Help a poor newbie

[thomt93]

Hello all,

Im currently looking for a z4 and also my first BMW and german car in general (jap fan). Always had a spot for the Z4 since my dad bought me a metal model kit to build one when i was a kid just when they first came out! (sorry if i made anyone feel old) im 22 years old.

Originally i was looking for the coupe however i think i want a roadster and ideally a roadster with a hard top (just simply prefer the shape) theres alot out there... but i think i know what i want. Before i say so thought i wonder if anyone can help me with my questions?

- Do these have any really prominent problems that will need addressing im very wary of its age as ive never owned a car this old before.
- What advice for buying a soft top could you give me? are they good? need replacing often? (i will be using this car more or less daily)
- What do others prefer between in 05 and 06+ and why?


Budget 8k (for a roadster) but hoping to get the best deal to help with my mod addiction

Looking for:
Black 2005 3.0se
m steering wheel
Upgraded seats
under 70k miles

Mods i will be doing to the car
M3 19/20 inch csl wheels in silver
Angel lights
remote roof fob
comfort lights
any paint corrections
de badge
black out grille
front lip

Not sure if this is allowed but does something like this one seem ok from a viewing? (please tell me if this links not allowed)

http://www.yournextcarltd.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-z4-3-0-i-se-roadster-2dr-nottingham-201606044599722

Do you know anyone whos selling one? Thanks!

 

[85genius]

The one you linked to doesn't have the m steering wheel...

Within your budget you can probably get an si which gives you an extra 35bhp so that's what I'd be looking for

 

[85genius]

Keep an eye on the forum sales section

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the Forum. A few things can go wrong with the roady. Rear Springs fail, cheap to fix. Roof motors can fill with water and fail. Cheap to replace but labour can be several hundred. There's a mod to move it to the boot. If your using it daily then I would recommend a look at that one. 8k should give you a good selection to look at. Zeds seem to be hiding the miles well. Bare in mind any roadster will be top dollar this time of year. Doubt you plan on waiting until winter to buy one though. :wink:

 

[skelters]

Being 22 you might want to get a rough price on insurance.

Springs
Drowned Roof Motor
Stone chips on the front
Decent Service History
Bushes
Springs

Did I mention the springs?!

For that car here's the advisories from the MOT on the 2nd June...

Advisory notice item(s)
front Brake pipe slightly corroded to rear x 2 (3.6.B.2c)
nearside front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
offside front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
nearside front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
offside front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Needs the front bushes done and two front tyres. That and an alignment after the bushes are done.

And the brake pipes looked at.

 

[skelters]

It also needs a stubby.

 

[Mr Tidy]

It also needs a stubby.

Assuming you don't need to listen to the radio! My current Z4C has a stubby, but a bent coat-hanger would probably work better - stubby is Cr*p from a functionality point of view IMHO!

Anyway OP I hope you find what you want! (So long as it is a Coupe)! :laugh:

 

[Smartbear]

It also needs a stubby.

Assuming you don't need to listen to the radio! My current Z4C has a stubby, but a bent coat-hanger would probably work better - stubby is Cr*p from a functionality point of view IMHO!

Anyway OP I hope you find what you want! (So long as it is a Coupe)! :laugh:

Is it a bmw stubby? I've it one on my roadster & the radio reception is no different compared to the whippy before
Rob

 

[MACK]

It also needs a stubby.

Assuming you don't need to listen to the radio! My current Z4C has a stubby, but a bent coat-hanger would probably work better - stubby is Cr*p from a functionality point of view IMHO!

Anyway OP I hope you find what you want! (So long as it is a Coupe)! :laugh:

Is it a bmw stubby? I've it one on my roadster & the radio reception is no different compared to the whippy before
Rob

Which BMW stubby did you use?
My Citreon one isn't great, especially on Talk Sport (AM). Do you use your BMW one on AM or just FM?

 

[thomt93]

Thanks for the replies and help!

I am in no rush to buy one of these my little FN2 is still running strong!

Thanks for the MOT advisories that's really helpful actually and not to worrying from my point of view.

Insurance is cheap for me (well my age )i think its the area i live in (basically in the middle of a field in the heart of the Cotswold) Being quoted £600-£700 online fully comp

I do really like the coupes but i genuinely prefer the shape of the roadster the coupe to me looks more like a 350z and if i was looking for that shape id go with the 3.5 v6 350z nismo and save a few grand. (not on petrol ) I have heard alot of hairdresser comments about the roadsters but its usually just funny to me they look and feel fun!

 

[Rorybeanbutler]

As someone said above for 8k you should be looking at a 2006 and on facelift 3.0si. Great engine in my coupe. As for the 350z my mate at work has one and can't keep up

 

[thomt93]

Yes the Z4 is quicker on the road. I can't seem to find many in my price range that hanvt done a huge amount of miles though? maybe as someone said this is because of the season?

 

[David-H]

Really nice one for sale, late model, low mileage etc here in forum sales if you could stretch your budget to £10K.

 

[Smartbear]

Yes the Z4 is quicker on the road. I can't seem to find many in my price range that hanvt done a huge amount of miles though? maybe as someone said this is because of the season?

These cars can cover 300k miles plus Tom without any bother as long as they've been looked after properly, you won't wear one out
Rob

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Low miles doesn't necessarily = a better looked after car. Buy on condition.

 

[Pastry]

Yes the Z4 is quicker on the road. I can't seem to find many in my price range that hanvt done a huge amount of miles though? maybe as someone said this is because of the season?

These cars can cover 300k miles plus Tom without any bother as long as they've been looked after properly, you won't wear one out
Rob

Unlike the owners aye Rob who do wear out then buy an E89 like me!

 

[Smartbear]

Yes the Z4 is quicker on the road. I can't seem to find many in my price range that hanvt done a huge amount of miles though? maybe as someone said this is because of the season?

These cars can cover 300k miles plus Tom without any bother as long as they've been looked after properly, you won't wear one out
Rob

Unlike the owners aye Rob who do wear out then buy an E89 like me!

Yep, we're all on the same conveyor belt pastry!
Its just that some of us are nearer the end of it than others
Rob

 

[Pastry]

I know you wanted black but a 2006 silver 3.0 si with red leather and 38k on the clock has just come on AT today at £8500

 

[thomt93]

I know im going to view it in the morning! thanks!

 

[Pastry]

I know im going to view it in the morning! thanks!

Good on ya... I hope it's a good one as the money seems right