Lady owner: Advice for buying my 1st Z4 & selling Z3 2.8

[KarenMWilson1]

Hi there,

I bought my Z3 2.8 Montreal blue car from new in 1998 (20 years in May!). It has been fabulous but unfortunately due to corrosion of the sill/floor, suspension arm, corrosion of sub frame mountings amongst other things I was advised to sell. It drives beautifully still and mechanically is sound (one careful lady owner!). I cried all the way home....

I am now considering buying a Z4 approx £10k-£12k budget and would welcome advice on models, engine size etc. I was absolutely delighted with the 2.8 engine in the Z3 with a Bhp of 196 compared to the 1.9 at that time. So I would be looking at the mid/larger engine to provide similar if not improved performance! (-: Also would prefer a soft top. But open to advice on the pros and cons of hard vs soft.

Also did the models change in 2009? Would it be better to buy from then or later e.g. 2010? Were there significant improvements in styling etc from then? Suggestions on which models and years would be really appreciated. Also best places to look for one. My mot on the Z3 runs out on 31 Jan18 so feel a bit shell shocked and not prepared for buying a Z4!! Not quite sure how to go about selling the Z3. It has 4 brand new Good year tyres on and various reasonable saleable parts. It has done 155k miles but always carefully driven! Shall I try on EBay?

Thank you so much

 

[GBZ4]

Hi there,

I am now considering buying a Z4 approx £10k-£12k budget and would welcome advice on models, engine size etc. I was absolutely delighted with the 2.8 engine in the Z3 with a Bhp of 196 compared to the 1.9 at that time. So I would be looking at the mid/larger engine to provide similar if not improved performance! (-: Also would prefer a soft top. But open to advice on the pros and cons of hard vs soft.

Thank you so much

Hi and welcome to the forum. I’m sure there’ll be a shed load of advice coming along soon from those who know better than I.

 

[Marlon]

Welcome along - you've come to the right place for all things Zed related

1st gen Z4 E85/E86 2003 - 2009 (E85 - Roadster from 2003, E86 - coupe from 2006)
2nd gen Z4 E89 2009 - 2016

I guess your first decision is whether to go for a 1st gen or 2nd gen Z4 as they differ significantly.
If its a 1st gen then the choice is wind in your hair or not? - roadster (E85) or coupe (E86)
Based upon your Z3 experience I would recommend a 3 litre if you decide upon a 1st gen Z4

If you opt for the more modern E89 2nd gen Z4 there are numerous engine sizes and power outputs to chose from.

 

[TR4man]

Hi and welcome Karen.

I also came here from a Z3 although mine was the more humble 2.0 six cylinder version. It was a great little car and coped with no problem doing the daily commute.

Replaced it with my Coupe nearly three years ago, but have fond memories of my little Z3.

 

[TR4man]

Not quite sure how to go about selling the Z3. It has 4 brand new Good year tyres on and various reasonable saleable parts. It has done 155k miles but always carefully driven! Shall I try on EBay?

You could do worse than to advertise it on the Z3 forums - there are two

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/portal.php

https://zroadster.org/

Good luck!

 

[buzyg]

Welcome aboard Karen.

Lots of friendly knowledgeable folk here. If it's a soft top your looking for then it's the E85 Z4 roadster you wan't to focus your search on. Manufactured from 2002 to 2009. There was a mid life up date in 2006. Most obvious difference is the rear lights merged. But under the skin there were many changes too.

With your budget you should be looking at the later models. There are 20 2.2 & 2.5 ltr engines. But the most common and for good reason I suspect, was the 30i and 30si That's probably where you will find what you want.

Take a look on the usual internet sites. Auto trader, is still very good for buying and for selling IMHO. Piston heads is another popular place for hunting down a new steed these days. Be sure to test drive a few. If they have run flats on, then they hunt the camber of the road. Easily sorted with some new rubber. By on condition, not just low miles. A well cared for car should run to 150k miles and still keep a smile on your face and they don't have the rust issues of the Z3. Though always have a good hunt for the dreaded red stuff on any second hand car. Z4's are great cars, a bit more solid than the Z3 and better for it. Happy hunting.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum Karen.

