E85 3.0i manual - buyers guide
- Thread starter Oscar21
- Start date
Well there is one here:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21281
But it was compiled a while ago!
Based on what I've seen I'd add a few other things.
They are prone to engine oil leaks from the cam-cover and oil filter housing gaskets getting brittle given their age. Neither is too expensive to fix if you DIY, but the cam-cover gasket can take a while.
BMW put the roof motors where they tend to get wet from water out of the roof drains. But there are people on here who can often revive defective ones, and more importantly relocate them into the boot out of harms way.
Corroded rear brake pipes in front of the passenger side rear wheel aren't unusual. They sit inside a plastic cover under the car but where that ends road debris often builds up and holds moisture.
Spec can make a big difference too with Xenons and M-Sport seats being highly desirable. And while I've never had an E85 if you like top-down motoring by all accounts heated seats are a must-have!
Anyway good luck finding the right one.
But it was compiled a while ago!
Based on what I've seen I'd add a few other things.
They are prone to engine oil leaks from the cam-cover and oil filter housing gaskets getting brittle given their age. Neither is too expensive to fix if you DIY, but the cam-cover gasket can take a while.
BMW put the roof motors where they tend to get wet from water out of the roof drains. But there are people on here who can often revive defective ones, and more importantly relocate them into the boot out of harms way.
Corroded rear brake pipes in front of the passenger side rear wheel aren't unusual. They sit inside a plastic cover under the car but where that ends road debris often builds up and holds moisture.
Spec can make a big difference too with Xenons and M-Sport seats being highly desirable. And while I've never had an E85 if you like top-down motoring by all accounts heated seats are a must-have!
Anyway good luck finding the right one.
I've had my non heated seats E85 for 7 years now. I started off thinking I'd need to add heated seats because so many people advocate for them. I always take the opportunity to take the top down, even at night, and honestly I've never felt the need for heated seats. Maybe if you were wearing shorts and a t shirt in winter 
I've driven the NC500 in September, which involved driving long days with the top down, and never felt cold.
It's my experience that if it's cold then exposed skin is where you might possibly need protection - so hat, scarf and gloves are fine. The HVAC on these cars work really well and I've found it more than adequate. I don't particularly like driving in gloves so a heated steering wheel would be a more important addition for me but never available on this model (afaik).
They do seem to add value when it comes to selling on but these models are so cheap now it's hardly a consideration.
I've driven the NC500 in September, which involved driving long days with the top down, and never felt cold. It's my experience that if it's cold then exposed skin is where you might possibly need protection - so hat, scarf and gloves are fine. The HVAC on these cars work really well and I've found it more than adequate. I don't particularly like driving in gloves so a heated steering wheel would be a more important addition for me but never available on this model (afaik).
They do seem to add value when it comes to selling on but these models are so cheap now it's hardly a consideration.
raymond.harper
Senior member
When buying a Z4 take a model-specific code reader, it can find many hidden problems. https://classicsworld.co.uk/guides/bmw-z4-e84-buyers-guide/
Vornwend said:
That was the heat off of the exhaust of the cars in front of you that helped with that :wink: :rofl:
