Help picking Z4 - N52 or M54???
- Thread starter Willbott
- Start date
Welcome to the forum Willbot.
I have a pre facelift 3.0i se on 18" 108's and runflats (at the moment) and I don't have any issues with the ride at all. That said, I shall be changing to non runflats when this set wear out, as they are cheaper. I got the 12 months warranty from BMW when I got the car in June, and for peace of mind, shall be renewing it when it expires.
I have a pre facelift 3.0i se on 18" 108's and runflats (at the moment) and I don't have any issues with the ride at all. That said, I shall be changing to non runflats when this set wear out, as they are cheaper. I got the 12 months warranty from BMW when I got the car in June, and for peace of mind, shall be renewing it when it expires.
Willbot with both the N52 engine and the roof I think all you can really do is do research on the car your looking at to these if these have been replaced/repaired. Although the roof motor is better insulated on facelift models again there have been one of two member on here with roof failure.
As stated above the N52 is not so tuneable as the the old 3.0i but from what you read on here and elsewhere BMW did a pretty good job at the factory so apart from a SC you will see little gains anyway and if your going to do that better of getting an ///M in the first place.
But if you are concerned about these points then I would suggest getting a car with a BMW warranty for that peace of mind.
As stated above the N52 is not so tuneable as the the old 3.0i but from what you read on here and elsewhere BMW did a pretty good job at the factory so apart from a SC you will see little gains anyway and if your going to do that better of getting an ///M in the first place.
But if you are concerned about these points then I would suggest getting a car with a BMW warranty for that peace of mind.
Thanks guys. The plan is becoming much clearer now! I feel very happy about it all now, thanks to you guys for your help, and having had my garage say they really rate the Z4.
I'll keep you posted, and love to hear any other buying thoughts people have.
Will
Oh - I think I want a black one!
I'll keep you posted, and love to hear any other buying thoughts people have.
Will
Oh - I think I want a black one!
I would get the facelift 3.0Si - the power isn't negligable - 15% is a decent amount more poke and led Evo I recall to say that it brought into question the need to spend £10K more on a Z4M (not ture with second hand values today, but does indicate how highly they rated the new engine).
I don't think the reliability concern is an issue - lots of people on here and other forums without any issues at all - get one with a BMW warranty and you don't have to worry anyway.
The facelift is faster, has a lighter more modern engine - and of course the rest of the car will be newer as well so less likely to need attention. Looks are of course subjective and the original looks are in some ways more classic, the facelift more agressive.
I don't think the reliability concern is an issue - lots of people on here and other forums without any issues at all - get one with a BMW warranty and you don't have to worry anyway.
The facelift is faster, has a lighter more modern engine - and of course the rest of the car will be newer as well so less likely to need attention. Looks are of course subjective and the original looks are in some ways more classic, the facelift more agressive.
Defonsecca
Member
If you're used to nice, comfy rides of your old BMW's then you're in for a shock if you go for the 18" on runflats! I was surprised how hard the ride was when I got mine a couple months ago. I've had sports cars before & I know the ride is meant to be hard, but this was a shock. An absolutely fantastic car otherwise, but because I do about 2500 miles a month it was spoiling the enjoyment (and no doubt my back!) - I was more concerned about driving around potholes, ridges & grids. Cats eyes on motorways sounded like explosions going off.
.... and then I swapped the fronts to non-runflats. Halleluljah! Transformation or what, and much quieter. I can't wait to get the rears done. I really recommend you budget an extra £400 & get them done as soon as you buy. It's a totally different machine. And don't listen to a word BMW tell you about upsetting the balance etc of the car, absolute b'llox.
.... and then I swapped the fronts to non-runflats. Halleluljah! Transformation or what, and much quieter. I can't wait to get the rears done. I really recommend you budget an extra £400 & get them done as soon as you buy. It's a totally different machine. And don't listen to a word BMW tell you about upsetting the balance etc of the car, absolute b'llox.
