Changed my Mind on Z4 Purchase
- Thread starter barnyg
- Start date
I'd go for a Roadster every time, if only for driving at night with the top down. As Mr Wilks said, don't rule out the 2.5si. I've never had any regrets about buying one over a 3.0 litre, it's not dramatically slower & the engine is an absolute pearl - plus you get a few M bit 'n bobs like seats, wheels & lower suspension etc.
If you can wait 'til Sept mine will probably be be up for sale - it's a nice 'un
If you can wait 'til Sept mine will probably be be up for sale - it's a nice 'un
Agree that a 2.5si or 3.0si would be great - I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago. After test drives, it had to be a 6 cyl roadster for me.
Not much between them in terms of performance (real world) or economy, but the spec level on the 3.0si is usually higher. Xenon's are a worthwhile option, for example, which is rare on the 2.5si. So for £500-750 more, a 3.0si would generally be a be a better buy on any given day, but broadening your search is ultimately going to give you a better chance of finding a good car.
If you like red, this is a stunning car. A rare colour and spec.
Not much between them in terms of performance (real world) or economy, but the spec level on the 3.0si is usually higher. Xenon's are a worthwhile option, for example, which is rare on the 2.5si. So for £500-750 more, a 3.0si would generally be a be a better buy on any given day, but broadening your search is ultimately going to give you a better chance of finding a good car.
If you like red, this is a stunning car. A rare colour and spec.
Dewi said:I'd go for a Roadster every time, if only for driving at night with the top down. As Mr Wilks said, don't rule out the 2.5si. I've never had any regrets about buying one over a 3.0 litre, it's not dramatically slower & the engine is an absolute pearl - plus you get a few M bit 'n bobs like seats, wheels & lower suspension etc.
If you can wait 'til Sept mine will probably be be up for sale - it's a nice 'un
I would agree with you not to discount the 2.5si. On a run I was leading an ///M driver was surprised how fast it was. It's not all down to the car.
Don't get confused about the Si part though as this has nothing to do with the spec. It's just an engine designation. You can get a Si SE which has no Sport goodies. You want a Si Sport model.
I would also not discount a pre facelift 3.0 though. Engine is stronger than the facelift models I would say.
Thanks again for the responses. I think at the end of the day I'm gonna have to test drive the different types which can be difficult in the used market especially with predominantly private sellers. Its hard to go and look at a car you aren't completely commuted to buying if you want to test drive a few. As I've said in previous posts, my time frame for this purchase is quite a while due to university etc so I guess I'll experience the different models in that time and perhaps get to drive a few.
Dewi, that really is a stunning phoenix yellow roadster, must be an incredibly unique colour, only ever seen one other like it online and none in the flesh.
MrPT, I'd say red is right up there with my favourite colours for a zed. A lot are more subdued silvers which are beautiful but I think at my age it needs a certain something!
Dewi, that really is a stunning phoenix yellow roadster, must be an incredibly unique colour, only ever seen one other like it online and none in the flesh.
MrPT, I'd say red is right up there with my favourite colours for a zed. A lot are more subdued silvers which are beautiful but I think at my age it needs a certain something!
south yorkshire
I would consider starting with a 2.0 or if you an find one a 2.2 which will give you a 6 cylinder engine. There's not much in running costs to a 3.0 apart from insurance which at your age will be a big differene!
Thanks Paddy. My original plan was going to be a simple 2.0 but then I got into researching it all a bit more and realised there were way more higher specced models than I thought. Either way a 2.0 is a massive jump from my 1.25 now. As you say though insurance can be a real bummer
Personally I would go for a 3.0i, there's plenty cheap enough and I found no difference In insurance costs between the 6cylinders.
You will get a high spec preface and have plenty of change for mods, over a facelift that would be my choice hands down.
You will get a high spec preface and have plenty of change for mods, over a facelift that would be my choice hands down.
barnyg said:
Yeah I would. I bought mine over two years ago, fully spec'd, front and rear parking sensors etc. Only thing it doesn't have is TV function.
65k miles on the clock back then and I paid 6.5k. It needed a bit of work but it was a bargain.
Bloody love mine, the m54 engine is imo one of bmws greatest
Whichever route you go down, you don't need to worry about running costs on the 3.0 Si.
Mine is ridiculously frugal for a 3.0. My long term average is 28mpg and I drive it into Manchester City Centre every day, with some motorway journeys to see clients.
Its also cheap to tax too as the Co2 emissions are so low.
It really is at the efficient frontier in terms of cost vs performance.
Mine is ridiculously frugal for a 3.0. My long term average is 28mpg and I drive it into Manchester City Centre every day, with some motorway journeys to see clients.
Its also cheap to tax too as the Co2 emissions are so low.
It really is at the efficient frontier in terms of cost vs performance.
Glad to hear that 3.0si is actually fairly frugal. In my current circumstances it would be used as an occasional uni driver with 100 mile journeys up and down the m4 from Woking to Bath every now and then. This is unlikely to be the case when i buy the car though as i will likely be out of university and employed. Based on a potential graduate job i may have it could be a 30 mile return daily commute.
I'll have more of a research in my evenings into prices. As i think ive said, looking to spend up to 10k on a coupe one day but for now if 6k would do me for a roadster then i might 'settle' for that so to speak. Still lovely cars.
I'll have more of a research in my evenings into prices. As i think ive said, looking to spend up to 10k on a coupe one day but for now if 6k would do me for a roadster then i might 'settle' for that so to speak. Still lovely cars.
Mpg Average Comments
36.92 31.39 70/80 Netherlands
24.50 100+ Autobahn
31.21 Mountains
35.13 70/90
25.98 Town/city
34.58 Steady 60 (ish)
Above is a copy of my fuel use on last years holiday - I don't normally bother but I was sitting with nothing else to do so I cobbled together a spreadsheet.
3.0 auto - top off 100% of the journey
Temp 25c
Dry
36.92 31.39 70/80 Netherlands
24.50 100+ Autobahn
31.21 Mountains
35.13 70/90
25.98 Town/city
34.58 Steady 60 (ish)
Above is a copy of my fuel use on last years holiday - I don't normally bother but I was sitting with nothing else to do so I cobbled together a spreadsheet.
3.0 auto - top off 100% of the journey
Temp 25c
Dry
Z4M-2006 said:If the roady had some flared arches and maybe a different bootlid with integral spoiler...
Agreed - I love the flared arches on the rear of inkey$ breadvan, just a nice distinctive touch.
To the OP - I'd agree with above, go for a 6 cylinder if only for the lower risk of issues as compared to the four pots. 2.5 or 3 litre, you won't see that much between them in terms of fuel consumption or performance.
40+ is not unrealistic - I've seen that few times - the run thro the Netherlands each summer shows that. - until I get thro the border of Germany - that's why I show 37 - it was about 44 till that point.
If I needed economy tho I would have bought a 3 cyl - 1.0 l Kia or something of that ilk.
If I needed economy tho I would have bought a 3 cyl - 1.0 l Kia or something of that ilk.