Buying advice: Z4 Coupe 2007 manual 3.0L SI sport handling

K

kopie

New member
Hello all,

New to the forum - liking what I see so far! Made the decision to go for a sports car, and the Z4 is definitely the one for me - the coupe, 06-08 3.0 sport in manual (black/dark blue). Been looking around for the right one and seen a couple this weekend, but could do with a few thoughts from anyone who knows best!?

First one we looked at was:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201151436250902/usedcars?atcide=emgm6&logcode=emf&awc=3693_1329688131_fc160c900fba8464bbef5f361c4ddf39
Liked what we saw (especially the carbon black)
They are going to get a few stone chips at the front fixed, and do the oil service which is due + new battery needed ( it required jump-starting during the test run

Also took a look at this one today::
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/bmw/z4/used-bmw-z4-3-0si-sport-2dr-loughborough-fpa-201205446485710?awc=3693_1329688134_2f27ad8e6f4790ebf7f5d78014c26fe4

But had a slight concern when taking it out for a test ride...felt that the front end of the car was quite vague and seemed to be tracking from sided to side, as if it was trying to look for traction...a problem that we didnt have yesterday, although we were on more rural roads. The only difference in the vehicles is that this one had 18" alloys (108) as opposed to the standard wheels (135) with the first one above. Any ideas what this problem could be? Is it anything to do with the wishbone bush?

Any advice/pointers/help appreciated - thanks!

Katie
 
Could one be on rft tyres and the other not? i hear that the difference can be quite alot in the ride and handerling?
 
More than likely the run flats :fuelfire:

You do get used to them, also add to the excitement.

Have a look on here, many have ditched them for standard tyres- maybe got space in the coupe for a space saver?
 
Ah, thanks for the feedback, thought I'm pretty sure both the cars had run flats

Taz sorry about the link, try this:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201151436250902/usedcars?atcide=emgm6&logcode=emf

and

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/bmw/z4/used-bmw-z4-3-0si-sport-2dr-loughborough-fpa-201205446485710

"....COUPE - THE BEST LOOKIN Z4 BY FAR SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXCLUSIVE COUPE CLUB.......NOT FOR HAIRDRESSERS"

yes I am a girl but not a hairdresser!
 
kopie, welcome to the mad house :thumbsup:

As mentioned above, if one car had non run-flat tyres, that could have made all the difference. Taking run flats off the car stop the tramlining issues.

I'm with Taz - links don't work for me either :(

Neither car sounds loved, which would worry me a little. Plenty out there, just need to wait to find the right one :thumbsup:
 
Katie, both those cars have been for sale a while I know as I followed them online for some time.

Both have been reduced but as they have been for sale for so long if you dont want either offer them £1000 under the asking price.

The first one was originally listed around £14,500 has a decent optional spec from what can be seen:

Carbon Black Individual paint £745 option
Sun Protection Glass £110 option
Piano Black Trim £355 option
Heated Seats £245 option
Comfort Pack (I think) which includes Parking sensors, Multi-function steering wheel and strorage pack £330
Elec Folding Mirrors £160

Bringing the estimated (as there may be other options) total cost of the car (new) to £35570 as a 57 plate it about 4.5 years old and has 50k (about average mileage). Condition is everything but I calculate a good used car in that condition, age and with those options to be valued today at £12k. Then you need to take into consideration MOT, Tax, Servicing, any blemishes, etc and make a respectable bid.

The 2nd one was originally listed at £14,500 also. It also looks Carbon Black!

Carbon Black Individual paint £745 option
Sat Nav £1495 option
108 Alloys £275 option
Cruise Control £180 option
Heated Seats £245 option
Comfort Pack (I think) which includes Parking sensors, Multi-function steering wheel and strorage pack £330

Bringing the estimated (as there may be other options) total cost of the car (new) to £36895 as a 57 plate it about 4.5 years old and has 50k (about average mileage). Condition is everything but I calculate a good used car in that condition, age and with those options to be valued today at £12,250. Then you need to take into consideration MOT, Tax, Servicing, any blemishes, etc and make a respectable bid.

Not sure on the tracking / wishbones. Is it possible the balancing wasnt redone or camber when the wheels were added?

There are a few more dark coloured coupe's available, I would suggest making a list of your requirements and sticking to them as I did Here

I really love the 108 alloys and it was a "must-have" option for me. In the end I got 85% of my wanted spec so was very happy.. (as the exact perfect spec I wanted probably doesnt exist)

If you have time on your side, you will find the right car for you as I did.. happy hunting! :D

There are a few dark coloured coupes around eg This one

PS if you want a copy of my options spreadsheet I made to keep track of cars for sale when I was looking, I'd be happy to send it to you..
 
Another cause of vague steering people have seen are worn suspension or steering bushes.
 
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