Good afternoon to all - I've been lurking on the forum
- Thread starter Rich88
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Mad Professor
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Blimey you must have a heavy foot to only get 14 mpg pout of your RX8
Is it the same Zed? Has the Zed got that noise Rich88?
Mine doesn't have that noise and it would worry me
Mine doesn't have that noise and it would worry me
Welcome mate - hope it all works out - always disappointing when you've been looking for a particular car -find one and then find out things that cast a shadow - the concerns voiced do need looking into but if it's got a Full dealer history and this checks out with BMW then that's a good starting point to allay any fears - if it has been repaired then all lines should be straight and equal - if not then it couldn't have been done properly . As regards advisories you can look up the MOT history free on the dvla website but you'll have to ask the dealer for the v5 number- then you can see if they've been addressed. If you feel at all uneasy go back to the dealer and voice your concerns - if you're still unhappy ask for your deposit back but do it quick before they can argue that they've spent money servicing it etc . All this is the worse case scenario and I really hope it all works out okay - these are lovely cars 
Rich88 said:
With the engine not running you probably wont hear a ticking noise
I looked through all the paper work too - i thought it was patchy, just receipts for MOTs ( I have some photos of the paper work and the V5). One of the MOT's advised worn bushes, but there was no evidence of them having been fixed.
Main thing for me was the ticking noise which most definitely is not normal (the car i've subsequently bought is smooth - no tickety tiick noises).
My other issue was the dealer themselves - very shady set up. The location, the lack of the dealer (on holiday in spain) The chap that i went for the test drive explained he' cleans them up but makes regular trips to the port with a transporter as the cars often go abroad. I checked out as much as I could with the internet the business and the previous owners. Previous owners seemed to be a couple now living in Brighton. Amazing what can you find with the trail of data from google+, farcebook etc. The the dealer (checking companies house records), they've not been in business that long.
Michelle from her hotel in Spain was hassling me with the familiar "I have another person coming to view the car drill.."
Too many warning flags for me so decided to pass on it. Pleased i did as a bit of patience and I found a better one. Still love the blue mind you .
plenty of search results on the ticking noises btw, in this forum and others. this one from bimmerfest for example
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1302843-Z4-3-0si-Hydraulic-Valve-Lifter-Engine-Noise-*Please-Read*
All I would advise is get it checked by a proper mechanic if that's not your skill set. It certainly ain't mine
I was asked asked for a deposit too - £200. Told is was non refundable :-( Didn't like that either !
How was it on the test drive, Paul? When I went out it was certainly comparable to the other one I test drove. I'm also as sure as I can be that there was no ticket tick for me. But that could be because it seems an intermittent issue, I suppose.
Given that there is no long list of engine failures because of this I might try using it as a bargaining chip and take my chances...
Given that there is no long list of engine failures because of this I might try using it as a bargaining chip and take my chances...
Rich88
If you listen to the video made by paul (posted on a link above) then you will hear two tapping noises - a very loud one that is NOT normal (heard even when the bonnet was down) and when the bonnet was lifted, much louder and with the underlying and much quieter NORMAL tapping noise of the injectors (which is the noise which sounds like keys on a laptop being used).
Search Vanos on this forum and you'll see the problem.
I am no mechanic nor have knowledge of the Vanos issue - ( from what I've read on the forum it has to do with the variable valve timing and I believe has to do with oil starvation causing the noise. I also believe that it does not effect performance but you will see in the posts that the only cure is a top end rebuild)
I don't want to alarm you or be the bearer of bad news but better you have some idea than buy blind.
Lovely looking Zed but buyer beware - for what it's worth I think paul made the right call in passing on this Zed
They are hard to find but they are out there - I bought mine via BMW with a years warranty - they had one or two for sale the last time I checked their stock (I travelled 200 miles to buy mine and had to compromise with colour and spec)
Good luck with your purchasing.
If you listen to the video made by paul (posted on a link above) then you will hear two tapping noises - a very loud one that is NOT normal (heard even when the bonnet was down) and when the bonnet was lifted, much louder and with the underlying and much quieter NORMAL tapping noise of the injectors (which is the noise which sounds like keys on a laptop being used).
