Desirable options on a second hand buy?

D

dlp

Member
 Dorking
Considering buying a 3.0 Z4 and like many people think I can probably get a lot of car for circa £6K.

Are there any 'must have options' that would otherwise be difficult/expensive to retro upgrade?

I'm thinking Sat/Nav (can the latest map discs do full post code search?), steering wheel controls and phone/Bluetooth prep as being three things I would really want.

Are Xenons worth hunting for or are the standard bulbs good enough?

And any tips ongoing for a clear headlight option?, I think i read somewhere the non xenon can be swapped over more easily for a new clear unit?
 
Hi and welcome to the Forum. :thumbsup:

There is a checklist link in my signature which you may find useful when looking at a pre-owned :)

As for desirable options this can perhaps hinder getting as good Zed. All you mention are woth having but may not be on a reliable well serviced and maintained Zed. Garmin Sat navs are equally as good as the OEM if not better as they come with bluetooth. I have one hardwired into my Zed and whilst not having the OEM look certainly does the job. Lots on here about Xenons - not sure if the 3.0 did not come with them as OEM fit? Non Xenon headlights offer an easier choice for changing (and if you want rid of the orange indicator 'hockey stick' look) but lots on here with a search to update you on the various options.

Good luck with your search :)
 
dip
Sat nav is a real tough retrofit and adds value to the car. Of course you can get by with any Tom Tom unit these days. Aftermarket maps that some use have postcodes added.

Xenons are really worth having as stock headlights are poor. Given changes in regs fitting aftermarket HID's is becoming more of an issue.
Halogen or xenon can be swapped out, but it's very expensive and chopping up lights and finding clear internals is not easy otr something everyone wants to do..

I'd also look for sport seats as they are rare second hand. Besides that condition is the factor to watch for.
 
Appreciate the replies and you both make a good point not to let the toys cloud your judgement on general car condition.

Crumbs I have just seen this Z4 with 212K on it!...good to know the engines last that long, makes buying one with 100K on it slightly less worrying!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-3-0i-4950-/290875455879?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43b9873987
 
Welcome to the forum.

I got my first Z4 a couple of weeks ago. I paid £5000 from an independent trader (so I'm covered by the sale of goods act and protected against any outstanding finance issues). It's an 03 3.0 manual, 120k, full history with xenons, M seats, heated and electric seats, ipod dock and bluetooth. I've also had cruise retro-fitted which is a simple £70 or so fit for the early Zeds. I think you get a lot of car for that money.

I guess your lifestyle defines the most desirable options for you, but I've never had a car before with electric memory and heated seats, and as my wife uses the car as well, they have been a real advantage (and the heating is toasty!). The cruise was important to me because I have a dicky knee.

It took me a couple of weeks to find, and I was prepared to go almost anywhere in the country - in the end it was about 8 miles away!

Good luck with the search - let us know how you get on
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom