Mid Life Crisis

[Anonymous]

Hello all and apologies for this thread as im sure this has all been asked before. Anyway, always lusted after a z4 and fast forward to present day and ive been made redundant thanks to c19. Not a huge problem as the job was getting me down anyway but the wife has agreed that i can apportion a certain amount of the cash to a z4!! yey!! Cue mid life crisis and a dream finally achieved..

So onto which model to choose and im a little confused about the optional 'sports' package and the model designated as 'sports' As im fast approaching the dreaded 60 i really dont want or need the harder suspension so i decided that an SE model would be the best. But, ive since read that the earlier 3.0SE has the sports suspension fitted as standard. True or not? Also, if i go for a later 2.5i sport, ive seen these with and without the added sport button next to the gear stick. So do these models have the sports suspension as standard or only if the sport button is present? Bit confused tbh

Although i dont really want to go down this route are there options for upgrading/changing the shockers and springs? ie something to maintain the handling but produce a more compliant ride?

And the final question: ive been reading the horror stories of the N52 cam follower rattling and was wondering how much a new head actually costs. But, can the followers just be changed out themselves or is this not worth it? Or, do most people just live with the noise?

Again, apologies for the questions. Cheers!

 

[True-Blue]

Welcome to the forum,

To answer a few questions, and give a few tips...

The SE, can also have a sport button... this doesn’t indicate the car is sports spec with MSport suspension
Run-flat tires are worse for comfort than MSport suspension
Unless the car you buy is very low mileage, the shock absorbers will likely be shot unless they have been replaced already, so if you want comfort factor in the cost of replacement.
You don’t mention your mobility, but do mention age, ....the Z4 is a low car, a lowered Z4 is a very low car. I mention this as I suffered with sciatica for a few months earlier this year (after a failed attempt on my life from something my partner left on the stairs... in the dark! )and getting in and out of my Eibach equipped Z was painful, all good now.
The N52 is only found in the facelift car, and all Coupe’s...
You don’t mention budget, but there’s a wide range of asking prices and a vast range of ‘condition’ in terms of cars being advertised... take your time, look at a number of cars and be prepared to travel for the right one.

What’s your approx budget?

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the welcome! So to clarify:
Its most definitely a roadster and youre right, its the sunny days im looking forward to.
Thankfully my mobility is just fine and ive already sat in a couple and managed to get in and out no bother.
Budget is around the £6k mark so hence the M54/N52 dilemma.
I wouldnt consider myself a fast driver (i have my motorbikes for that fix) especially when the wifes in the car but ive always been hooked on low down torque rather than a screaming sewing machine. :wink: so i think a either a 2.5 or 3.0 will do the job just fine. Being of the more advanced years, the insurance doesnt seem to change between the models for me, so other than a minimal road tax saving, im not fussed tbh.

Yesterday, i went and had a go in 2007 2.5i Sport and everything seemed absolutely great apart from the ride being quite firm. So i was wondering if because its a sport designation that the suspension was extra hard or am i just not used to a proper sports car.

 

[True-Blue]

I’m sure many find the 2.5i fine, but the facelift 2.5i is 177bhp, the facelift 2.5Si is 218bhp, the facelift 3.0si is 265Bhp
The original 3.0 is circa 230bhp.

With a healthy budget and many options to choose from, I’d personally recommend either of the 3.0 options, or possibly the 2.5si which is a great engine too. The fuel consumption & running costs are barely any different compared to the 2.5i

For comfort, I’d be looking for a car with MSport seats, the normal seats are referred to as ‘deck chairs’ in these parts, and ditching the fun-flat tires... this makes a big difference.

E85’s are quite raw cars though, and they are all old now... but that’s part of the appeal.

 

[Anonymous]

With a healthy budget and many options to choose from, I’d personally recommend either of the 3.0 options, or possibly the 2.5si which is a great engine too. The fuel consumption & running costs are barely any different compared to the 2.5i

Just to be clear: do you mean the facelift version of the 2.5si? and either pre or post facelift 3.0? This is pretty much where i was going until i read up about the N52 cam follower problems.

 

[Zedebee]

Just to be clear: do you mean the facelift version of the 2.5si? and either pre or post facelift 3.0? This is pretty much where i was going until i read up about the N52 cam follower problems.

There’s no pre facelift 2.5si. The post facelift 2.5i was less powerful than the 192bhp (I think) version it replaced so BMW plugged the gap between that and the 3.0 with the 2.5si.

 

[Anonymous]

There’s no pre facelift 2.5si. The post facelift 2.5i was less powerful than the 192bhp (I think) version it replaced so BMW plugged the gap between that and the 3.0 with the 2.5si.

ahh ok, thanks for clearing that up. So looking at prices, im thinking an earlier 3.0SE, which would leave me some money to upgrade the suspension to something more suited to my needs.

 

[yipikayee]

There’s no pre facelift 2.5si. The post facelift 2.5i was less powerful than the 192bhp (I think) version it replaced so BMW plugged the gap between that and the 3.0 with the 2.5si.

ahh ok, thanks for clearing that up. So looking at prices, im thinking an earlier 3.0SE, which would leave me some money to upgrade the suspension to something more suited to my needs.

Welcome to the forum.

