HI All - New Member

[Harlock1796]

Hello everyone.

I've been lurking for a while, planning to move into Z4 ownership, and learning what I can before I take the plunge. Nothing I've seen here has dissuaded me.

Decided it's time to move into a more grown up summer toy. I've had a 1976 MG Midget 1500 for the last 14 or so years, and it's a blast to drive but has its limitations:

1. Never get it wet;
2. Don't drive it more than 40 miles in one go;
3. Don't drive it on the motorway;
4. Don't expect to drive it with my Mrs or daughter in it, because it's apparently "unreliable" and "a death trap" (both fair comment, to be honest).

If I had unlimited garage space, I'd keep hold of it, but I don't, so I can't. I'm therefore in the process of getting that tidied up for sale, so that I can plough the proceeds into an E85 Z4. From what I can see on here, the 3 litre is the choice to go for. Can anyone convince me that the price premium for a 3L isn't worth it, and I shouldn't rule out a 2.5L?

I should have a purchase price budget of c£4 - £5,000. From what I'm seeing, it feels like that should be realistic for something in fairly tidy condition with no major faults. My only real parameters will be (1) stuff works (2) electric/heated seats and (3) not black (I have ptsd from trying to keep my black Alfa 156 clean back in the day - never again a black car).

Once the hunt is on in earnest, and I have identified a possible purchase, expect to see me back here asking advice before I part with my cash.

Cheers, all.

 

[enuff_zed]

Welcome.
It seems you may have focused on the earlier cars with the M54 engine:
2.5i - 192bhp - but only a 5-speed box so not so comfortable for long motorway stuff.
3.0i - 231bhp - 6-speed and usually more toys.
Both these should be well within your budget.

However, you could consider the facelift version with the N52 engine:
2.5si - 218bhp - 6-speed

The 3.0si has 268bhp but may be stretching your budget.
There is also a 2.5i. Same engine as the 'si' but subtle differences mean it only has 177bhp, so beware you don't fall for that one by mistake.

 

[Zedebee]

From what I can see on here, the 3 litre is the choice to go for. Can anyone convince me that the price premium for a 3L isn't worth it, and I shouldn't rule out a 2.5L?

Nothing wrong with a pre-facelift 2.5i. It will be way pokier than your Midget. In my opinion it is the value sweet spot and there are lots to choose from. The 3.0i is faster, and has a better ‘box, but costs more and costs more to run. I would encourage you to at least test drive a 2.5i before committing yourself to a 3.0i, then you will have significantly more choice.

Check out the “For Sale” section on here, as forum cars tend to be well looked after (shameless plug).

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Any of them is going to feel rapid after your Midget!

Some good advice already, but you will find 3 litres come at a price premium so if you aren't after the extra performance your budget is likely to get you a better condition 2.5.

A facelift 2.5Si might be a sweet spot if you can find one in Sport spec rather than SE, as the Sport ones have the very desirable M-Sport seats that sell for £6-800 a pair which are very rare in pre-facelift cars.

 

[Roberltd2]

I have owned my 2007 2.5L si (218bhp) for over eight years now and have had absolutely no regrets.
I run it as a daily driver and have just been on a 50 mile detour on the way home from work tonight!
I also love the straight six engine.
Whichever one you are tempted to buy, I would say go for it.
Looking at your situation the other way round, there's no way I would sell the Zed in order to buy a Midget.
Good luck.

 

[Harlock1796]

Thanks all, for the welcome and the tips.

I was fixating on the pre-facelift models on the basis that I would get more for my money. However, the 2.5si sounds like a good shout, and one that hadn't been on my radar, so Thanks for that.

I should have put a 6 speed box on my list - I want something that I can use for long distance cruising as well as back road fun, for a change.

However, I can't argue with the advice to try one out before discounting the early 2.5.

Funny thing is, I've only driven a few things that feel quicker than the midget. Almost everything is actually quicker, but in a tin box 6 inches off the ground with no driver aids, 66bhp is pretty exhilarating. Every trip to Tesco feels like a rally stage, if you push it.

A quick look on Autotrader (not definitive, but a reasonable guide) puts anything facelift 2.5 up at the top end of the budget, but I reckon that could be flexed a little for the right one.

Glad I posted, already lots of food for thought!

 

[enuff_zed]

Here's some on the forum to whet your appetite:
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=148791
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=148837
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=148944
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=148837

 

[Harlock1796]

So, purely to get some baseline z4 experience, I went at lunchtime to test drive a 2 litre that just came up for sale a couple of miles from my office. It's generally in nice condition, with a couple of scrapes/tatty bits of paint (rear wheel arch, top of the front bumper where it meets the bonnet).

I was pleasantly surprised by the engine - it wasn't rapid, but not a complete dog either - I think I had such low expectations that the reality almost had to be better. I've had the crazy idea of just buying it (it's c.£2,400) which I can do out of loose cash just sitting about, and keeping it until I've tidied up and sold my midget, at which point I sell the 2 litre and put the proceeds of both into a 3 litre (or 2.5si). I think I'm just being needy and impatient, though.

I need to check the MOT status (foolishly didn't note the reg plate), but if it has a decent length MOT with no significant advisories, it'll only cost me the tax and insurance for a few months if I keep it until spring. If I tidy up the couple of scruffy bits myself, I might even get a fraction more for it than what I buy it for.

By that time, I will have satisfied myself that I'm doing the right thing by moving on from the midget. But am I asking for trouble buying a 2 litre at all?

 

[Argyll Andy]

So, purely to get some baseline z4 experience, I went at lunchtime to test drive a 2 litre that just came up for sale a couple of miles from my office. It's generally in nice condition, with a couple of scrapes/tatty bits of paint (rear wheel arch, top of the front bumper where it meets the bonnet).

