Looking to Buy a Z4, Help Please...?

[Arthur_]

Hello my names Arthur and i am from wiltshire!

A few months ago i regrettably sold my 2005 BMW 318Ci Msport due to it showing signs of expensive issues! The 3 series was my first BMW and i fell in love! i now drive a van as i have recently gone self employed and have decided i can't be without a car! i need another BMW in my life!!

After looking around on eBay, auto trader etc and getting a few insurance quotes iv decided it was a Z4 i wanted! but i need to make sure i get the right one! as i didn't do my homework before buying my 3 series as i later found out the 318 e46 are notorious for having engine problems!

My questions are -

What engine do i go for? i ideally want the 3.0L, I will only be using the car on weekends!

Should i go for one with under 100K miles?

What are the different models roadster, Si, Se, I or whatever else there is?

Budget is around 5K, can i get something half decent for that money or less?

Forum looks great and i look forward to getting involved in the fun!

Thanks

Arthur

 

[markeg]

Welcome to the forum, Arthur_. for buyers information, look no further than AlanJ's excellent guide here

As for your other questions...

Engine size - personally, i would go for the biggest you can afford, bearing in mind the servicing costs, annual VED, running costs etc.
100k miles - depends on how the car has been looked after - servicing and condition is key here - there are a number of high mileage examples around (mine just went above 100k)
Budget - you will find a number around the 5k mark, they will tend to be pre-facelift (E85) covertible models. Look at the forum "Buy & Sell" section, pistonheads, autotrader, eBay etc.

and good luck with the search!

 

[Arthur_]

Thanks for the advice i will take a look at that guide!

Anything i should watch out for when buying in your opinion?

 

[paulgs1000]

Arthur,

It's all covered in the guide - but you will have the money to buy a pre facelift (first model) 3.0i - they have an engine which is well thought of and robust - just the normal expected issues at the age you'll be looking at - hoses etc which can be sorted - regular servicing more important than mileage - The Z4 has long service intervals though.

More importantly at the price point you're looking at is probably the spec and modifications on the Zed. Many owners change the wheel design, seats (SE seats are wider, owners fit the sports seats), some lower their Zeds using well thought of spring sets. It all depends what your preferences are. The Zed was an expensive car and some folk specified lots of extras - heated and electric seats, park assist, cruise control, improved audio, sat nav. Look through the posts on the Gallery section of the Forum to see some of the different designs.

There are plenty of Zeds up for sale at your price point - so take your time - ask the Forum - and you can end up with a desirable, well cared for Zed.

Good luck!