I own 3.0 SE and i dont think you will habe a chance to feel the lack of power with this choice. Never felt im short on bhp, pulls like train and is raw and fun to drive. I have not own or drive any other engine options, just saying you wont regret 3.0 se one second after buy

gl on your search

 

[blunderthumbs]

There’s no pre facelift 2.5si. The post facelift 2.5i was less powerful than the 192bhp (I think) version it replaced so BMW plugged the gap between that and the 3.0 with the 2.5si.

ahh ok, thanks for clearing that up. So looking at prices, im thinking an earlier 3.0SE, which would leave me some money to upgrade the suspension to something more suited to my needs.

Welcome to the forum.

I own 3.0 SE and i dont think you will habe a chance to feel the lack of power with this choice. Never felt im short on bhp, pulls like train and is raw and fun to drive. I have not own or drive any other engine options, just saying you wont regret 3.0 se one second after buy

gl on your search

I second that. 3.0L all the way. It pulls like a train. Mine is the SE and has the M sport suspension, no runflats. This is a sports car so whatever the suspension you are going to feel a more harsh ride than your average saloon. You should be able to get a late model 3.0L E85 easily for your budget of 6k and have enough money left over for mods unless they have already been modified. Make sure things like the roof motor have been serviced and relocated. Disa valve reconditioned, Vanos overhauled NO RUNFLAT TYRES .
Factory fit extras to go for include Leather heated memory seats. Auto lights and wipers, pop up sat nav screen. Parking sensors. Headlamp wash. Multi function steering wheel. Fold in wing mirrors. get as much as you can for your cash.

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. Loads of good advice already. 3.0SE does seem to be the early car that hit the sweet spot. In the UK roof down you really want heated sports seats, they make life better and leave you to enjoy the drive. Happy hutting.

 

[Smartbear]

With a healthy budget and many options to choose from, I’d personally recommend either of the 3.0 options, or possibly the 2.5si which is a great engine too. The fuel consumption & running costs are barely any different compared to the 2.5i

Just to be clear: do you mean the facelift version of the 2.5si? and either pre or post facelift 3.0? This is pretty much where i was going until i read up about the N52 cam follower problems.

Hi, there is no cam follower problem-you must mean the noisy hydraulic lifter issue? It’s never caused anything other than an annoying ticking sound & you won’t be having to replace the head.
Avoiding very short journeys & changing the oil more often than bmw’s overly long service interval will see most cars quietening down
Rob

 

[Anonymous]

Cheers guys. Ive narrowed my search to an early 3.0SE and perhaps a later 2.5is. In grey obviously

As regards the suspension what does the forum recommend? When i upgraded my bike, i was quite wary but after fitting it made the bike so much more comfortable but also seemed to tighten up when pushed. For me it was a win/win. Are there similar units available for the Z4?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, there is no cam follower problem-you must mean the noisy hydraulic lifter issue? It’s never caused anything other than an annoying ticking sound & you won’t be having to replace the head.
Avoiding very short journeys & changing the oil more often than bmw’s overly long service interval will see most cars quietening down
Rob

Thanks Rob, yes sorry, thats what i was referring to and your advice appears to mirror a lot of other advice. Maybe i should not be so paranoid and trust the german engineering!

FWIW The car i went to see was in excellent shape and had regular servicing upto the last owner of 2 years ago. Although he had it serviced at yearly intervals, he was doing 20k a year, im wary of such a high mileage between oil changes. Plus it had a grey roof. Really cant make my mind up about that one.

 

[ronk]

I would suggest you keep your eyes out on the forum - enthusiast owner is generally a plus

 

[BeeEmm]

but the wife has agreed that i can apportion a certain amount of the cash to a z4!! yey!! Cue mid life crisis and a dream finally achieved..

Redundancy money should not be squandered on a car no matter what the wife says. It is not a lottery win. Wise up.

 

[bg1]

but the wife has agreed that i can apportion a certain amount of the cash to a z4!! yey!! Cue mid life crisis and a dream finally achieved..

Redundancy money should not be squandered on a car no matter what the wife says. It is not a lottery win. Wise up.

Richest man in the Graveyard syndrome!

 

[mr.tourette]

but the wife has agreed that i can apportion a certain amount of the cash to a z4!! yey!! Cue mid life crisis and a dream finally achieved..

Redundancy money should not be squandered on a car no matter what the wife says. It is not a lottery win. Wise up.

Who are you.. his mother? :thumbsdown:

 

[BeeEmm]

Who are you.. his mother?

I am sure his mother loves him, me I don't care too much about him, but if I can stop a loser being a total loser and in the future stop him depending on the state to support him and his kids, then I have made my one and only try.

 

[Anonymous]

Redundancy money should not be squandered on a car no matter what the wife says. It is not a lottery win. Wise up.

Yeah ok mum. So you think you know the extent of my finances do you? As a newbie to the forum i'll keep my comments tame for now but seriously? unless you have something of value to add, move on.

 

[Anonymous]

I am sure his mother loves him, me I don't care too much about him, but if I can stop a loser being a total loser and in the future stop him depending on the state to support him and his kids, then I have made my one and only try.

A loser now huh? wow, you really have a complex dont you? Go find another soapbox and maybe someone will be interested in what you have to say.