Greetings! - some model advice please

[Corrie747]

Hi all

In the process of looking for an E85 this spring and trying to narrow down my choices. Is there anywhere on the forum where I can see what the spec differences are - Sport, SE, SI etc?

I found the buying guide, and that's great, but just want to know which models are worth going for as ther seems to be plenty on the market. I'll probably go for a 6 cyl, because I like the idea of the smoother engine, and the car won't be used a lot so economy isn't really a factor.

Looking to spend £8k or less.

Thanks in advance,

 

[Smartbear]

Hi all

In the process of looking for an E85 this spring and trying to narrow down my choices. Is there anywhere on the forum where I can see what the spec differences are - Sport, SE, SI etc?

I found the buying guide, and that's great, but just want to know which models are worth going for as ther seems to be plenty on the market. I'll probably go for a 6 cyl, because I like the idea of the smoother engine, and the car won't be used a lot so economy isn't really a factor.

Looking to spend £8k or less.

Thanks in advance,

Hi, for your budget you will be looking at an si which is 06-08. They have the n52 engine which is more powerful (262hp) and more economical than the pre 06 cars. The sport & se have the same engines, it’s trim & suspension which differs
Rob

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum.

Good idea to go for a 6 cylinder one - for me that is one of the special features of the Z4.

So I'll base this on the 6 cylinder models!

There was a facelift in 2006 - pre-facelift models had the M54 engine in 2.2i, 2.5i or 3.0i guises with 170, 192 or 231 bhp.

Facelift models had the N52 engine in 2.5i, 2.5Si or 3.0Si variants and they had 177, 218 or 265 bhp.

SE and Sport were trim levels - SE models had what BMW call "Sport" seats whereas Sport models had "M-Sport" seats and M-sport suspension, so they sit a bit lower and have a stiffer set-up. But the M-Sport seats in the Sport models are quite sought-after - a pair of used ones often fetch £750 or so! So if you really want them it's probably best to find a car that has them - but as they were an option on SE models some SEs do have them.

In terms of running costs all 6 of the 6 cylinder engines mentioned are in Band K for road tax, and will give similar mpg. So running costs are similar whichever size you look for.

For your budget I'd be looking for a facelift model so ideally a 3.0Si, but if you saw a good 2.5Si it would be worth considering if it had a good spec/was nearby/had a good history.

Good luck finding one you like. This is what M-Sport seats look like:-

 

[firebobby]

Welcome to the forum, you have come to the best place for information on these great cars. There are well sorted cars for sale on the forum which you should have a look at.
They do have a few issues, but all are pretty easy to sort and there is normally plenty of help on the forum.
You may see prices start to rise soon (Summer is coming) so don't hang around.

 

[Marlon]

Welcome to the forum. Mr Tidy has given you a very 'tidy' breakdown of the model differences

 

[srhutch]

Sport over SE

M Sport Suspension
M Sport Steering Wheel
M Sport Seats
Different Wheels

Coupe

As Above
Anthracite Roof Lining.

Si= Engine Specification only, nothing to do with trim level (SE or Sport).

All Si (2.5si/3.0si) are available in both SE and Sport Trim.

 

[Corrie747]

Excellent! That's cleared that up for me then

Yes, hoping to make a purchase in the next month, so will try and avoid the "pre-season" price hike!

Thanks for all the advice - great start to the club

 

[Crazy Harry]

Hi and welcome - if you're looking at the E85 try and get one with the Msport HEATED seats. These combined with the furnace like heater turn a top down 'summer' car into an all year round top down car. I always have the top down unless its raining to much or snowing!

3.0si roadster - very good choice in my book

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome - if you're looking at the E85 try and get one with the Msport HEATED seats. These combined with the furnace like heater turn a top down 'summer' car into an all year round top down car. I always have the top down unless its raining to much or snowing!

Good advice OP - I probably forgot the advice about heated seats because both my Z4's have been Coupes! :roll:

But M-Sport seats really are much better than the so-called "Sport" seats SE models come with as standard!

 

[Corrie747]

Many thanks for all the advice.... now the proud owner of this....







2006, 3.0Si Sport, 56k miles, FSH etc etc
Love it

Has the condensation in headlight issue, but know how to fix that :wink:

 

[RustyZ4]

very nice

 

[firebobby]

Stunning looking Zed, now enjoy it

 

[maxman]

Somebody stolen one of your pedals,i would take it back and ask for the three pedal version. :roll:

 

[Tinman6]

Somebody stolen one of your pedals,i would take it back and ask for the three pedal version. :roll:

Haha yeah, this !!

Seriously though, lovely looking car, have fun with it

 

[Corrie747]

 

[paddy wright]

Looks lovely- congratulations!

 

[Mr Tidy]

Black 3.0Si - car looks great OP.

One less pedal than I'd choose, but it's your choice - enjoy. :driving: