Looking at a 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i. Seeking advice.

T

thezoomandboom

New member
Greetings all. I am a long time lurker, but a first time poster.

I've been looking at various Z4s for several months now. There is a used I am considering, and I would like the community's advice.

2003 BMW Z4 3.0i six-speed manual, 102,000 miles. Asking price is $10,000

The current owner of the car has done a lot of (in his words) preventative maintenance over the years. These items have been replaced.

-DISA Valve replaced
-New pulleys/belts
-Valve cover gasket (Minor leak)
-Ty rod ends and bushings
-New shocks/struts and springs
-Rubber trim on the windshield

I am leery about buying a car with over 100,000 miles on it. Realistically, what can I can expect to go wrong in the next few years? Does the current owners preventative maintenance mean anything? Is this even a car I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance for all your advice.
 
that sort of mileage isn't unrealistic for the age of the car.
mine certainly has a load more than that!

what he's replaced is exactly what I've replaced on mine so far.
the only other issue I had was the window regulator cable snapping in the passenger door.

bar that and the above, I'm well over 30k more in miles and not had another problem.

the most common problems (disa / springs) look like theyve been done. :thumbsup:
 
There is a fairly direct correlation between money spent and what you will get for it.

So if your budget is the $10k, then that will be the type of car you will be looking at. Half the mileage, and the price will go up at the same rate.
 
pvr said:
There is a fairly direct correlation between money spent and what you will get for it.

So if your budget is the $10k, then that will be the type of car you will be looking at. Half the mileage, and the price will go up at the same rate.
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That makes sense. While I can afford a more expensive car, I tend to be miserly and go cheaper. My question is: with the Z4 is that a foolish decision? Should I be looking at cars with 50k miles on them? Will the repairs on this 100k miles car exceed the price premium I would pay for a 50k car?
 
100k mark really doesn't exist for a 6 pot in the same way as it does for a 4 pot... at least, that's my experience.

electrics - yeah, they can still flake out at 100kish, but bmw are usually pretty good with their electrics.

another point to ask is, has he cleared out the undercar drains for the roof motor... if he has, its a fair bet he's looked after it ;)
 
sk93 said:
100k mark really doesn't exist for a 6 pot in the same way as it does for a 4 pot... at least, that's my experience.

electrics - yeah, they can still flake out at 100kish, but bmw are usually pretty good with their electrics.

another point to ask is, has he cleared out the undercar drains for the roof motor... if he has, its a fair bet he's looked after it ;)
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Good question about the convertible top. I've seen the posts about how many of those have gone out. That's interesting about about the 6 cylinders being more reliable.
 
I've heard of the 3litre engines running to 300k without major surgery (if looked after) 100k shouldn't be an issue at all.
Regards
 
You need to consider do these for reliability of high mileage m54 engine.

- Vanos seals + Rocker cover gasket set
- Waterpump
- Thermostat
- Coolant
- CCV + all breather hoses
- Disa repair kit (GAS)
- Intake boot, both.

O2 sensors before cat got limited lifetime, but those cost only 70$ each and easy to replace. All gaskets and pipes will be crisp and leaking, vacuum leaks. Those are not so difficult to replace. Good diy´s in web.

I have replaced all parts which i listed for my E46 which has approx 90.000miles in klock, and it works really fine and it is smooth to drive. Belts, tensioners and pulleys+ DISA is good thing already replaced. You already should know that brakes need replacing too if original.

It depends so much how previous owner and first and second owner had maintain car. Check for servicebook stamps, look oil change intervals how much miles between services and how long intervals (years) between services. Look receipts for services and part replacements. BMW dealer can help you too, with car registration number. Ask which parts has been replaced by bmw service.

In my opinion, look another examples which are for sale. I am sure there is cars which do have less mileage. When i buy any car with M54 engine, no matter how less mileage i always want to change at least waterpump, thermostat, coolant, disa and do vanos seal replacement. Then it is pretty damn reliable.
 
Hi, bonnet cable stretches and you can't get the bonnet open easily :headbang: wiper arms ball joint wears and you have to replace the whole unit. Central locking can play up. Expansion bottle can split. Expect to hear quite a few squeaks and rattles from the cockpit, headlamps or fogs can let in moisture. Cabin fogs up inside.But for the money the 3.0 has the looks, the go and with the top down gives amazing fun for the bucks. Go for it if it drives well.
 
100k is nothing for a modern car especially a z4. my brother has a little vw lupo with 230k on the clock and he doesn't even look after it. Hasn't had an oil change for 2 year. so a well serviced z4 shouldn't give you any serious problems unless your really unlucky.
 
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