Buying a high mileage Z4 3 litre

J

James93

Member
New to this forum as after 3 years of graduating from uni and getting my life sorted out I can finally buy myself a weekend toy! :thumbsup:

I’m going to get a Z4 and my budget is 3-5k for initial purchase! I’m just looking for opinions on how to go about buying/spotting problems, anything I need to have done when I buy the car and any other general advice on buying this with 80k to 110k miles

Cheers,

James
 
James93 said:
80k to 110k miles
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Good luck with the search James. 80 to 110k is not high mileage on these cars, though: 150k and over is more like high mileage.

3-litre engines are fairly reliable so really you are looking for issues with other bits: clutch, suspension, tyres etc. A set of rubber to replace old tyres will be money well spent. Brakes are cheap - a full set of good quality OEM discs and pads for my 3-litre was only £150. Suspension on a non-Sport is also affordable, but if you do all these bits in one hit you are easily adding a grand to your offer. Factor in some work to trim or maybe the hood and it all adds up.

Take your time when buying and see the big picture. The history and attitude to maintenance by the owner/s is part of what you are buying so make sure you do your homework on those as an integral piece of the price puzzle. Buying a nice car for a great price is a good feeling.
 
Sounds great and appreciate the response! I’m wondering if any of these wear and tear aspects should be sorted regardless of them failing to avoid further problems or whether they can be repaired as and when, I’m also wondering if I should get that disa valve done straight away and the cost
 
Hi and welcome by the way!

I'd deal with those items on an "as and when" basis.

Cooling systems are worth looking at too - radiators can bow and expansion tanks are known to split.

It's worth checking the rear brake pipes in front of the passenger side rear wheel - there is a cover that tends to trap road debris which holds water and that can cause corrosion.

Good luck with your search. :thumbsup:
 
Hi James and welcome. Go in with your eyes open. Any sports car over 10 years old, with high miles, can be a money pit. That said the 30ltr E85s have stood the test of time and miles well. The general condition of th car tells a lot. Have a good read, here on the forum and enjoy the hunt. :thumbsup:
 
If you can stretch to just over £5k then you could have a low mileage 3.0 that’s got everything

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=115978
 
Don't forget the electric water pump! £300 for a new one. Find out if it has been replaced in the recent past, typically they last 80-100k.
 
OP, for your budget I imagine you will be looking at pre-facelift models - the facelift came along in the first half of 2006.

If that's the case the pre-facelifts it's good news as they don't have the electric water pump - that only came along with the newer generation engine fitted to the facelifts. :thumbsup:
 
James93 said:
So 2004 doesnt have the water pump?
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Hi, pre facelift cars (before 06) do have water pumps of course-they just don’t have electronic versions and make do with a traditional belt driven one.
Rob
 
AveZ4coop said:
Don't forget the electric water pump! £300 for a new one. Find out if it has been replaced in the recent past, typically they last 80-100k.
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You should be able to source the electronic pump for nearer to £200 if you look around :thumbsup:
Rob
 
James93 said:
Thanks rob, ill get an electric pump then to replace the standard belt driven one!
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Nooooo, you’ve got to replace like for like as the electronic pump won’t physically fit the older M54 engine :cry:
Rob
 
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