Search Vanos on this forum and you'll see the problem.
I am no mechanic nor have knowledge of the Vanos issue - ( from what I've read on the forum it has to do with the variable valve timing and I believe has to do with oil starvation causing the noise. I also believe that it does not effect performance but you will see in the posts that the only cure is a top end rebuild)
I don't want to alarm you or be the bearer of bad news but better you have some idea than buy blind.
Lovely looking Zed but buyer beware - for what it's worth I think paul made the right call in passing on this Zed
They are hard to find but they are out there - I bought mine via BMW with a years warranty - they had one or two for sale the last time I checked their stock (I travelled 200 miles to buy mine and had to compromise with colour and spec)
Good luck with your purchasing.
I thought it drove fine, but then it was the first Z4 i had driven so to be honest, f*in awesome was more my thought.
Couldn't really push it - never feel comfortable to do that on someone elses car. Besides, I didn't know the area and he only took me around a short route on slow roads.
All the electrics worked for me, roof etc - smooth. Interior looked ok. Seat looked like previous occupant was a lightweight (lady) - no big biffer dents there was a mark on the dash i recall, but nothing serious. All the other items are fixable. Refurb the wheels, fix the chipped windscreen. Water in the headlight not sure about - but hairdrier might sort that.
Really its just the engine, and its not my area - far more knowledgeable people out there than me. From my research when i got home, it ranged from some saying it was a case of changing the oil to a proper BMW spec one to some needing a complete new head.
My uncle told me many years ago when taking me round to look for my first car (a Fiat Uno) the best advise i've ever had and that was "...if you're in any doubt, walk away. Plenty more cars out there". Not easy when you heart gets set on one though is it.
Perhaps an RAC inspection then - sounds like you've plenty of time in hand.
Couldn't really push it - never feel comfortable to do that on someone elses car. Besides, I didn't know the area and he only took me around a short route on slow roads.
All the electrics worked for me, roof etc - smooth. Interior looked ok. Seat looked like previous occupant was a lightweight (lady) - no big biffer dents
there was a mark on the dash i recall, but nothing serious. All the other items are fixable. Refurb the wheels, fix the chipped windscreen. Water in the headlight not sure about - but hairdrier might sort that.Really its just the engine, and its not my area - far more knowledgeable people out there than me. From my research when i got home, it ranged from some saying it was a case of changing the oil to a proper BMW spec one to some needing a complete new head.
My uncle told me many years ago when taking me round to look for my first car (a Fiat Uno) the best advise i've ever had and that was "...if you're in any doubt, walk away. Plenty more cars out there". Not easy when you heart gets set on one though is it.
Perhaps an RAC inspection then - sounds like you've plenty of time in hand.
Rich88 said:for a couple of months now as I weigh up whether or not to go for a Z4 as the next car (my other choice was a TT 3.2 Quattro - which sounds great and has a beautifully made interior, but just didn't make me feel the same on the test drive I went on).
Anyway, I have just put a deposit down on an '07 3.0si Roadster in Montegoblau. 46,000 miles on the clock. It's got a couple of kerb marks on the alloys and tiny (barely noticeable) marks by the fuel filler cap and on the rear bumper. However, that's it. Pick her up on the 27th
I'm PXing my RX8 which has given me 4 years of great, trouble-free motoring. However, I felt it was time for something a little more grown up (and something that does more than 14mpg). The one thing I didn't test on the test drive, however, was the stereo. The RX8 has a fantastic Bose soundsystem but I had the Zed's on mute the whole time!
good luck Rich, the blue imo is a great colour on the zed....I almost went for a blue 3.0si earlier on in the year but missed out....
I'd go for Z4 too Rich, be patient The lower seating position and cosy cabin just make it feel more special.
fwiw, I read that the 3.2 in the TT is not the best option, its a lot heavier, the 2.0 tfis is much lighter and makes the cars handling feel that bit more nimbler. The slightly lower power compensated by the lighter engine.
The lower seating position and cosy cabin just make it feel more special. fwiw, I read that the 3.2 in the TT is not the best option, its a lot heavier, the 2.0 tfis is much lighter and makes the cars handling feel that bit more nimbler. The slightly lower power compensated by the lighter engine.
