Hi from a potential new owner….

[bslater11]

Hi all,

Just wanted to introduce myself to the forum.

I’m Ben, from Surrey and am very likely to become a z4 owner very soon.

I’ve had a bit of a thing for the z4 for a number of years, it’s one of those cars (particularly the e86) that has always made me glance back if I saw 1 either parked or drive by.

Unfortunately I’ve always seemed to need a car with a degree more practicality so ownership has always seemed to allude me. Fortunately I am now in a position in life where a somewhat impractical, 2 seater, RWD sport cars is very in the realms of doable.

I’ve owned a few interesting cars of the years from a megane r26 (actually really enjoyed owning that) to more recently a w204 c63 amg wagon. Currently have a golf gtd and while that was perfect when my yearly mileage was up over 25k, it’s now become a bit irrelevant as my mileage has gone back to around 6/7k a year.

Decided a z4 is going to my next purchase but would be great to get some advice from fellow owners….things to look for, things to avoid etc. I’m fairly convinced it’ll be an e86 30si sport, however the e85s are definitely growing on me….

Anyway, hi to everyone, nice to meet you all and any advice would be much appreciated!

Many thanks,
Ben

 

[Pondrew]

Welcome to the forum Ben! I can't help with the E85/6 as know nuffink about them.

 

[raymond.harper]

If possible, take a code reader, a model-specific one, to find any electrical problems that could cost you money to fix. If you do see a car, put the details up on this site and members can supply you with good feedback on the car. https://classicsworld.co.uk/guides/bmw-z4-e84-buyers-guide/

 

[bslater11]

Thanks for the replies so far guys.

I don’t have a model specific reader but my mate is a mechanic and does have an all singing all dancing code reader that I was planning on taking with me so hopefully that will show anything up!

As far as links, I’m look at potentially going to see the 1 below on Sunday….

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115938867565?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=pdG4IQqgQTq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=SbJCyRgBR6u&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Colour is definitely to my preference, states no rust (will obviously still look it over) and also a manual which for me at least is a must on this type of car. Any opinions on it though would be great!

 

[enuff_zed]

Welcome aboard. Stand by to let us help you empty your wallet.
My only advice is, why buy a roadster with the roof welded on? oke:

 

[DMike]

Welcome aboard. Stand by to let us help you empty your wallet.
My only advice is, why buy a roadster with the roof welded on? oke:

Hi and welcome to the forum! Like enuff_zed said, why not buy one where you can choose to have a grasp of fresh air :evil:

 

[bslater11]

I’ve just always preferred the look of the coupe but again the more I look at the roadster, the more it is growing on me.

I have seen a supercharged 3.0si for sale - any info on the conversion? More so the reliability etc. once done? I’ve seen it’s a fairly common mod so I’m guessing it’s also a fairly easy/safe one to do/own?

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum Ben.

I'm a serial Coupe owner because I've never wanted a car with a pram-roof and the Coupe just looks so great, but it's your choice at the end of the day!

But I wouldn't chose a supercharged 3.0Si when there are Z4Ms around that can also be supercharged if you want more madness. :lol:

 

[raymond.harper]

If possible, take a code reader, a model-specific one, to find any electrical problems that could cost you money to fix. If you do see a car, put the details up on this site and members can supply you with good feedback on the car. https://classicsworld.co.uk/guides/bmw-z4-e84-buyers-guide/

Five previous owners, the car has never had a write-off insurance claim. Very good MOT history, steering wheel not worn but driver's seat is not shown so could have wear. Tyres are expensive so check wear, the carpets need a good cleaning! Not too bad an example but as for the price, I think given the market, is far too high. Scan the car after a test drive, codes can be deleted prior to the test drive

 

[Zedebee]

Thanks for the replies so far guys.

I don’t have a model specific reader but my mate is a mechanic and does have an all singing all dancing code reader that I was planning on taking with me so hopefully that will show anything up!