I was pleasantly surprised by the engine - it wasn't rapid, but not a complete dog either - I think I had such low expectations that the reality almost had to be better. I've had the crazy idea of just buying it (it's c.£2,400) which I can do out of loose cash just sitting about, and keeping it until I've tidied up and sold my midget, at which point I sell the 2 litre and put the proceeds of both into a 3 litre (or 2.5si). I think I'm just being needy and impatient, though.

I need to check the MOT status (foolishly didn't note the reg plate), but if it has a decent length MOT with no significant advisories, it'll only cost me the tax and insurance for a few months if I keep it until spring. If I tidy up the couple of scruffy bits myself, I might even get a fraction more for it than what I buy it for.

By that time, I will have satisfied myself that I'm doing the right thing by moving on from the midget. But am I asking for trouble buying a 2 litre at all?

Hello and welcome, if this is your plan just be prepared to have the 2.0 for a while when you move into a 6 pot. The Zed market is generally on its @rse at the moment and the 2.0 is a level below that. They are generally not good sellers even in a buoyant market

 

[Mr Tidy]

I agree with what Andy says about Z4s being hard to sell at present, especially the 2 litre ones.

Personally I'd be looking for the one you really want to start with, even if that does mean waiting a while.

 

[Harlock1796]

Thanks both, wise words

I've calmed down and will hold out and get the car I actually want.

 

[Harlock1796]

Well, that didn't take too long...

Just agreed the purchase of a 04 plate 3.0.

Going over to pick it up on Tuesday afternoon.

All seems pretty well sorted, other than wet in the passenger headlight. Negotiated £100 off an already fairly modest price tag on account of that.

Only other issue is a very tired integrated satnav unit, it comes about 3/4 of the way up, then just sort of flops there. I don't imagine ever using it, but might look to tidy it up in due course. I'm currently thinking that it's a good place to mount my phone.

Pictures to follow when I've got my hands on the car.

Now I just need to sell the Midget, and juggle my driveway and garage space in the meantime.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Congratulations.

Don't forget we like to see photos!

 

[Harlock1796]

Picked the car up yesterday, fun 50 mile drive home along some swoopy Leicestershire roads.

Got home in the dark, so photos to follow!

 

[Harlock1796]

Hello again

Photos to follow, I promise!

Just coming through my first "taking the Z4 to the Garage" experience, so thought I would share. A couple of weeks ago, got a bulb warning light on the dash and, sure enough, the n/s dipped headlight (xenon) was gone.

Changed the bulb, to no effect. Having been put off by the 'Danger of Death' signs everywhere, decided to admit defeat at that point, and take it to the local specialist who ultimately diagnosed the control unit (they guessed at the igniter, first).

When I got the car everything was working, but it had condensation in that headlamp unit - I negotiated a bit of money off the purchase price on account of it, planning (based on what I had seen on here, supplemented by YouTube) to wait for the warm weather, then remove, dry out, and reseal the unit. However, the lamp going out accelerated the timeline for doing that, and took me into a diagnostic land I wasn't really ready for.

Having got the headlight unit out, there was apparently water build up everywhere, so they recommended replacing the whole unit, including the control unit. For original parts (new headlamp from BMW in Germany plus original spec Hella control unit) the quote was c.£1,900 plus VAT and labour! The Hella control unit was c.£370 (plus VAT) of that.

I bought a £23 (including VAT and next day delivery) Chinese off brand knock off from Amazon, dropped it in this morning, and they have just called me to say it's all done and ready to pick up. They've dried out the lamp unit.

Off to get it now - wish me luck. have I just 'saved' myself £2,257? :lol:

So far they seem like decent genuine guys - TWG in Peterborough. Stay tuned for updates!

 

[Harlock1796]

So, everything now working. It turns out that an OEM igniter, whether needed or not, is £111 including VAT.

Only 3 hrs labour charged, so a thumbs up, so far...

Pictures when it stops raining

 

[Mr Tidy]

That sounds like a win.

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum Harlock. So happens a close neighbour has both a wee red Midget and a Z4 Coupe. 8) He loves them both. His far more sensible wife, drives a Golf GTI. :wink:

 

[Harlock1796]

Welcome to the forum Harlock. So happens a close neighbour has both a wee red Midget and a Z4 Coupe. 8) He loves them both. His far more sensible wife, drives a Golf GTI. :wink:

Thanks.

I think there are a few forum members around Peterborough, and I saw a very nice Maldives Blue roadster in, and then coming out of, Sainsbury's car park the other week. Certainly seen more Z4s than Midgets recently, but that might just be the weather/time of year. The Zs are much more water resistant...

Turned out my Midget had a catastrophic rust issue (despite having been more or less 100% garaged and dry use only throughout the last 14 years since its previous restoration) - it seems that just being near damp air was good enough to kill it. Now been sold to someone with welding skills and equipment.

The Z4 is definitely a different beast, and the fun comes from different places. Can't wait for the good weather to really start enjoying it.

 

[Harlock1796]

I've just noticed that (unless it's a coincidence) my recent trip to the garage has done something to my external temperature gauge.

I now appear to be living in a constant climate of -40C. It's been cold recently, but not that cold.

I'll take it up with the garage, I assume they must have disconnected the battery when they were removing/repairing the xenon lights, and either that has done something to the temperature sensor, or they disconnected it when removing the front bumper.

I'm always curious about these things - is it something that others have experienced? Is there an easy fix? I'm sure someone here will know where the temperature sensor is located. If it's straightforward, I'd just as soon fix it myself as go back to the garage.



Still the only photo I have - will do better soon.