Lurker would appreciate advice.

D

Dan44

Member
 Worcestershire
Greetings all.

I have been checking in here most days for a couple of months now. I was considering a Z4 as my next purchase and wanted to 'research' the differences between 3.0i SE and M Roadster. Obviously when I say 'research' I mean when I was supposed to be working and motivation waned.

Before I get to the questions I have I'd just like to congratulate everyone that runs/participates in this forum. It seems to be populated by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic bunch. Decent amount of banter without the usual 'Johnson Waving' mentality of other forums I've visited.

I have decided to go for a low mileage 04 3.0i SE Roadster. Initially I wanted the //M but have decided the 3.0 is more suited to me for the following reasons:

* I'm in the first year of setting up a new company in a turbulent economic climate - Common sense prevailed with regards to initial outlay/running costs.
* I'm also running 3 other cars - Cancels out any gains from point stated above.
* I like the idea of getting to know the car for a while. I already have a list of modifications. Minor cosmetic such as stubby aerial/ZHP gear knob through to suspension/brakes and......ESS supercharger. Think Q-Car.
* I'm aware that in the long run it will end up costing more than buying an //M but this way I will be able to choose how to modify to my specifications and I like the idea of tinkering.

To the questions/areas of advice sought.....

* I've searched on the AUC website and there are only 4 cars listed even with the vague search criteria of 03 onwards 3.0 manual roadsters. There is one at Barons of Hindhead that looks nice but seems to have virtually no extras internally and a bit pricey? Why so few at dealers?
* If I bought a car privately with FBMWSH could I buy a warranty from BMW or would it be a case of 3rd party warranty?

Sorry for the length of the post but I thought that giving you all the info up front would make it easier to answer.

Many thanks in advance for your patience and advice.

Cheers,

Dan.
 
Welcome, you will love the 3.0i. I think you can buy warranties but BMW have to inspect the vehicle first. Not sure though...!
 
NOt being in the UK, I can't give you much advice on searching, but a 3.0 is a great car and you may find yourself not wanting to upgrade to a supercharger or //M model. ( Unless you really love the extra ponies :D )
 
Dan44, welcome to the forum... :thumbsup:
I have had 2 3.0's in the past and they are exceptional... :driving:
 
I think if you are seriously thinking of fitting a supercharger to a 3 litre then you should consider the 'M'. It will be a cheaper option and you get the upgraded brakes, suspension interior etc etc. If you haven't done so already have a good test drive of both before making up your mind.
 
Thanks for the comments so far.

Calling the dealers this morning ref: buying a warranty for a car bought privately.

Still a bit puzzled with there being only 4 pre-facelift 3.0 manuals on AUC. I'm guessing people are trading in fewer cars against new and the dealers are reluctant to carry stock at the moment?
 
My guess why you are finding so few at within the AUC is the age of the cars you are looking at, bear in mind that an 03 car is now 6 years old, how many BMW dealers want 6 year old cars on there forecourts, I know some who would pass on a 3 year old car regardless of condition to 3rd party dealers rather than try to sell it themselves, have a look on Autotrader you may be amazed at what's in an Independant. :thumbsup:
 
RichardG - I'm not specifically looking for an 03. I'm after a pre-facelift model as the prices of the post 06 cars are so close to //M money as to make it almost illegal not to get one. There are only 4 manual 3.0 cars from 03-05. It's the first time I've looked on the AUC site so this might well be normal. Just not what I expected.
 
As RichardG said, with the New (mark 2?) z4 starting to be marketed by dealers for a summer launch the prefacelift z is now effectively 2 models old and unlikely to be in favour for stealers. Autotrader is like a sweet shop for prefacelift models, enjoy searching!
 
Dan44 - you mention about post facelift being more expensive, they are but I think they bring some advantages:

1. More power, new lighter engine with the 3.0si
2. Newer and will have some warranty left with the dealer
3. Styling - subjective, but I like the updates bumpers and rear lights
4. More likely to have things like sports seats on 3.0si, M steering wheel which in my opinion are a worth while difference

Just my thoughts anyway!
 
Autotrader is your best bet, and if you buy from any motor dealer, they can supply a warranty of up to 3 years, depending on how much you want to spend.If you buy privately, you can still buy warranties off the web.They are all insurance based policies anyway. If you PM me your phone mumber I'll talk you through it as I am in the motor trade ( if you want to) . I don't think you need to be so insistant about buying from a BMW dealer, you'll pay much more for it and most of their stock as you are finding is post facelift stuff. Go more for the spec you want , then age,condidion and mileage are the key areas to look at.

Marcus.
 
bigshurv - sent PM yesterday......thanks.

Tried calling a Stealer for two days with £15k in cash to buy a car if they would move a 'small' amount on the sticker price........it would seem I can't give my money away. You guys were right. Buying private now and will bank the difference in a contingency fund.
 
Welcome to the forum.

For me, if ur going to mod the car for more power and handling, you might aswell go for the M and help your pocket. If your there for the drive and happy with what the 3.0 gives, then the 3.0 is more then enough.

I love my 3.0L for its fuel consumption and the attention but occasionally i wish i had the extra power the of M and the rear diff aswell. Other then that, nothing more i can complain about
 
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