Hi there newbie thinking of a Z4

T

the raven

Member
Hi all im currently narrowing my options down for a weekend car.

Im down to the 350z, Boxster , and of course the z4

I currently own a Supra twin turbo SHINE.jpgSHIONE 2.jpg

Alas after 10 years of ownership the prices are now sky rocketing and i cant justify keeping it and only using it at weekends.

So i thought id join up and learn more about the Z. It seems to do everything very well and would suit my needs perfectly.
 
I considered a boxster before both my zeds but each time I just couldn't bring myself to do it due to higher running/maintenance costs and high rate of engine failure in the earlier models.

350z is also a good shout but the zed for me had a far classier interior and every 350 I looked at the bodywork was in far worse condition than many zeds which seem to have been looked after a lot better.

What year/engine are you looking at? The L6 engines of the e85/e86 are generally bombproof. The smaller 4pot 2.0 is prone to quite a few more problems though. E85 also prone to waterlogged roof motors so look for one which is dry, sounds strong or preferably has been relocated to the boot.

I had a 2.2 e85 for a little over 2 years and it never let me down. Now on a 2010 30i and the power increase is remarkable but as a much more refined car it's a little less exciting to own and drive

Best of luck with your search!
 
Can someone explain the movement of the roof motor please? I have seen a number of ads that state this has been done. It it something of a must? do they have issues if this isnt done?

Lastly im quite good with cars and electrics in general can it be tackled DIY

MY budget would push to 6 grand. So i guess that puts me im early model spec

Thanks in advance
 
the raven said:
Can someone explain the movement of the roof motor please? I have seen a number of ads that state this has been done. It it something of a must? do they have issues if this isnt done?

Lastly im quite good with cars and electrics in general can it be tackled DIY

Thanks in advance
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I'd just updated my post to mention that :). The e85 was so poorly designed that the roof motor was placed in a location which would get waterlogged. Plenty of folk around the country now that can relocate it to your boot and keep it dry. Whereabouts are you located and we can recommend someone near you
 
Aha.

Awesome. Im way down in canterbury Kent.

So ideally i should be looking at the other engine options rather than the 2.0 lump?

Im not fussed on speed so much anymore. The supra is pushing 410bhp which is great but in the wet i just wont drive it.

I guess im looking for what ever is going to cause me the least amount of hassle.......so i guess the boxster is ruled out by default.....
 
You'll manage a decent 3.0 for 6k with slightly higher miles.

As for the roof I'm pretty sure there's someone down in the south east who can help you. Cant remember which, but either Number5 and Bowser134 not a million miles from you
 
So Bowser134 is in Hampshire (number5 is south west.)

A nice jaunt along on a sunny day :)
 
The forum guys mentioned will do a great job. Roof motor relocates nicely in a little indent in the back left of the boot and covers over neatly. Wonderful peace of mind knowing its tucked away nice and dry :thumbsup:

roof motor boot.jpg
cover.jpg
 
There’s quite a few of us in Kent, check the meet thread for an idea of who’s about from last summer.

I originally had a pre-facelift 3.0 SE with lots of toys, found it had a bombproof engine, spent far too much as usual on ‘upgrades’ though the balance of 230 ponies vs weight gave a very confidence inspiring drive when pushed, dry or wet... something I can’t take for granted in the M
 
Hi and welcome to the forum. You don't have to worry about roof motor location with a coupe (E86). The Z4 is a wonderful car. Good luck with your search.
 
Hi raven
Welcome to the forum . Hope you find a sweet ride .
like you , and others , I considered the boxter , drove quite a few ... was always thinking about possible ims bearing failure, and the interior was so bland , a very good friend of mine told me he’s brother ( Davros) drove a zed e85 and I should consider it . I’ve never been a fan of bmw , and having had a porsche 924 many years back I was quite blinkered !!! That is until I got in the zed ..... after months of test driving the boxter, I spent 20 minutes driving the first zed , I believe I’d made my mind up in less than half that time and put an offer on the very first car I saw. I can only say that , like you , it was meant as a weekend car , but .... the zed gets under your skin , it’s very hard to walk past it and get in another car , my love for this cheap little fun car is just growing more each day , so much so that my poor Range Rover only comes out if it’s raining now . The zed is just too much fun to leave behind. To top that off , you have the forum , not a year into my car yet but these guys are just awesome, very friendly and helpful, great banter as well, get yourself a nice 3.0 rag top and you won’t stop smiling, best of luck and don’t forget to post pictures :driving:
 
Hi and welcome to the forum. :thumbsup:

Lovely looking Supra - shame you are having to sell it. I always fancied one of those, but with prices as they are now I can't see tha happening. :o

Still I'm very happy with my Z4!

I hope you find one you like. :thumbsup:
 
Supra looks awesome. I guess after that, you'll want no less than a 3.0.
£6k should get you a nice roadster. If you keep it for 10 years, its value will probably sky rocket too!
Good luck with your search.
 
Thanks the warm welcome

To be honest I don’t really mind the proformance side of the Z. If the 2 ltr lump is reliable I’d be quite happy with that.

As for the supra, i have had it 10 years it’s undergone massive amounts of work in that time of you guys are interested I can stick some of it in your other brand forum.

It’s got to go based on the fact I just can’t justiy keeping it when I’m being sent what i consider stupid offers for it.

Back to the z your warm welcome and helpful forum has made my mind up. Come summer the supra will go and the z will be here
 
the raven said:
As for the supra, i have had it 10 years it’s undergone massive amounts of work in that time of you guys are interested I can stick some of it in your other brand forum.
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Yes, stick some information in the 'other brands' forum, after all the forthcoming new Supra is the Z4 Coupe's grandchild. :D
 
Welcome to the forum, great looking Supra, I have a MR2 MK11 which is used as our winter toy. Now is the best ime of year to get a Zed as prices are lower.
I can vouch for Bowser on the roof motor move.
And get some more photos of the Supra on here :)
 
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