Hi all,
Quick introduction of a prospective E86 owner. Bart, 29, Dutch, and a long-time lurker here. When I say long-time, I do mean long time; I've wanted to own a Z4 coupe ever since it came out, and seemed to be one of the very few who actually loved the looks at the time (and in middle school looks are -apparently- everything). I discovered this forum about 3 years ago, and spent a good time reading up on the ins and outs of Z4 ownership.
Over the years I've mostly driven Alfa Romeo's, with 3 159's and a limited edition MiTo QV 101 (I had No. 100). Despite their reputation, they've never let me down and I've always thoroughly enjoyed both driving and looking at them. The 939 platform, on which the 159, Brera and Spider are based, continues to be one of the most timeless designs when it comes to a modern, relatively normal and affordable car. The MiTo was a blast to drive with its active dampers, carbon Sabelt seats, 210bhp and a weight of just under 1100kg.
My last 159 was the ultimate version to Alfisti: Rosso Competizione 1750TBi in full Ti spec and with every option box ticked. When I started looking for one, it took me 12 months before one came up. Was I looking in the Netherlands alone? Nope: across continental Europe using various national and international sites. A 1400-mile round trip was in order to collect it, but it was worth every minute: what an absolute masterpiece.
Still, it was "just" a practical estate and when my girlfriend got a new job 50 miles away, the fuel consumption (1 litre of super-unleaded for every 10 km) became an issue. So in came a practical and economical E81 118d which we still own. This opened up the possibility for me to look at something a little less practical and a bit more fun. Didn't have to think about that for long!
So I decided to have a look at a few Z4's, including a white E86 3.0Si. Individual 2-tone interior, M-sport suspension, one of the last built, and quad-conversion sports-exhaust which just helps the 6-in-line song all that much more! 8) Ironically, it's an auto which I didn't expect to like. The box works smoothly however and I miss the sensation of shifting myself far less than I'd expected. Sure, a manual is great fun, but I spend most of my time driving around town or on long motorway cruises. So 90% of the time, the auto is an ideal partner for me. As for that last 10%, well I'll just have to "manage"...
Visually the car is in need of some serious love, but being the owner of a detailing-business that doesn't bother me. Technically the car has been looked after well enough, though there are a few points I'll be taking on. More on that as it comes.
For now, I'm just hoping the bank doesn't cause a fuss since I'm off to Como, Italy for a week next week. What better way to get to know a car than on a long roadtrip to the Italian Alps...
Quick introduction of a prospective E86 owner. Bart, 29, Dutch, and a long-time lurker here. When I say long-time, I do mean long time; I've wanted to own a Z4 coupe ever since it came out, and seemed to be one of the very few who actually loved the looks at the time (and in middle school looks are -apparently- everything). I discovered this forum about 3 years ago, and spent a good time reading up on the ins and outs of Z4 ownership.
Over the years I've mostly driven Alfa Romeo's, with 3 159's and a limited edition MiTo QV 101 (I had No. 100). Despite their reputation, they've never let me down and I've always thoroughly enjoyed both driving and looking at them. The 939 platform, on which the 159, Brera and Spider are based, continues to be one of the most timeless designs when it comes to a modern, relatively normal and affordable car. The MiTo was a blast to drive with its active dampers, carbon Sabelt seats, 210bhp and a weight of just under 1100kg.
My last 159 was the ultimate version to Alfisti: Rosso Competizione 1750TBi in full Ti spec and with every option box ticked. When I started looking for one, it took me 12 months before one came up. Was I looking in the Netherlands alone? Nope: across continental Europe using various national and international sites. A 1400-mile round trip was in order to collect it, but it was worth every minute: what an absolute masterpiece.
Still, it was "just" a practical estate and when my girlfriend got a new job 50 miles away, the fuel consumption (1 litre of super-unleaded for every 10 km) became an issue. So in came a practical and economical E81 118d which we still own. This opened up the possibility for me to look at something a little less practical and a bit more fun. Didn't have to think about that for long!
So I decided to have a look at a few Z4's, including a white E86 3.0Si. Individual 2-tone interior, M-sport suspension, one of the last built, and quad-conversion sports-exhaust which just helps the 6-in-line song all that much more! 8) Ironically, it's an auto which I didn't expect to like. The box works smoothly however and I miss the sensation of shifting myself far less than I'd expected. Sure, a manual is great fun, but I spend most of my time driving around town or on long motorway cruises. So 90% of the time, the auto is an ideal partner for me. As for that last 10%, well I'll just have to "manage"...
Visually the car is in need of some serious love, but being the owner of a detailing-business that doesn't bother me. Technically the car has been looked after well enough, though there are a few points I'll be taking on. More on that as it comes.
For now, I'm just hoping the bank doesn't cause a fuss since I'm off to Como, Italy for a week next week. What better way to get to know a car than on a long roadtrip to the Italian Alps...
North West Surrey
