My first Z4

jamie20205

Member
 Bournemouth
I've been looking to buy a Z4 for the past few weeks. With a modest budget of just £5-6k, i've been looking mainly at early 2003-2004 models with average mileage and good service history. I almost bought a 111,000 mile 3.0 auto, but it was through some dodgy trader on eBay, who wanted to try and rip me off so I'm glad I avoided that one.

By chance I saw an advert posted on Gumtree for a Z4 only a couple of roads down from me. It's a silver '03 2.5 manual but what really caught my eye is that it's only got 34k on the clock. Even though i was initially after the 3.0 model this car is in immaculate condition with a strong service history - so having contacted the owner straight away, gave it a good look over and the next day took it for a test drive I did the deal.

58875_10151350881822691_489561127_n.jpg


I was told it was the base model, I guess that means no optional extras, so its got the smaller 16" alloys, no heated seats, no sat-nav... i'm not sure what else.

There's a couple of things i want to do straight away, one is get a cheap private plate, which will help hide the fact its 10 years old. The other thing I wanted to do is consider slightly larger alloys - does anyone have any advice they could offer regarding the wheels? I've read that many people get rid of the run-flats without too many probs.

In terms of style of alloys, everyone has their own preference but i quite like the styling of the split 5-spokes found on the later models, something like these...

e89_Performance_PP_E9X_Doppel131_19_p.jpg.resource.1234.type2.jpg


Again any advice on alloys and wheels in general would be gratefully received.

Having done the deal i'm looking forward to take ownership early this week :D :D :D :D
 
Welcome to the forum,I bought my z4 in april last year.34k on the clock sounds like you've found a good one.
You will get plenty of advice from the members about wheels and mods on here,you'll spend loads :rofl: :thumbsup:
 
Welcome along.

Base model is a great way to start modding :thumbsup:

313 wheels will fit... But they are 19's and very open... So the small weedy calipers will show through... And certainly wont look as impressive as your pic!

Other options are for the 18" 108 (5 spoke star - which are my favourite) and 107 elipsoids.


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk
 
Hi and welcome to the Forum. A quick search will show 'wheels' in their hundreds and the different options available. Whatever you decide CHECK the offset is compatible. Getting rid of the runflats will transform the car in terms of handling, driver feedback etc. 19" wheels can cause problems of rubbing so again check before you buy.
 
Welcome....

Personally i would find 18" style that you like. If you fit 19" the car will also need the suspension lowering,all at extra cost,with 18" you may just get away with it.

Saying that i really like the 313 style and really considered them myself,just favouring the "default" CSL wheels.

Have a look on CMwheels or BMautosport as both offer a great selection for the Z4...

Welcome to modding,polishing,looking at exhausts and spending all your spare cash! :thumbsup:
 
Great to get such a warm welcome to this forum (as a newbie).

I really like the car in its a original form, a future classic for sure, but I am drawn towards some subtle modding.

So with the wheels I should probably think about 18" max, as i'm not too keen on lowering or messing with the suspension setup at this point.

Is it easy to replace the orange side repeaters with clear versions? (any advice where I can find these)

One other question... the former owner recently replaced the battery (assume because it wasn't being used much), but this caused the passenger side airbag warning light to be permanently on! Do I have to visit a BMW garage/specialist to get this warning light turned off?

Thanks
 
jamie20205 said:
Great to get such a warm welcome to this forum (as a newbie).



So with the wheels I should probably think about 18" max, as i'm not too keen on lowering or messing with the suspension setup at this point.


One other question... the former owner recently replaced the battery (assume because it wasn't being used much), but this caused the passenger side airbag warning light to be permanently on! Do I have to visit a BMW garage/specialist to get this warning light turned off?

Thanks

This place is one of the friendliest car forums on the web, genuinely welcoming and knowledgeable :thumbsup:

You shouldn't need to mod the suspension for replacement wheels if you stay within the standard offerings which go up to 19" IIRC

Sanity Question: Does your car have the isofix brackets on the passenger seat? Maybe the previous owner disabled the airbag using the key switch which is on the left side of the dash hidden by the door. If not either a dealer will reset it or you can get a tool off eBay.
 
Sanity Question: Does your car have the isofix brackets on the passenger seat? Maybe the previous owner disabled the airbag using the key switch which is on the left side of the dash hidden by the door. If not either a dealer will reset it or you can get a tool off eBay.

Is the isofix brackets easy to spot (I don't collect the car until Tuesday). I know the previously owner didn't purposely disable the airbag they said it happened when the battery was changed, but i'll try and check the key switch you mention too. If I take it to a dealer any idea how much they're likely to charge me?

Can't wait to start driving my new zed. Hope the weather improves so I can drive around sunny Bournemouth with the top down 8)
 
welcome!

as said above, you don't want a wheel that doesn't flatter your brakes.

Even personally 108's are a little too open for smaller brakes, get some open wheels and big brakes. Everyone loves big brake upgrades...well at least I know I do!

:driving:
 
Stuart Truman said:
You shouldn't need to mod the suspension for replacement wheels if you stay within the standard offerings which go up to 19" IIRC


Bit odd that Stuart...Standard wheels only go upto 18" on the Z... On standard SE suspension the car will look really high on 19" wheels,maybe it could get away with 18"..

There is nothing that will take the shine off your new wheel purchase than having mahoosive wheel arch gaps... :P
 
jamie20205 said:
Is the isofix brackets easy to spot

Yep, metal hoops, flush with the seat that protrude a short way into the seat base. Not far enough out that they'd interfere with the passenger :)

Why not call a BMW dealer close to where the car is, get a quote and ask the seller to get it sorted and see if you can split the cost. That way you're both sure all is well.

Z4M-2006 said:
Bit odd that Stuart...Standard wheels only go upto 18" on the Z... On standard SE suspension the car will look really high on 19" wheels,maybe it could get away with 18"..

Ah, OK. My last one was an Alpina on 19" dynamics. I thought some of the option wheels were 19" but my mistake.

Just a thought though, won't the overall radius of wheel plus standard tyre be similar across the range of sizes? As wheels get bigger the tyre wall gets smaller etc.

I dunno, just making assumptions as if the radius varied too much your speedo reading would be incorrect... :?
 
Yep,rolling radius is similar,but the 19" is definatly more....But more wheel and less tyre gives the optical impression that the arch sits higher off the wheel.
Plus doing a few quick calcs,the 19" wheel and tyre combo is around 10mm bigger in diameter than a 16" wheel,so will slightly push up the body in relation to axle/hub height..

We all know what them precious few MM's make.. :wink:

Good thread with pics..

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=23587
 
Reading other forum posts it seems the airbag warning light is a known issue that many Z4 owners struggle with and will be expensive to try and fix. :x
 
Those daisies on your car already are a nice wheel anyway, I think you should keep them.

If you must change they will be fine for winter tyres.
 
Back
Top Bottom