Sorry to hear of your issues with your Z3.

But a Z4 looks like a good replacement!

The E85 is the Roadster, the E86 is the Coupe and the E89 that followed them has the folding metal roof.

There are loads of alternatives engine-wise. The first E85s had 2.2 (170bhp), 2.5 (192bhp) or 3.0 (231bhp) litre options.

The facelift in 2006 brought with it a new family of 6 cylinder engines, but you'd probably be wanting a 2.5si (218bhp) or a 3.0si (265bhp). There was a 2.5i but it had a lower power output (177bhp IIRC). Coupes only came with the 3.0si (luckily for me)!

Your budget would probably get you an early E89, so you probably need to decide whether you want a hood, a fixed roof or a folding metal one before working out which engine you want.

You could also do a lot worse than having a look at the adverts on here once you know which one you are looking for as forum members are more likely to spoil their cars.

Good luck with the search - here's a link to an E85/E86 buying guide:-
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281

 

[markalp]

Hi there,

I bought my Z3 2.8 Montreal blue car from new in 1998 (20 years in May!). It has been fabulous but unfortunately due to corrosion of the sill/floor, suspension arm, corrosion of sub frame mountings amongst other things I was advised to sell. It drives beautifully still and mechanically is sound (one careful lady owner!). I cried all the way home....

I am now considering buying a Z4 approx £10k-£12k budget and would welcome advice on models, engine size etc. I was absolutely delighted with the 2.8 engine in the Z3 with a Bhp of 196 compared to the 1.9 at that time. So I would be looking at the mid/larger engine to provide similar if not improved performance! (-: Also would prefer a soft top. But open to advice on the pros and cons of hard vs soft.

Also did the models change in 2009? Would it be better to buy from then or later e.g. 2010? Were there significant improvements in styling etc from then? Suggestions on which models and years would be really appreciated. Also best places to look for one. My mot on the Z3 runs out on 31 Jan18 so feel a bit shell shocked and not prepared for buying a Z4!! Not quite sure how to go about selling the Z3. It has 4 brand new Good year tyres on and various reasonable saleable parts. It has done 155k miles but always carefully driven! Shall I try on EBay?

Thank you so much

Don't forget to also consider the Alpina Roadster S, after looking at probably 25 different Z4s both E85, and E89 versions, I came across the Alpina version which I hadn't even heard of before, and after one test drive I was hooked, there is something about the feel of the car on the road, and the throttle responce that just made me smile.

 

[VRSteve]

Hi there,

I bought my Z3 2.8 Montreal blue car from new in 1998 (20 years in May!). It has been fabulous but unfortunately due to corrosion of the sill/floor, suspension arm, corrosion of sub frame mountings amongst other things I was advised to sell. It drives beautifully still and mechanically is sound (one careful lady owner!). I cried all the way home....

I am now considering buying a Z4 approx £10k-£12k budget and would welcome advice on models, engine size etc. I was absolutely delighted with the 2.8 engine in the Z3 with a Bhp of 196 compared to the 1.9 at that time. So I would be looking at the mid/larger engine to provide similar if not improved performance! (-: Also would prefer a soft top. But open to advice on the pros and cons of hard vs soft.

Also did the models change in 2009? Would it be better to buy from then or later e.g. 2010? Were there significant improvements in styling etc from then? Suggestions on which models and years would be really appreciated. Also best places to look for one. My mot on the Z3 runs out on 31 Jan18 so feel a bit shell shocked and not prepared for buying a Z4!! Not quite sure how to go about selling the Z3. It has 4 brand new Good year tyres on and various reasonable saleable parts. It has done 155k miles but always carefully driven! Shall I try on EBay?

Thank you so much

Don't forget to also consider the Alpina Roadster S, after looking at probably 25 different Z4s both E85, and E89 versions, I came across the Alpina version which I hadn't even heard of before, and after one test drive I was hooked, there is something about the feel of the car on the road, and the throttle responce that just made me smile.

