Looking to buy my first Z4 and could do with some help..

[paulgs1000]

2.5si is a capable Zed - we have a forum member that comes out with us and doesn't feel under-gunned with his 2.5si on the road. It needs to be a fair price though (a good deal cheaper than the 3.0si that is). The pre face lift 3.0 are getting on a bit and need to be well cared for so you're looking for an enthusiastic owner who has kept on top of it and can talk their way around their Zed. The facelift engine (N52) is also lighter than the 3.0i pre facelift N54 engine.

The choice really comes down to the condition and history which can be difficult to confirm but the 2.5si (at the right price) can be more than a reasonable way into Zed ownership, especially if it's specced the way you want it. As a daily runner it will be fine and only lack the kudos and that extra power used now and again. On the road the driver can make the difference up.

If you can be patient there will be 3.0si come up from time to time on the forum . . . . took me 8 months to find mine (and in a colour I didn't particularly want!)

 

[maxman]

This forum has already taught me that one of the first things I am going to do is swap the roof motor position You say the later 3.0 Z4 has the water pump issue? Am i understanding correctly that this isn't the case for a 2.5 or pre facelift 3.0?

The pre facelift has a mechanical water pump,the facelift 3.0 and 2.5 had electric water pumps which are vulnerable at 70k onwards.

 

[Mr Tidy]

This forum has already taught me that one of the first things I am going to do is swap the roof motor position You say the later 3.0 Z4 has the water pump issue? Am i understanding correctly that this isn't the case for a 2.5 or pre facelift 3.0?

The pre facelift has a mechanical water pump,the facelift 3.0 and 2.5 had electric water pumps which are vulnerable at 70k onwards.

To be fair I think it is an age and/or mileage issue - my first E86 (all Coupes are facelift, so use the N52 3 litre - unless they are Ms in which case totally different criteria apply) needed a water pump at 9 years old and 62K miles.

The invoice certainly made my eyes water! :lol:

Basically any facelift 6 cylinder has the N52 engine with electric water pump, whether 2.5 or 3.0.

If buying an N52 engined model you just need to factor the potential cost into your calculations - but good luck anyway OP!

Oh and from my limited experience I would say an N52 engine suits a Z4 much better than the pre-facelift M54, even if it does potentially cost more to run!

 

[NickDE]

Most of the 3.0's i see are auto too.. Not sure how i feel about that

Whether you like auto or not is very much a personal preference thing - have a look at some of the other threads discussing this,
My view is that an older sportier car is a safer bet as an auto than a manual. With an auto you know the engine has not been over or under revved by an enthustiastic but incompetent previous owner.