N00b to owner in 5.9 seconds

[Swampy1982]

Morning all,

I hope you are all finding windows to enjoy your cars during the autumn months.

As the title suggests, I am in that exciting phase of starting to look for a new toy, a weekend and fun car to potter about it.

For many years I have lusted after a Z4, the shape just felt right and I loved the principle of a small 2 seater with RWD. That being said I lusted from afar as life gifted me with a family, the need for a house deposit, the purchase of my first house and then all the fun jobs you get to spend your money on when you are a home owner (Facia's and guttering, so very rock and roll)

Now, after a bit of good fortune, I find myself with a pot of around 4k to get myself a weekend toy and there was only ever one thing I was going to buy, my first Z4.

The money is due to land in the new year - but the research and shopping has started now - I find myself scouring the ad's almost daily and comparing spec of different cars.

I'm after some experience and some honest opinions from people who have been through this experience the same as me, I have questions kicking around in my head that i suspect only owners can really answer,

things like

Is the 2.0 really that wheezy
Is the 2.5 the sweet spot of relatively low insurance and tax but enough real world performance (this is my current thinking)
Are heated seats really an option that I need (do you miss them if you didnt get them)
How much difference does a wind deflector really make
How well do these cars really soak the miles (my budget means I will likely need to get a 80k+ miles car)
Service history - is it king?
What are the common faults I need to look out for? (Rear springs, roof motor relocation or drain hole maintenance)

now, having been on forums most of my adult life I fully respect you get asked these questions probably 100 times a week - but if you made it this far into the rambling output from the inner workings of my mind - would you please let me know your own personal experiences, and if there is something that i need to be considering that I am not already?

Yes, yes - i know most of these things are subjective - but I am always happy to listen to other peoples thoughts and opinions which can help me on my journey. Any help gratefully received.

 

[TheDan]

Engine size:

• Some people who get the 2.0 ending up pining for the 2.5 and the story is the same with the 2.5 to the 3.0. The question I asked was "If I get a 2.5, will I always be wanting a 3.0/more power?". The answer was yes, so I got a 3.0.

• In terms of tax comparison, I think the tax band is the same for the 2.5 and 3.0 engines (£330 pa).

• Insurance wise, put a few number plates into comparethemarket (both 2.5 and 3.0) and see what quotes they come up with.

Heated seats:

• I didn't get them and yes, at this time of year, I miss them.

Wind deflector:

• Makes quite a difference, I would try and find a Z4 that comes with one as they can be rather pricey to buy elsewhere (ebay and whatnot).

Mileage:

• Some high mileage cars (>120k) will be better than those <80k. It all depends on how they were looked after as well as how hard they were driven.

Service history:

• My Z4 had very limited garage dealer/indy service history, but a lot of paperwork from previous owners about parts changed. I wouldn't expect a stamp from BMW every year since the car was manufactured, but as long as you have good evidence that money has been spent on the car for maintenance then it should be okay.

Common faults (starting with easiest to find at a car viewing):

• Roof motor relocation

• Warning lights (this can come in useful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZY90qwgIEY)

• Consumables such as brake pads and tyres

• Window operation

• Sticky steering when driving (typically at higher speeds, more info/cases here: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100725)

• Rear springs broken

• Fault codes if you have an OBD reader

 

[Trav]

At 4K you will also have a few 2.2 Si's etc to consider. What are you realistically expecting within your budget range? Are you nifty when it comes to repairing niggles yourself? The forum has some buyers guides already. Here is a link.
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281

Good luck.

 

[Swampy1982]

Sometimes you just get a feeling that you have asked the right people - this is one of those times for me!

Lovely comprehensive reply - thank you so much - already learning on my search!

Honestly all I am looking for from a Zed is something that is fun to drive, I have a F30 Diesel 3 series for my (used to be) 30k commuting miles and family duties.