For £10-12k??

 

[firebobby]

Welcome Karen, some really good advice above, don't forget photos when you get one. Got any photos of your z3. Where are you based

 

[jabber]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I would suggest trying a 3.0 e89 you should be able to get one within your budget

 

[KarenMWilson1]

Hi everyone, thank you for your warm welcome and advice. I think I am still drawn to the roadster (soft top) having had many soft top convertibles. Although not seen the folding metal roof. So I would be looking at E85 2.5si or 3.0si from 2006 to 2009 if I go for the later models if I am right? Any issues of leaking or rust that I should look for? The Z3 did in later years!! The Alpina Roadster S sounds interesting. Need to do lots of research and get out there and drive them!! Any other tips and advice much appreciated

 

[srhutch]

Alpina S prices are very similar to ///M prices. At 10-12k you are looking at 90k+ mileage.

I had a 2.5si before and was more than happy with it. Rust isn’t a major issue. Check the arches and the roof rubber where it meets the rear wings/boot as this is the only place I have really seen it, but rare.

Can’t believe you haven’t seen a E89. They have been out for 9 years.

 

[Mr Tidy]

It sounds like a 2.5si or 3.0si E85 would suit you.

Alpinas are great cars, but there is a price premium and do you really want 300+ bhp?

I'm sure you will have seen E89s, but possibly not paid too much attention to them. I've put a couple of photos below (the roof is normally body-coloured rather than black) - if you do go for one of those you'd probably want a 23i or 30i.

 

[Smartbear]

It sounds like a 2.5si or 3.0si E85 would suit you.

Alpinas are great cars, but there is a price premium and do you really want 300+ bhp?

I'm sure you will have seen E89s, but possibly not paid too much attention to them. I've put a couple of photos below (the roof is normally body-coloured rather than black) - if you do go for one of those you'd probably want a 23i or 30i.

Or she may prefer the 2.0i turbo with its more economical, cheaper to tax & greater performance than the 30i benefits
Rob

 

[craig3.2]

As other people have said,go look out a nice post facelift,2006-2008/09 3.0 si Roadster.
Came with updated front and Rear lights,more power (2003_2005 had 231bhp),06/09 had 265bhp,and 0-62 came down from5.9s,to 5.7seconds.
Spec wise,the Upgraded DSP hifi is a good option,as are heated seats.
M sport seats and Xenon headlights are a must,imho.

Happy hunting

 

[Chris_D]

Hi Karen, welcome to the forum. A great place for advice and guidance which i also benefitted from when i bought my 3.0i e85 the summer before last.
Unlike you and your generous budget, i went the cheap route and bought a fixer-upper for 4k. Once sorted it became and remains a paragon of reliability!
At your budget, i'd be looking at the lowest mileage and latest, most looked after, no expense spared e85 3.0i that i could find. You're definitely in e89 territory with that budget but if it has to be a ragtop and not a tintop then the e85 is where to go!
Alternatively, being a chickypop you could also lower your budget by spending 6-7k on a fine e85 specimen and have change left over for a couple of nice Fendi bags! :lol:

 

[Mr Tidy]

Or she may prefer the 2.0i turbo with its more economical, cheaper to tax & greater performance than the 30i benefits
Rob

Here we go again! :lol:

To be fair I didn't mention them as I wasn't sure if they would be in budget. :roll:

 

[paddy wright]

Welcome- such a shame about your Z3- can you get a second opinion if it had now significant issues at last years MOT?

 

[RustyZ4]

Hi & welcome
If you prefer the soft top then a e85 is the only option, and like others have said, coming from a 2.8 I would think you are looking at a 3.0, for your budget you will get a really nice car, I would put heated seats (preferably m seats and electric) as a must, then it depends if you want manual or auto, then it’s things like sat nav, stereo, xenons whatever suits your tastes, as mentioned build into your budget that if it has run flats fitted the car will be transformed changing them to non run flats, as with them it is prone to tram lining and potholes are teeth shattering, all the usual sources to find one, here, autotrader, piston heads, if you see a car post a link and fire it past us