Hello from Yateley

S

StewartH

Member
Hi,

I'm not a Z4 owner yet but I've been lurking for a while and thought it was about time I was brave and said Hello, "Hello" :) Having recently sold my beloved 2004 E46 Saloon which I had for 9 years, I had been toying with the idea of buying a reasonably priced 2 seater soft top to replace it. I have a 2011 E90 on permanent loan from my globe trotting brother (so that covers my family vehicle requirement) and my Wife has an E46 330 Ci Convertible so I'm just after something fun to own and drive. I'll typically be using it for trips to the gym, picking up my son up from school etc. I initially narrowed my 2 seater search down to either an early 986 Boxster or an E85 Z4 but I have since decided (I think) that the BMW wins and I'm on the look out for a nice 3.0 Manual one :)

So, will owning a Z4 be as good as I hope it will be? Are there any major pro's or con's to consider (my investigations so far have made me aware of the likelihood for roof motor relocation and potential sticky steering; are these issues as common as the internet leads me to believe?).

I kind of figure that a 3.0 Z4 is likely to cost the same amount to run as my Wife's E46 330Ci Convertible, is this the case?

I'm looking to spend between £3k and £4k on something nice, is this achievable or am I dreaming? I've been browsing AutoTrader, eBay, Gumtree, FaceBook Groups and Forums but there doesn't seem to be that many E85 3.0 Manuals (must have heated seats) available in my budget at the moment. Typically there are literally hundreds of 986 Boxsters to choose from!

I hope the above makes sense, I would appreciate any advice or comments :)

Thanks in advance

Stewart
 
Hi & Welcome :thumbsup:

No, not as common as the internet states, and I think if you are looking at a nice Zed, might have to go nearer the 5K, especially if you want some goodies, like heated seats etc
 
Welcome to the forum, a useful buyers guide here:
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281
As already mentioned you may need to up your budget a little
 
Welcome to the forum Stewart - from a local. :lol: (I'm just up the road in Sandhurst).

I'm now into my 5th year of Z4 Coupe ownership and still loving it - but I also had an E46 325ti as a daily for over 3 years until I replaced it with an E91 325i earlier this year, so similar BMW history to you.

At least you live in the right part of the world for a roof motor relocation - Bowser134 is in Hook, Hants so not far away. And from what I have read "sticky steering" can be fixed, although I don't think they all suffer from that (unlike the drowned roof motors)!

Based on your budget you will be looking at a pre-facelift 3.0i which will have the same engine as your wife's E46 330Ci, so I can't see why running costs would be significantly different. Running costs for my Z4C are very similar to my E46 325ti - even the insurance is similar. :) Probably less than they would be for a Boxster though. :roll:

I've never had a Roadster, but based on what I've read you're right to have heated seats as an essential.

You may have to stretch your budget a bit, unless you don't mind a higher mileage one. I'd try to find one on here - forum members tend to be more likely to spoil their cars! Still the next couple of months ought to be a good time to be looking for a Roadster.

Anyway good luck with your search, and don't forget to post photos once you've found it! :)
 
I’m also quite local, up in Finchampstead.
I used to work in Yateley, first in an office behind the butchers, then in Yateley Lodge.
 
Welcome to the board. Zeds are solid cars, on the whole. Find a half decent one it it will see you smiling for a good few years yet. :D
 
Welcome. And good idea to start here before you buy. Look at the for sales and you could find a cracker. There was a prefacelift with good miles and 77k for sale here for less than £4k
Take a look
D
 
Thanks for the warm welcome and sound advice everyone, much appreciated :thumbsup:

I'm trying not to get too excited as I have plenty of time to find the right car for me and the longer I wait the more I can save :) I'm going to concentrate my search on a 3.0 Manual with Heated Seats. My Wife's E46 330Ci Convertible is Auto with Heated Seats (I used it with the roof down last night and feel heated seats are essential when it's a little cooler in the evenings). I absolutely LOVE the engine in her car and think it would be epic in a smaller, sportier car and whilst I think the Auto box perfectly suits her car I think I'd prefer a Manual box in a Z4. Hopefully I'll be lucky and will pick up an end of Summer bargain, watch this space :)

I welcome any further 'Hellos', advice, hints and tips or links to a potential new steed.

My old baby...
20180505_184540.jpg

My baby before that...
DSC00118.JPG
 
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