As far as links, I’m look at potentially going to see the 1 below on Sunday….

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115938867565?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=pdG4IQqgQTq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=SbJCyRgBR6u&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Colour is definitely to my preference, states no rust (will obviously still look it over) and also a manual which for me at least is a must on this type of car. Any opinions on it though would be great!

This is [ref]minimental[/ref]’s car - link to ad with more details here:
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2023736#p2023736

I don’t think it’s massively overpriced for a 75k Sport Manual, assuming it’s in good condition. It has been for sale for a while, maybe it’s the Schnitzer bits putting people off, as most seem to prefer OEM.

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum Ben. If you enjoy the wind in your hair then the roadster is the only one to buy. They coupe looks good, but feels enclosed to me, (obvious perhaps) for a fun driving experiments roof down every time. For practicality the hatchback is better.

Happy hunting.

 

[bslater11]

Seems to be a few that prefer the roadster…I can definitely see the appeal but I do think there’s just something about the way the coupe looks and it’s become an itch I feel like I need to scratch…

Thanks for the link to the thread on the coupe I linked. Great to see the back story to a car I’m going to look at, also looks as though the owner has really put some time into it which again is great to see that it has been owned by an enthusiast. Its just made me even more intrigued about going down to see it. Fingers crossed it all works out on Sunday!

 

[Pondrew]

Not too bad an example but as for the price, I think given the market, is far too high.

Agreed. Buyer's market now. Just sellers haven't seemed to realise. I think this is driven by lots of dealers having bought cars at inflated prices over the last year and refusing to drop the prices and potentially lose money. Great cars will always sell at good prices, but average ones are struggling ATM.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Seems to be a few that prefer the roadster…I can definitely see the appeal but I do think there’s just something about the way the coupe looks and it’s become an itch I feel like I need to scratch…

That's because they are all Roadster owners, or former Roadster owners! :roll:

I've never had, or wanted, any sort of convertible - so I've stuck to the stiffer Coupes!

The price of the one in your link is strong, but there aren't so many 15 year old cars left with mileages as low as that.

Have a great day out on Sunday, whether you buy it or not!

 

[MikeyH]

Welcome to the forum, love convertibles, especially e85s, wind around your head, feeling of freedom, engine and exhaust sound and they feel faster. Forget the tin top, get a vert. oke:

 

[Pondrew]

wind around your head

Try wearing underwear, Mikey. Makes it all a little more comfortable!

 

[MikeyH]

 

[bslater11]

So Sunday was a success and I have given a deposit for it with the view to collect in just over a week.

Very much looking forward to z4 ownership

 

[Mr Tidy]

Congratulations Ben.

Hopefully I'll see it in the metal some time seeing as we live in the same County.

 

[firefoxchris]

You're going to love it Ben, I've had mine since 2012, it's now done 180,000 miles and I've enjoyed it so much. I still enjoy driving it, the novelty has not worn off after all this time. Its honestly one of the best purchases I have ever made, not just cars!!

The coupe is surprisingly practical, I've been camping with it, you'd be surprised how much you can fit in the boot if you roll back the cover and be careful of the glass!

Suspension components are main area these cars need maintenance in my experience but yours is much less mileage than mine. I'm sure there will be mixed experiences here but when I was driving this every day all year doing around 15,000 miles a year, I budgeted around £1000-1500 per year to cover mot, service, unexpected bits and maybe 2 tyres.

This forum is great! Don't hesitate to ask anything, there is so much knowledge here. I'm not mechanical but I can tell you my experiences of long ownership and lots of miles.

One thing that you may notice with the Coupe (probably the same on others with the same gearbox).. when it is warm after a few miles, you may notice a rattle in neutral when the clutch is out. This is normal in my experience, reports from bmw, garages and youtubers. The noise goes entirely if you press the clutch in.

When does it arrive?
Send us some photos when you get it.

I'm excited for you - you won't regret getting a Z4!

:driving: