Hello from Cornwall

A

alexis

New member
Hello All,
I'm new to this site and finding my way around.
I could really use some advice if poss... should I buy an Alpina? seen one, fell in love, now worried about ... well everything really! its a 55 with 41k miles This would be my first z4 (from a z3 at the mo). I thought I was looking for an 07/8 with really low miles but now I dont know what to do. shall I/ shan't I....? please help?!
p.s. its from a dealer and a 12 month waranty
What about running/ maintaining it?
thanks everso from confused of Cornwall
 
Hello and welcome to the forum :)

Tough choice, the sensible thing to do is to test drive a few cars that catch your eye. Maybe a 3.0 Si, the Alpina and evan an M if your funds allow, then you can make an informed decision, the trouble is that you will probably fall in love with the first one you drive as most of us did.

On here, we will all propose our own cars as that is to be expected from a group of passionate owners :thumbsup:
 
Hi and welcome aboard!!

I was looking at Alpina's before I got my ///M, as Sars says have a look at the different models and also the Internet, there are quite a few reviews comparing the models, one in particular From EVO magazine helped me no end, http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/66239/bmw_z4_m_v_boxster_s_v_tvr_tuscan_v_alpina.html

:thumbsup:
 
Welcome aboard :)

Alpina - great. Loads of torque, 30 mpg. Head gasket failure is not uncommon at 60k miles. However, I'd have one regardless ;)

///M - scorching performance. Not so good with the mpg.

3.0si - pretty sure you could get a mint one with all toys and low mileage for your budget.

Whichever you choose you won't be disappointed :thumbsup:

Just don't buy a coupe, go for a roadster ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Hi and welcome

The alpina is cheaper to service and tax than a z/m .If you want any info on the alpina i will try and answer any questions.
happy hunting for your new z :)
 
alexis said:
Hello All,
I'm new to this site and finding my way around.
I could really use some advice if poss... should I buy an Alpina? seen one, fell in love, now worried about ... well everything really! its a 55 with 41k miles This would be my first z4 (from a z3 at the mo). I thought I was looking for an 07/8 with really low miles but now I dont know what to do. shall I/ shan't I....? please help?!
p.s. its from a dealer and a 12 month waranty
What about running/ maintaining it?
thanks everso from confused of Cornwall
Click to expand...

As an Alpina owner, haven't regretted owning one for an instance. They are lovely motors with performance on a par with the ///M but at a fraction of the servicing and owning costs. Buying one, they demand a premium - there are only 176 registered RHD models for 2004/2005/2006. I bought mine in 2009 as an 05 on 40k miles - its now at 81k, still running fine. It gets serviced at Sytner Notts, who have been nothing but exceptional with the car. Servicing costs are similar to the 3.0 Z4, tax is as LPG, so a lot lower than an ///M. Insurance is usually pretty reasonable in comparison too.

BTW - new Alpinas only come with a 2 year warranty. Buying additional years for a roadster will cost £700 - £1000 dependant on mileage.

There is a dedicated Alpina forum with a core of roadster owners - would recommend that you ping your questions in there also, they are a pretty friendly bunch.

HTH
 
The alpinas are beauts and much rarer than the normal Z4. Push for a 2 yr warranty if in doubt! GO FOR IT!

Have you looked at the M roadster? Just to add some more doubt :evil:

Noise power what more do you need :evil:
 
Hi again, thank you for your very helpful comments, and reading the evo review (brill thanks) I cant wait to drive it again! I think its a thumbs up so its all good.
The head gasket failure thing is a bit scary but forewarned is forearmed as they say, I'd have to start saving! (how do you know when one is going wrong)?
I think the M would be too much for me, servicing-wise and cost etc although I haven't driven one. its just what i needed to hear really, I'd been searching the net and approved used and couldnt make a decision.

and I agree, noise good, power gooooood
what would you ask for in a warranty - does it need to be with BMW. what difference would it be with the AA and is that ok?
thanks again :)
 
Welcome from another Alpina owner. I lurk around this Forum and also the Alpina Register, you'll find both sites helpful. If there is any history to that car you'll find it on the register. The community is not large and they are all enthusiasts of the marque.

Do some test drives and see which you prefer, the Alpina Roadster S and the M roadster are very different animals with very different running costs. Whatever you buy, you'll not regret buying a Z :)


Tapatalking...
 
alexis said:
The head gasket failure thing is a bit scary but forewarned is forearmed as they say, I'd have to start saving! (how do you know when one is going wrong)?
Click to expand...

Misfire, pinking, general rough running. If it happens, get a pressure drop test performed WITHOUT DELAY, as if left, it can cause a whole load more damage and cost ££££££££££'s. Found early, still not cheap, but should just involve head off, new gasket (copper now available) and rebuild. BTW, 80k is the start of the 'risk' zone, not 60k as mentioned above, and many S engines (fitted to the E46 B3S, too) are well over 100k and never had the head off. Others are less lucky. The failure is always between combustion chambers, usually 3 and 4 (centre of block) so there is no oil/water mix.

Basically, buy a good one (ask for help if unsure), get to know the way it runs (they sound awful cold BTW as they sit on an exhaust resonance on cold idle - settles after 30-40secs) and understand what the engine tells you and you'll be fine.
 
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