Is this a good deal?

[kartman]

Is Z4 on average a more prestigious and pricey car to have than 3 series from a comparable year, all things like specs and milage being roughly equal?

Or should the Z4 be cheaper by default since it has 2 seats and is a slightly older car underneath (i only refer to the roadster). How much is the 'emotion' factor priced in into the roadster?

Since I own E90 and I consider a swap in future, I am trying to figure out how hard I should be in negotiating, say for 2005 2.5 Z4 with low miles (20s) vs my 06 E90 320d. Would they be matched on price or Z4 should be cheaper or more expensive. Both cars in good shape, except mine has no leather and the Z does.

 

[cj10jeeper]

I don't think the 2 cars can be compared like that. the 3 series is a high volume saloon with 000's sold per annum while the Z4 is a smaller niche car. What underpins it has little impact and 2 seats is no indicator of more or less value or prestige.

Roadsters probably do carry an emotion factor as what practical reason is there to buy such a vehicle? Long, low, 2 seats big engines, limited luggage space, etc.

Consider your needs are in a car and get valuations from Parkers, What car, etc. based on exact specs.

 

[TH3R4POR]

They are very different cars, one will suit you and your needs better than the other, don't be put off by head/leg room, or boot space as that isn't an issue for me and I'm tall (6'3") and the missuse can't travel light, but we get on with it fine. The most obvious thing is do you ever have to transport more than one other person, I never do so the Z4 is great for us, if you regularly offer lifts etc then it'll be harder to live with.

On a pure driving stand point the Z4 is the better choice, smaller, lighter, and never underestimate the topless appeal Those E90s are big ol' wagons nowadays so you can't compare them on even ground.

Dealers will run from a book price, they'll be able to tell you straight off what yours is worth to them, also as above, Parkers is a good choice to get prices for specific versions (http://www.parkers.co.uk).

Niche cars like the Z4 tend to be effected more by a bad economy, so bare that in mind too.

 

[kartman]

i reckon that 2004-5 cars have depreciated quite enough.

that's the thing, i don't need 4 doors, too late I learned that. Just got sucked into the whole practicality sport sedan crazy, but realized after driving Z4 (damn, worst decision ever) that this is the car I really like. so been trying to arrange trade ins of late but very hard in this economy here. :S Who knew, i figured dealers would gladly take a diesel saloon in very good shape and sell a hard to move convertible roadster in winter but i guess not so, some dealer policy. so its gotta be sell on my own, and by new one later yourself.

i think you are right they are hard to compare, i guess if I have to phrase my question like this: If i give my 4/2006 E90 with cloth interior and automatic gearbox and 2l diesel with 35000miles for a 2005 Z4 2.5 with tan leather (non sport seats), automatic, xenons and with 20000 miles - woul i be getting a good or bad deal. My car retails for a bit higher on the market than the Zed though. so i reckon they gotta bite but seems very unlikely.

 

[chetalien]

If i give my 4/2006 E90 with cloth interior and automatic gearbox and 2l diesel with 35000miles for a 2005 Z4 2.5 with tan leather (non sport seats), automatic, xenons and with 20000 miles - woul i be getting a good or bad deal. My car retails for a bit higher on the market than the Zed though. so i reckon they gotta bite but seems very unlikely.

I would say good deal. z4 for a 3 series but if u look harder maybe u can get a post facelift model which is 06. Good luck.

 

[ryukin]

Easiest way to compare - check autotrader. I just did a quick search for each car. Looks like the E90 is worth around £10k... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200942344057822/sort/priceasc/usedcars/make/bmw/model/3_series/body-type/saloon/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-age/up_to_5_years_old/maximum-mileage/up_to_40000_miles/transmission/automatic/postcode/lu74tq/radius/1501/page/1?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Flu74tq%2Fradius%2F1501%2Fmake%2Fbmw%2Fmodel%2F3_series%2Fbody-type%2Fsaloon%2Fengine-size-cars%2F2l_to_2-5l%2Ffuel-type%2Fdiesel%2Fmaximum-age%2Fup_to_5_years_old%2Fmaximum-mileage%2Fup_to_40000_miles%2Ftransmission%2Fautomatic%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F1&anchor=advert200942344057822&logcode=p

Wheras the kind of Z4 you are looking for is around £15k... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200942343924538/sort/priceasc/usedcars/make/bmw/model/z4/maximum-mileage/up_to_20000_miles/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/page/1/postcode/lu74tq/radius/1501/keywords/leather%2C%20xenon?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Flu74tq%2Fradius%2F1501%2Fmake%2Fbmw%2Fmodel%2Fz4%2Fkeywords%2Fleather%252C%2520xenon%2Fmaximum-mileage%2Fup_to_20000_miles%2Fengine-size-cars%2F2l_to_2-5l%2Fpage%2F1%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc&anchor=advert200942343924538&logcode=p#

There's one on there with tan leather but it's an absolute rip off: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200942344073422/sort/priceasc/usedcars/make/bmw/model/z4/maximum-mileage/up_to_20000_miles/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/page/1/postcode/lu74tq/radius/1501/keywords/leather%2C%20xenon?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Flu74tq%2Fradius%2F1501%2Fmake%2Fbmw%2Fmodel%2Fz4%2Fkeywords%2Fleather%252C%2520xenon%2Fmaximum-mileage%2Fup_to_20000_miles%2Fengine-size-cars%2F2l_to_2-5l%2Fpage%2F1%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc&anchor=advert200942344073422&logcode=p

But no matter how much it costs, the Z4 is a brilliant move! Search around and you'll get a bargain. I picked mine up a year ago with 18" alloys, bluetooth, multi function steering wheel, twin chrome exhaust, full leather interior, auto dimming wing mirrors and rear view mirrors, full bmw service history and 40k miles all for £8400! bargain.

 

[kartman]

there's not so much to chose from here for good price. A Maldives Blue 2.2 and Black Saphire 2.5 and maldives is a bit cyanish which is not very nice though my neigbour (girl) drives one with rims just like yours and it looks mighty fine.

 

[ryukin]

Ah, didn't realise you weren't in the UK. Well if you can do a swap and get the zed you want, then i reckon it's a good deal. Mines just a 2.2 but I kind of wish I got the 3.0 - insurance was too high at the time. My 2.2 is still serious fun with the top down in the summer though!

 

[kartman]

i think the ablity to fully hear the sound track of any 6 cyl engine is a part of the appeal for sure. we don't get 2l 4 cyl engines here - it's a light car, 2.2. is fine it hink, 170hp or how much they got.