first z4 shopping feedback

[first_bmw]

I'm looking at a 2003 2.5 with 28k miles ($18,000), drives and looks like new. I looked at a 3.0 with 67k @$14,500 but smg transmission. I like the extra power, but seemed clunky and not good manners. There is 1.5 hours from me a manual 2008 50k 3.0 @ $16,000.

The first my only concern is how much it sat and price, but seems it would go a long way with that mileage. How are the driving manners of the 3.0 six speed. Worth a long drive? I need something relatively soon.

 

[lucasxdiniz]

How are the driving manners of the 3.0 six speed. Worth a long drive? I need something relatively soon.

1.5 hours is a long drive? I was under the impression Americans did a lot of miles because of the infrastructure out there is set up that way.

The facelift (which >=2006MY would be) has the N52 engine which is very easy to drive, super responsive and reliable. If you're getting it for $16k, then put aside the $2k difference (from the inferior 2003 2.5) for any maintenance you might need. Seals dry up with time and heat cycle, not miles, so expect either car to have oil leaks in the following at some point: filter housing gasket, cam cover, valvetronic gasket, sump. All but the sump are easy to repair, and the sump is definitely the most reliable. Budget $500 for water pump for the N52, they're known for failing around 60k. Wouldn't expect much else to go wrong with the N52k engined car.

 

[first_bmw]

Something other than engine size/power regarding the inferior 2.5 comment? I meant 2.5 hours. I do appreciate the feedback.

 

[coldel]

If you google the specs of the two engines you will see the differences. Older heavier much less power doesn't rev as freely etc. The difference in the cars performance is pretty marked.

If I were you, suck up a little drive (2.5 hours of enjoying the car) out and get the better car. Mileage is largely irrelevant, condition and maintenance is king in terms of how a car works. I had a 70k mile E86 and now have a 115k mile E85 3.0si and in terms of engine performance there is nothing in it.

 

[first_bmw]

Thanks, hopefully it is still there by the time I can get there.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum OP.

Of those three I'd go for the 3.0Si as well. The other two are pre-facelift models so have the older generation engine - M54 rather than N52. The 2.5 will be quite a bit less powerful and the SMG transmission can have sometimes have expensive issues from what I've read.

I've got my fourth N52 engine in a 3 Series and it performs brilliantly even though it has done over 120K miles!

Hope it is still there.

 

[SOhioZ4]

I drove almost three hours to pick up my 03' 2.5 , had 75K on it at the time , drove it home no problems , I believe the prices was right around 9K , I honestly cant remember . I feel I have all the power I need with the 2.5 . Whatever the price you end up going with , be prepared to spend some when you get it home , they can cost some cash to maintain ,

 

[first_bmw]

Well, it's replacing a street car that turns 5.90's in the quarter. It's going to be a lot easier than that . I do appreciate the info