It does look lovely - That's why I might go for it still. As I said, I didn't notice and tapping whatsoever (so it wasn't obvious). My research suggests that this lifter tapping can be an intermittent fault and could potentially be helped by an oil change (they've said they'll do that for me)/this bleeding technique (sceptical, but can do no harm) and/or time. Some people report it rarely doing it at all and that regular use helps. If a car has been sat on a forecourt for some time then it's obviously not used regularly.
The biggest crumb of comfort is that the issue doesn't seem to cause major issues down the line - just doesn't sound quite right. Correct me if there is a history of failures because of it.
Decisions decisions.
Thank you to Paul and everyone else for your help, though. I think this forum could be invaluable whether I go for this Montego or not.
The biggest crumb of comfort is that the issue doesn't seem to cause major issues down the line - just doesn't sound quite right. Correct me if there is a history of failures because of it.
Decisions decisions.
Thank you to Paul and everyone else for your help, though. I think this forum could be invaluable whether I go for this Montego or not.
The ride is probably smoother - it feels more like a GT car than a roadster. So I suppose it depends what you're looking for. It feels pretty heavy though and the fuel economy and tax aren't great. That being said, it does have a biblical exhaust note. Reminds me of the E46 M3 (although toned down slightly).
Depends what you're after, I suppose. But I'd go for the Z4 hands down. Certainly when compared to the 3.0si. The Zed feels much more agile - better throttle response etc.
Depends what you're after, I suppose. But I'd go for the Z4 hands down. Certainly when compared to the 3.0si. The Zed feels much more agile - better throttle response etc.
paul_ozk said:I'd go for Z4 too Rich, be patient
fwiw, I read that the 3.2 in the TT is not the best option, its a lot heavier, the 2.0 tfis is much lighter and makes the cars handling feel that bit more nimbler. The slightly lower power compensated by the lighter engine.
Zero character in the TFSis but the V6s have it to spare , torque & tone are hard to fault on the 3.2s MK1 or Mk2
All depends if you prefer displacement or turbo
mr wilks said:paul_ozk said:I'd go for Z4 too Rich, be patient
fwiw, I read that the 3.2 in the TT is not the best option, its a lot heavier, the 2.0 tfis is much lighter and makes the cars handling feel that bit more nimbler. The slightly lower power compensated by the lighter engine.
Zero character in the TFSis but the V6s have it to spare , torque & tone are hard to fault on the 3.2s MK1 or Mk2
All depends if you prefer displacement or turbo
fair point. I've not actually driven either :|
Reviewers of mags and web sites (eg Autocar) never seem to focus on the actual ownership experience or how it feels as they never have spend their own money but do harp on about handling.
Rich88 said:
Hello Rich,
didn't want to poo poo your potential purchase as it's never nice to be buying a nice car only to then be told it might have problems!! Causses anxiety and worry no doubt....however depending on the size of deposit and the price you've negotiated (fact that you need to part ex also...) there's actually two quite well priced blue z4 3.0si on autotrader....
the first I've seen and driven but discounted because I felt it was a little over priced in that it needed new tyres and the bodywork was a little tired along with the seats, but the guys selling is geniune and the car is straight, engine was spot on and it drove really well. I haggled him down to £8k, but I reckon he would probably take £7750. It's listed on at auto trader for £8.5k, it's in milton keynes and has great history.
The other one has full bmw sh and is also under bmw warranty, which if I hadn't had bought my s2000 I would be viewing it tomorrow!!
I've waited ages for 3.0SI in blue and as soon as I pulled the trigger on the yellow s2k, a great one comes on sale!!
Interesting - the fact is that I'm fairly locked into this one, though. I don't regret it, though. It's a lovely example, engine noise aside - and I didn't experience that so I'm hoping that with an oil change and the fact that my commute is circa 17 miles each way and this Z4 will do that, it will all be sorted.
I'll be reporting about it on here, so you'll know what ultimately happens.
Never driven an s2000 - thoughts?
I'll be reporting about it on here, so you'll know what ultimately happens.
Never driven an s2000 - thoughts?