and mine were noisy for the first 15 miles, never heard them since though.
Take the car out for a spin, see if it goes away - then come back the next day when its got a cold engine to see if they're still noisy, if they are then they probably need sorting, if they're not then they should be fine.
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Would agree but difficult to test when buying a car.

If it's at a dealer just pop back another day without notifying them and ask them to start it up.

If it still does it walk away.
 
Cheers guys. Saw one today, engine was nice and silent, aside from the ticking of the injectors. The one I saw yesterday definitely had a stuck HVA. The tapping was metal on metal and loud as hell. Quietened down a bit after a 40 min run, but there was definitely excess valve train tap, over the injectors.

Asked if I could it checked out, but the seller wanted £100 to hold it and me to cover the inspection. The noise sounded just like the one on youtube.

Saw one today, 50k on the clock, FBMWSH, will get it with a recent service and inspection. I think it's the car for me.

Spec wise I'm not too bothered, Sat Nav is not important. The basic spec of the car is better than what I'm used to, and I really just fancy a roof!

I did consider the Roadster, but I have always liked the Coupe's shape and I have 2 seater convertible already.

I'm definitely looking forward to ownership!
 
Wildfire said:
Cheers guys.
Saw one today, 50k on the clock, FBMWSH, will get it with a recent service and inspection. I think it's the car for me.

Spec wise I'm not too bothered, Sat Nav is not important. The basic spec of the car is better than what I'm used to, and I really just fancy a roof!

I did consider the Roadster, but I have always liked the Coupe's shape and I have 2 seater convertible already.

I'm definitely looking forward to ownership!
Click to expand...

Hope it works out for you - is it private sale or dealer? You won't regret getting a Coupe.
 
Shack205 said:
NeilP said:
Stick with the coupe!

:lol:
Click to expand...

Agreed. Having had both E85 and 86 the Coupe has more character by a mile, looks better, handles better - proper sports car. I've always regretted selling mine especially as I replaced it with the utterley (IMO) naff E89.
Click to expand...

Genuinely now...are you that good a driver that you could tell the difference handling wise between an mr and an mc?

I mean really?? I know that's what magazines tell you...but really?

If so feel free to give me driving instruction :P Somerset isn't far from my work
 
Woots said:
Shack205 said:
NeilP said:
Stick with the coupe!

:lol:
Click to expand...

Agreed. Having had both E85 and 86 the Coupe has more character by a mile, looks better, handles better - proper sports car. I've always regretted selling mine especially as I replaced it with the utterley (IMO) naff E89.
Click to expand...

Genuinely now...are you that good a driver that you could tell the difference handling wise between an mr and an mc?

I mean really?? I know that's what magazines tell you...but really?

If so feel free to give me driving instruction :P Somerset isn't far from my work
Click to expand...
Never driven either M r or c - only ever had the bog standard 3.0is's but I do think the Coupe is better all round.
Stopped reading motor magazines and giving driving lessons years ago when I was in my late 60's!! Views expressed are mine based on 55 years driving which, incidentally, doesn't make me a good driver, just an experienced one. All the best.
 
Woots said:
Shack205 said:
NeilP said:
Stick with the coupe!

:lol:
Click to expand...

Agreed. Having had both E85 and 86 the Coupe has more character by a mile, looks better, handles better - proper sports car. I've always regretted selling mine especially as I replaced it with the utterley (IMO) naff E89.
Click to expand...

Genuinely now...are you that good a driver that you could tell the difference handling wise between an mr and an mc?

I mean really?? I know that's what magazines tell you...but really?

If so feel free to give me driving instruction :P Somerset isn't far from my work
Click to expand...
It's funny you don't question that he thinks the E89 is naff. That tells me he knows exactly what he's talking about!
 
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