Going to view a coupe - advice

R

Roundozo

Senior member
 Hampshire
Hi All,

So I’ve been lurking on here for a little while now and I’m off to see a coupe on Sunday. I have a couple of questions and would be looking for some opinions/advice.

• Firstly, can someone point me in the direction of the buying guide as I can’t find it and just want to check if there are any other quirky Z4 defects I need to keep an eye out for that I haven’t already thought of.
• Secondly do you think I’m taking a huge risk? – A little explanation on this.........

So my budget is tiny for a Z4 coupe but my heart is set. I’ve seen a few high milers and Cat C/D cars for my budget and I’m off to go and view one on the weekend.

I’m pretty mechanically minded so don’t have any issues in suspension, ancillary and brake repairs etc so can reduce maintenance cost in doing this work myself.

The car I’m going to look at was a Cat D about 4 years ago but repaired before current owner so he is unsure what the damage was. I presume if it was 4 years ago any issues would have reared their ugly head by now?

It’s on 80k so not low mileage either but the price reflects this and in my mind 80k on a straight 6 is just running it in. It also doesn’t have a service history. Now I’ve bought carts without service history before and they’ve been fine (especially my last 3 series). I will be checking the condition of the oil and other fluids along with bushes and suspension components to see if it’s been cared for even without a service history as some cars are.

I’m not looking for concourse condition and I know if I come to sell it in three years time having no service history, high mileage and registered as a cat D won’t help the re-sell value but all these issues are reflected in the current price.

If she sounds sweet (no HVA noises, no clunking suspension or bad tramlining), do you think it’s worth the plunge?

p.s. before anyone says just save up some more money, I don’t have time (won’t go into why) and I’m getting married next year so if I don’t get it soon the money will be gobbled up by the wedding.

Looking forward to the wise words from you lot, be honest.
 
Depends what kind of money you are talking & what damage was on the car 4years ago. In general there pretty reliable. Check for ticking on cold engines,rear springs & check everything works. There a buying guide on here but can't locate it at the moment. Sure someone will know shortly. Good luck in your search. :thumbsup:
 
Here's a link someone gave me a few weeks back when I was looking for my Z4. http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281
 
Cheers guys. Printed off the check list just in case. I probably would have done most of that but there are a couple I didn't think of so always nice to be precise. I've also printed a receipt template from the tinterweb in case it looks good. It is high mileage but does have all the toys and being a big kid this does tempt me but I must be sensible in my decision making and not get distracted by buttons etc! I've been for a test drive in a mint one so I kinda know how she should behave on the road so I wonder what 80k does to a Z4?

Saying that my old 3 series was on 120k when i bought her and she was an absolute diamond. Body work was mint, a few swirl marks but these are easily removed with some detailing and the engine and box were sweet. Even took it to my indy who was so surprised a car on 120K could be in such condition and still have all its pony's under the bonnet, he'd seen 30k cars in worse condition. Hopefully this Z4 will be in similar condition even with its tarnished history.

I will keep you lot posted as to how it goes! Maybe I'll be a coupe owner by the end of the weekend!
 
As already mentioned underside of bootlid for rust, and also check the bonnet catch area and the whole of that part (painted black metal) for signs of rust. this would be normal in my opinion. The thing is you mention your mechanically minded so anything like this shouldnt scare you.

again might have already been mentioned but if you can get pictures of car before and after repair? How well the repair was done im sure you will be able to judge (with your experience) shut lines gaps etc...

squeeky wipers... :!:
 
Check the fog lights for signs of water as the light washers break (think this is a general thing not just coupe).
 
The guy selling says the repair was done by the previous owner (two owners) and he doesn't have details. This concerns me a little as I'm sure he would have asked. When I speak to him on Sunday he may be able to tell me a little more. As its Cat D I shall be checking all the shut lines etc, etc. Any dodgy repair will soon be spotted with the old "does my finger fit in that gap" test. If I cant tell there's been a repair then I'd say it was a good one. I've also asked the seller to not start the car so I can see what shes like on a cold start.

Ok, so check rust on the underside of boot lid (is this where the catch is?) and at the front. I know other BMW designs have suffered rusting and seizing around the bonnet catch area and can sometime make it difficult to open the bonnet (E46 especially). Are the Z4's prone to this same issue?

Also the E46 was prone to rusting in the rear wheel arch, is this also a potential Z4 issue too?

p.s. I do love the colour too but that will be revealed if I get it.
 
Roundozo said:
Ok, so check rust on the underside of boot lid (is this where the catch is?) and at the front. I know other BMW designs have suffered rusting and seizing around the bonnet catch area and can sometime make it difficult to open the bonnet (E46 especially). Are the Z4's prone to this same issue?
Click to expand...

And check the bottom of the rear window as water tends to sit there until the boot is lifted.

This is an example of the underside

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=377048#p377048
 
Cheers guys, will keep an eye out for rust. Possible happy news to follow on Sunday/Monday but we'll see if she has any hidden gremlins first. Saying I was mechanically minded is true but the one thing i don't do is rust. I'd rather pay someone for bodywork, its too fiddly and needs to be exact. I wont mind too much if the wheels are curbed etc (its on MV2's) as I'd be getting rid of those and putting the X5 wheels on like another member here, it just looks so right. I also wont mind too much if the suspension looks worn as I'd want to lower it slightly and get rid of the OEM springs anyhow. Condition of the engine, box, diff and bodywork will be the big decider for me. Anyhows, I'll stop talking now as I'm getting all excited so watch this space.......
 
Boot lids as said above. Mines got very small spots appearing. Check the doors too as my passenger's door bubbled with rust and was replaced under warranty along with my bonnet. Water pumps are electric so make sure this is ok. Just check all switches and other bits work. If unsure of the car walk away as there will always be others come up.
 
So results are in and I'm not going to buy it. To many things don't seem right so I'm going to walk away. Going to up my budget and keep looking.
 
Roundozo said:
So results are in and I'm not going to buy it. To many things don't seem right so I'm going to walk away. Going to up my budget and keep looking.
Click to expand...

Wise move imo , no point buying trouble 8)
 
mr wilks said:
Roundozo said:
So results are in and I'm not going to buy it. To many things don't seem right so I'm going to walk away. Going to up my budget and keep looking.
Click to expand...

Wise move imo , no point buying trouble 8)
Click to expand...

if it does not feel right its not right, i agree with mr wilks
 
You might have a bit of a job checking the oil colour/condition on a coupe as it uses the n52 engine which has no dipstick! I suppose you could look through the oil filler cap hole at the valve gear to check for dirty oil deposits etc?
Regards
 
Yeah, had a good old look under the filler cap. Looked quite dry and didnt smell right. Panel gaps at the rear didn't match nicely, knocking from suspension components and electrical issues. Just decided to walk away.
 
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