Manual roof??!

E

E85Dan

Member
Just had a look and test drove a lovely E85 2.0i.... was expecting an electric roof as per usual, but no! It’s a manual! I’m more than happy with this but as far as I’ve researched they only had manual roofs in the USA??

I’m likely to put a deposit on it but just need to check if this is something I should steer clear of.

Thanks in advance!!! :)
 
Never knew that was an option anywhere, 99% certain it never was in the UK. More likely the seller is trying to skirt around the fact that the motor is duff. Does it not have the buttons on the centre console just behind the ashtray like below?

roof button.jpg
 
That’s what I thought! No buttons anywhere which is what I checked. A handle at the front middle part of the roof which you twist and locks into place, then just push it down till it clicks in!
 
Well, this thread seems to suggest the manual roof does exist (in the USA at least). Must be incredibly rare...

https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=520201
 
Mot history checks out also... it does worry me though. It’s either something very good... or very bad!
 
Would love to see some pics of that. Maybe need to think how hard it will be to move on come resale. 99.9999% of buyers in the UK would want and expect auto roof I think. The 2.0l also has more engine issues than the other models.
 
I wish I’d taken one now! There seems to be a lot of hate on the forums for the 2.0 are the engine issues really that bad? I found it quite a nice drive. Thanks for your help so far :D
 
Quite a few owners on here run them and don't have any problems. The most troublesome tend to be emission related EML lights that seem hard to resolve. Not a major problem apart from it's an MOT fail now of course.

Otherwise:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (with built in cats, so big money to replace if can't be welded)
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13866

Timing chain tensioners

Valvetronic motors.


The last two aren't that common to be fair.
 
It’s great to find a forum that so far isn’t full of sarcy sods! :)

That’s great information... I’m pretty tempted by this one as it seems clean and low mileage too. Near on fbmwsh too.

Essentialy it’s between this and an MX5 NC 2.0 sport. And they’re starting to show signs of rust issues that affected the earlier ones :rofl:

Do I worry about cracked manifolds and the other issues. Or rust?

Tough choices!
 
I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

Edit: or this? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201902064662554?advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=bs137du&model=Z4&page=2&make=BMW&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used
 
CRAIGO said:
I’d love a manual roof. Absolutely no need for an electric roof.
Click to expand...

The manual roof has less sound proofing and heat insulation to make it light enough to open and close by hand.
 
Well it's the absolute most basic spec you can get, I've never even seen cloth seats on a Z to be honest. It is indeed missing the auto roof buttons so that clears that one up. Did you spot the dent next to the petrol filler cap?

Other than that it's a nice colour car with reasonable mileage but have you inspected the "full service history"? Any receipts or paperwork with it at all to prove?
 
ph001 said:
Well it's the absolute most basic spec you can get, I've never even seen cloth seats on a Z to be honest. It is indeed missing the auto roof buttons so that clears that one up. Did you spot the dent next to the petrol filler cap?

Other than that it's a nice colour car with reasonable mileage but have you inspected the "full service history"? Any receipts or paperwork with it at all to prove?
Click to expand...

... and no sport button :thumbsdown:
 
Yeah I saw that one after a drive got rid of all the rain! The service book is stamped apart from a year gap in 2017 but there weren’t many receipts for parts etc.

Would the dent near the filler cap be a tough one to get rid of?

You’ve all got me looking at 2.5 and 3.0 now!

I know, sports buttons just seem so much better :(
 
E85Dan said:
I wish I’d taken one now! There seems to be a lot of hate on the forums for the 2.0 are the engine issues really that bad? I found it quite a nice drive. Thanks for your help so far :D
Click to expand...
Hi OP, I've had my 2.0i for over two years, it is my daily driver without any of the engine issues that some members on the forum post about, its without doubt one of the most reliable cars I've owned, any vehicle regardless of engine size will at some time throw up issues either through lack of service, maintenance or careless use by the driver, I can only go on my observations :thumbsup:
 
A new Flimper spec. I never thought I’d see the day! If you can stretch to a 6 cyl though, it’s the way to go. Even if it’s the 2.2 or 2.5.
 
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