Hi Guys, new here, considering a e85

S

ssmann

New member
Hi Guys,

I am looking to but a roadster and the BMW Z4 (E85) is one of the cars I'm considering.

My budget is between £5k-£7k, quite broad I know but if I find the right car I will spend the £7k.

I was just wondering could you guys give me your experiences of Z4 ownership, is there anything I should be aware of before I consider getting one? Do you think I can pick up a nice example in by budget, are there any extras I should be looking for etc.

Thanks!
 
Welcome to the forum ssmann :thumbsup:

Plenty of good examples in your budget. Have a read through Parkers.co.uk for running costs, facts and figures etc. The FAQ section in the E85/86 forum is very good too and will give you lots of information about options, model designations etc etc.

AlanJ has a good buyers guide in his signature - a quick search of "AlanJ buyer guide" should bring it up.

Common faults are
- Broken rear springs
- Window regulators

These cars are fairly bullet proof if maintained correctly.

Enjoy the search
 
I would say get one with a sat nav. Yes it's a bit dated but it's better that not having it in the car when you need it!
 
If you wait until this summer is over you'll get a better buy and be all ready for next summer!
 
I'd wait until summer is over and get one then personally.
Seen a few 2006 onwards 3.0 si sports for 7k last year after summer so that's what I'd be aiming for
 
I'm glad the legendary Essex has the same opinion as me on the SatNav.

I didn't look for a car without it, but I've never liked what it does to the dashboard. Way better in my opinion to buy a modern unit for £100 and use it if needed.

The only thing I don't have on my car, that I'd like, is cruise. Might get it fitted but, as I drive so few miles I'd only be doing so to help resale.
 
Hi and welcome. The only other weak point I can think of that Adam forgot is the roof motor, if the drains aren't kept clean.
 
srhutch said:
Hi and welcome. The only other weak point I can think of that Adam forgot is the roof motor, if the drains aren't kept clean.
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Must have missed that, as I no longer need to worry about it 8)

Re the sat nav. Each to their own. Examples with nav tend to fetch more on resale, and the nav does bring some additional features. I like the screen, but seldom use it for navigation
 
I will hold out till after summer so prices drop or I can get a little more car for my money going by the above advice.

In terms of the mileage and service intervals, is there any major work I should be looking for being completed at certain mileages?
 
Smartbear said:
I've never seen a 3litre si for as little as 7k nightyard, were they cat d's etc?
Regards
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Nope.
Seen two nice ones last year after summer between 7000 and 7500.
I was very close to pulling the trigger and buying one.

If memory serves me right I posted one on here which was 6500 originally I think..they changed the alloys and put the price up after though
 
Make sure you get heated seats as a minimum, nothing like driving on a crisp bright winters day with the hood down and heated buns!
 
ssmann said:
I will hold out till after summer so prices drop or I can get a little more car for my money going by the above advice.

In terms of the mileage and service intervals, is there any major work I should be looking for being completed at certain mileages?
Click to expand...

Gearbox oil change if it hasn't been done (only expensive on steptronic models), upgrade DISA valve (50£ + 1h), vanos seals (25£ + 2-4h). All 3 things before 8 years/60k miles

But don't worry - you'll be spending a lot more on mods :D
 
the gearbox oil is supposed to be life time oil and shouldn't need replacing but many do replace it.
I replaced it on my 2.0 and it made the gear shifts a TINY bit better but the z4 gear is notchy going into first gear on most regardless
 
Hi and welcome - all as above and if you follow the link in my signature theres a buyers guide which may assist you. Good luck :thumbsup:
 
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