Looking to Purchase

[wbchunx]

Hi guys,

New to the forum but have found it a wealth of knowledge in my run up to buying a Z4.

Am looking to spend around 5k - 6k so am assuming an E85.

A couple of questions to you seasoned guys, which engine should I go for? Is one more reliable than the other? I’m planning for a 3.0 but is that the sensible choice?

The car will be mostly used at weekends so want to consider the overall running costs of it sitting on the drive for 90% of the time.

I’d also like to try and source a white one but they seem few and far between. Everything seems to be Silver through to Black, I guess it’s just a waiting game??

I’d appreciate your thoughts, thanks in advance

 

[Total7]

I didn’t even know you can get e85’s in white... im sure there are a few floating around.

 

[tomscott]

They aren't as rare as the Ms as I think one was produced but there aren't many. Called unicorns round here. Have to admit I think white does nothing for the E85 basically hides all the bangle design cues so wouldnt be top of my list and you may be waiting around!

5-6k might get you into a higher milage 3.0SI which is a decent step up from a 3.0l. The 3.0 has 228hp and the SI 261.

This ones on the forum currently at £5850 with a few bits needed doing.
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=116842

Terms of cost they are pretty reasonable to look after really. Tax £325 dependant on pre March 06, 40mpg on motorway runs, £450 for tyres, servicing dependant on what it needs whether it be oil or and inspection £200-550 etc Obvious few things to look out for, give the buying guide a look

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15177

 

[Zoomer]

I thought all e85 3.0 were £325 road tax?

 

[Smartbear]

I thought all e85 3.0 were £325 road tax?

I thought it was only the M cars that got cheaper tax pre March 06?
Rob

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. White is a rare colour on the E85. There are a few about but you may grow old waiting around for one. There are some lovely metalic colours out there that show off the lines a treat. 8)

Your budget should give you plenty of options. The 30.si is considered your best bang for buck Zed. They are generally solid reliable cars, though getting on a bit now so always buy on history and condition, don't just grab one because it has low miles. Get out there a test drive a few too. Happy hunting:wink:

 

[wbchunx]

Thanks guys, really appreciate the feedback.

White is out then , will start looking at other colours

Am planning to take a few out in the coming weeks.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

There was a facelift in early 2006 at which time BMW fitted a newer generation engine to the 6 cylinder models.

But whether you go pre- or post-facelift you might as well look for a 3 litre as running costs will be the same as a 2.5 litre seeing as they used the same engines, just in different sizes.

As Tom says the facelift 3.0Si is a fair bit more powerful than the pre-facelift 3.0i, but it has a couple of quirks! It doesn't have a dipstick, you check the oil level using a button on the dash. And it has an electric water pump which will fail at some point after 60K miles. The issue is that unlike a mechanical pump it doesn't gradually wear, it just stops working so in about a mile the engine will be over-heating. And replacement pumps tend to cost around £250.

Having said that, in every other respect the 3.0Si is a great engine!

As far as I know all the 6 cylinder models (other than the M) are £325 a year for Road Tax.

Anyway, good luck finding the right one - even if it probably won't be white. :lol:

 

[wbchunx]

Thanks MrTidy

I wanted white as I thought it showed off the lines better, replies here suggest different. I'll be getting my head into the other options 8)

 

[Mr Tidy]

It depends what look you like - if you like white, silver might be your next best option.

But I like a colour, so on a pre-facelift I'd want Merlot or Maldives Blue.

And obviously Montego Blue on a facelift! :roll: Or maybe HellRot or Phoenix Yellow!

 

[AMH-75]

One thing to consider also is that for the pre-facelift cars only the 3.0 got a sixth gear. The 2.5i had to make do with 5 gears.

I think that changed though post the facelift though but would need to check.

I have heard stories from mechanics and the forum posts that say the post facelift engines are easier to work on but less robust than than the older M54 series. That’s not to say they are unreliable and it doesn’t mean that the M54’s dont have their own issues (they do).

Service history and condition in key and whatever you buy use the forum to identify the common weak spots that all cars have and get them seen to as and when you can.

Overall though the straight six engines are tough and reliable.