Inside headlight colour: silver or black, what's the diff?

[sciamo]

I have searched but have not found the answer.

I have noticed that the Z4 headlights come in silver or black painted insides.

Does this have anything to do with their being Xenon or Halogen?

In the UK, if a Z4 has headlamp washers, does that mean it has Xenon? Do Halogens auto level?

The problem I am finding is that some non-franchise dealers sell cars and don't know the specifications. If I ask, "Does it have Xenon," I am afraid the price will either go up or become firm.

I just turned in my lease on my 54 525D, before that I had an 05 320D, 02 325i, and 90 325ic. I am torn between getting a Porsche Boxster (2003) and a Z4 (2003). I hate runflats and will change them - which means the small boot on the Z4 will be smaller with a spare and jack. The Porsche's boot is big. Going to go test drive each as a dealership in Bury has both. I keep drawing up advantages and disadvantages of each to no avail.

One question though - Boxster forums mention people sometimes 'key' Boxster's paint - is this an issue with the Z4?

I appreciate the help!

Sciamo

 

[gannet]

Hi and welcome

Black inserts to the headlights simply mean car is a 2.0, 2.5 (i or si).

All 3.0 pre and post facelift had silver inners.

Not sure if all xenons were silver though. Non Xenon 3.0 also have headlight wash. You can tell Xenons by no internal height adjustment or the great big warning stickers of high voltage stuck all over them under the bonnet

Runflats can be good - Im running Michelin ZPs and love them - harsh ride gone etc.

Ive not had any issues with keying

happy hunting

 

[PawnSacrifice]

Hi Sciamo welcome to the forum

Yes, Xenons are self-leveling and will be missing the the control lever that halogens have (above the light switch). While washers are mandatory with xenons I believe they are an option with halogens.

I ditched the run flats and got a couple cans of Tyre Weld from Halfords... fits nicely in the boot - this is the standard setup for the M3, E46 at least, so it's good enough for me.

I look at a bunch of Boxsters but didn't quite click, then bought the first Z4 I saw. Now though I think the Z4 looks a lot fresher than the similar aged Boxster.

Never had any problems with mine being damaged for the sake of the car.

Good luck with the search - now is a good time to be looking

 

[AlanJ]

If I ask, "Does it have Xenon," I am afraid the price will either go up or become firm.


Sciamo

Welcome to the Forum - not sure what you mean by the above. The price should be as advertised and then you haggle down. I have never heard of a dealer increasing the price once you have expressed an interest if you identify the vehicle has Xenon HLs. There the dealers to walk away from as they clealy have no idea what the're selling. Good luck.

 

[PawnSacrifice]

Not sure where you are, but this looks like a great car for the money:
http://www.parksidemotors.co.uk/z4.htm
Price on Auto Trader - £10,900! (ignore the price on their site - they want to shift it)

I spoke to them at the weekend -thought it might be a cost effective upgrade for the suspension height, brakes (rear), lights and seats! They couldn't give me enough on mine. No experience of the dealer but they seemed like a decent bunch and no bad reports on the web either.

 

[Incompatible]

..... While washers are mandatory with xenons I believe they are an option with halogens.

Slightly OT. There may be a difference in required/optional for different countries. My 07 coupe has xenons and no washers.

 

[srhutch]

..... While washers are mandatory with xenons I believe they are an option with halogens.

Slightly OT. There may be a difference in required/optional for different countries. My 07 coupe has xenons and no washers.

UK las means xeons must have washers on lights.

 

[sciamo]

Thank you guys...

I am aware that washers are a requirement on all Xenon headlights in the UK.

I take a while to make up my mind, I weigh the ups and downs... so I'm thinking if I tell someone they have a car with Xenons, when I return if I decide I want it - the price will have gone up.

I do agree about the Boxster looking dated - even the new one does. I really like the Z4... I've owned around 17 cars in my life (I'm 40) and about half have been automatic (I'm originally from Cali), so I'm glad the Z4 3.0 is still fast in an automatic. I am avoiding the SMG though as per advice on this board.

I'll have to drive them both. But the engines would be: 2.5 in manual or 3.0 in manual or automatic.

Thanks so much!

Sciamo

 

[sciamo]

Not sure where you are, but this looks like a great car for the money:
http://www.parksidemotors.co.uk/z4.htm
Price on Auto Trader - £10,900! (ignore the price on their site - they want to shift it)

I spoke to them at the weekend -thought it might be a cost effective upgrade for the suspension height, brakes (rear), lights and seats! They couldn't give me enough on mine. No experience of the dealer but they seemed like a decent bunch and no bad reports on the web either.

No Xenon on this car? It is really handsome. I know it is silly - but it is important to me... I've only owned one car with them but the difference was INCREDIBLE - I loved actually being able to see the road!!!