Is it 'worth' throwing money at an e85 3.0?

S

steve_naive

Member
 Northern Ireland
"Only you can say", I get it...

Here's my dilemma: bought the z4 (2003) late last year and still have an old Polo to do runs to the tip and whatnot. I barely do any miles but would like to get out more for long drives and stopovers.

Should I sell both and get a modern hot hatch, or get a garage to do a complete suspension overhaul on the Z and fit an LSD? Might have to do a full interior refresh too.

I don't see a similar car on the market for the price. Yet the old z4 seems overlooked?

I could always sell the e85 and upgrade to a coupe for about the same money I would be throwing at it? But would I get that same sense of satisfaction?

Basically I'm looking for you to tell me to go ahead and keep the z4. :poke:

15% ebay code is live today and I've seen a full set of Powerflex rear subframe and diff bushes. :o
 
well, something made you buy the z4 in the first place, just sounds like you need to use it more... or are you just not getting on with a 2 seater rwd roadster?

personally, i wouldnt bother with an LSD unless you plan on taking the car on a track, and even then i tracked mine for a year without an LSD just fine.

You must have some decent roads over there, get out there and drive it!
 
@brillomaster

That pic I use for my avatar was taken in Donegal - my late wife was ill and we bought the car as a bucket list thing, the driving was amazing - despite being burned off by a local driving a shed on a bumpy backroad. :D

I don't see many cars like the z4 for the money. Really don't understand why they are so cheap. Maybe because they are more of a cruiser? The LSD would go a long way to solving that...

Car has cruise control, rain sensing wipers, power mirrors, gaptech roof module, latest Pioneer apple/android touchscreen. It's had a roof motor, zhp knob, new brake lines, AFE air intake, 330i front brake conversion, centre decat, etc. So it's already had some money thrown at it and it's a 'nice place to be'.

Plus, it's a fantastic load carrier:

Mirror-car.jpg :lol:
 
Is it perhaps the memories that affect your thinking too?
I had Capris for 36 years, ran the local owner's club, the lot. Met my first wife through the common love of the cars.
Then she passed away and the 2.8i sat in the garage. I took it out a few times but the spark had gone. Too many memories.
So I sold it, plus the Mk2 I'd restored, and a garage full of spares.

If that is affecting your thoughts then you may never fully bond with the Z again.
But if it remains as a link with your late wife and you can enjoy it as that, then do what you can to keep it...............and use it as much as possible.
You won't find anything really to replace it, like for like.
 
was gonna type something, but enuff_zed sums it up pretty well! if you decide to keep the car then great, freshen it up, and continue enjoying it for years to come. But equally, if there are painful memories, then no-one will bemoan you if you decide to move it on.
 
Polos are awesome for tip runs - we had one for a while, indeed 20k miles later and it'd cost us next to nothing!

Zeds have their merits too - although at £150+ for a tyre I don't like to take mine to the tip, however, for sure you can fit a lot in the boot...things mine's transported so far....my Roland electric drum kit....archery gear (albeit longbows don't fit with the roof up)....various scrap wood for the log burner....powertools....large scale radio controlled buggies.....the list goes on.

You're right - there isn't much out there at the moment to match a zed. And these modern hot hatches have very over-stressed engines that are more likely to go pop. These 6-pot N52s and M54s seem to be relatively bomb-proof...
 
Steve, thanks for sharing some of you story, I think you've answered your own question. The car has been loved, money and time invested and its a nice place to be. We cant know about your attachment to the car but we do know there's always a "better" car out there. So why not keep it and enjoy whatever it is that gives you pleasure from Zed ownership, driving it or upgrading it or both. Whatever you decide to do will be the correct decision. Kindest Steve.
 
In my opinion - the original E85 3.0i Z4 is a classic car, I have one and i intend to spend what ever it needs to keep it running and in tip top condition.
 
enuf_zed you make some good points. Might just get an inspection 2 done and let it go.

Of course the Polo was actually the missus’ car from new, so that will have to go too.

Then I’m blinking carless :D
 
steve_naive said:
enuf_zed you make some good points. Might just get an inspection 2 done and let it go.

Of course the Polo was actually the missus’ car from new, so that will have to go too.

Then I’m blinking carless :D
Click to expand...

So then you can buy another Z4 without all the emotional attachment, but still have the car you wanted in the first place :wink:
 
enuff_zed said:
steve_naive said:
enuf_zed you make some good points. Might just get an inspection 2 done and let it go.

Of course the Polo was actually the missus’ car from new, so that will have to go too.

Then I’m blinking carless :D
Click to expand...

So then you can buy another Z4 without all the emotional attachment, but still have the car you wanted in the first place :wink:
Click to expand...

So you’re saying definitely part ex the e85 against a z4m coupe?

Just kidding,
(there are none in Northern Ireland)
 
steve_naive said:
enuff_zed said:
steve_naive said:
enuf_zed you make some good points. Might just get an inspection 2 done and let it go.

Of course the Polo was actually the missus’ car from new, so that will have to go too.

Then I’m blinking carless :D
Click to expand...

So then you can buy another Z4 without all the emotional attachment, but still have the car you wanted in the first place :wink:
Click to expand...

So you’re saying definitely part ex the e85 against a z4m coupe?

Just kidding,
(there are none in Northern Ireland)
Click to expand...

Good idea apart from the tin roof bit. Import an M roadster. :thumbsup:
 
Read what enuff_zed wrote..

If you have the means to maintain something that gives you back something special, then the fact it makes little financial sense is less important. Enjoy your Zed a little longer. It doesn't sound like now is the time to let it go.
 
If it were me, I’d keep it - certainly for a while if it gives you some fun and memories.

I got my Z not too long ago - loved them for years and always wanted one, then end of April my daughter (15) tried to take her life and I needed something when I trouble coping. I now look at it as well she’s well enough to come house we’ll go for drives together and blast out some tunes. I can’t wait
 
Weston Matt said:
If it were me, I’d keep it - certainly for a while if it gives you some fun and memories.

I got my Z not too long ago - loved them for years and always wanted one, then end of April my daughter (15) tried to take her life and I needed something when I trouble coping. I now look at it as well she’s well enough to come house we’ll go for drives together and blast out some tunes. I can’t wait
Click to expand...

Oh mate, I wish you and your daughter the very best.

I have some experience with suicide attempts in my family, absolutely horrendous. But can be turned around!
Get this covid shite out of the way and you’ll be enjoying top down trips with your daughter, I’m sure. :driving:
 
Cheers Steve
Life gives you shite sometimes and everyone has different things to deal with. Don’t be to hasty to get rid if you have some nice memories 👍
 
Well, I have some trim bits arriving after spilling 5 litres of paint in the boot :roll: and after fitting them I'll get an Inspection 2 done.

Depending on what the garage says, I'll decide on where to go next. Might be fun to turn it into a bit of a project. Nice wheels, lowering, interior refresh.
 
steve_naive said:
Well, I have some trim bits arriving after spilling 5 litres of paint in the boot :roll: and after fitting them I'll get an Inspection 2 done.

Depending on what the garage says, I'll decide on where to go next. Might be fun to turn it into a bit of a project. Nice wheels, lowering, interior refresh.
Click to expand...

You're slowly coming round. :wink: :thumbsup:
 
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