I used to have a mk1 golf cab which was my toy, but sold to put towards a house deposit - i loved the top down motoring but I found myself always fixing something or another on it which kind of ruined the "ad hoc" blast out

I really just want something I can jump in a drive with a smile on my face when the urge takes me.

I am fairly handy with cars, have done engine swaps, suspension work as well as basic maintenance in my time. I am a bit concerned about moving from what i would consider an anologue type car (mk1 golf) to something more modern like a Zed, but its all a learning experience and because its a weekend car there is no pressure to get work done and finished before it gets dark (like a daily)

Thank you for the links - I will work through them

 

[mr.tourette]

No1..buy a forum car, its much more likely to have the niggles sorted and been cared for and chances are it will be well documented within the forum.

Personally I'd avoid the 2.0 yes a bit wheezy and definately more troublesome in terms of reliability.

2.5 is a fine option, 3.0 is better, depends on how you want to use the car I guess. 6 cylinders is key in the e85 though, try both if you can, if you think the 2.5 has enough go for you then buy the best car you can condition and option wise regardless of it being 2.5 or 3.0.

Get the heated seats, makes the car more enjoyable in cold weather.

Get the windbreaker too, it makes a massive difference

As always buy on condition and service history regardless of mileage, these cars generally age well but a poorly looked after model can be pretty awful.

Forum car is always your best bet

Did I mention forum cars ??

Good luck with your search..always a good part of the fun

 

[maxman]

All the above ,plus take somebody who knows their way around a z4 as if you are new to the market you will be smitten and miss obvious faults.

 

[groovy_hippy]

To answer your points....

• Is the 2.0 really that wheezy - No personal experience but I hear the engines aren't as reliable as the 6 cylinders...
  
  Is the 2.5 the sweet spot of relatively low insurance and tax but enough real world performance (this is my current thinking) - I had a 2007 2.5i - immense fun and insurance was always reasonable. Recently swapped it for a 3.0si - yes its faster. Both engines - occasionally you find yourself thinking 'I just can't use this wonderful power because there's a ditherer in front of me'. Insurance didn't differ much between the two.
  
  Are heated seats really an option that I need (do you miss them if you didnt get them) - just buy a gillet/good coat/hat. I coped without in my first zed! But they are nice ;-)
  
  How much difference does a wind deflector really make - again, just buy a hat. But having one makes a huge difference
  
  How well do these cars really soak the miles (my budget means I will likely need to get a 80k+ miles car) - 100k+ isn't unusual, I did over 50k in my first zed and took it to almost 100k with no major issues.
  
  Service history - is it king? - Depends who you ask and what the car is (e.g. it's a lot more important for a low milage Z4M as opposed to a high milage 2.0). Forum cars will be good ones
  
  What are the common faults I need to look out for? (Rear springs, roof motor relocation or drain hole maintenance) - rear springs, roof motor, ABS pump, water pump (although mine was always fine)....generally these cars are pretty bombproof, and with a forum like this there's always help available!!

4k should get you a good 2.5i or even 2.5si, or an older 3.0i. I sold my 2007 2.5i with 98k on it a few months ago for £3300 and I've seen various others around for sale lately that look like absolute steals... 8)

 

[enuff_zed]

looks like it's all been said.
Maybe give an idea of where you're based?
Current conditions aside, I'm sure there will be a forum member not too far away who could let you look at theirs to see what you think?

 

[inkey$]

Welcome and good choice. A familiar story around family, deposits, guttering etc etc etc. Now is the time to have some fun and the good news is, your £4k should get you a good car. The even better news is you're in the right place for one that someone has nurtured, so if you can find one on here that ticks the boxes then the risk is arguably a lot lower than an eBay special.

A few pointers knowing what I know now and if it was me looking for my first car, based on similar experience to you...

• Get the 3.0 - and ideally a manual and ideally the Si as opposed to the SE as at the very least got nicer sport seats.

• They are actually quite analogue cars. E85/86 tend to build on the prior E46 tech levels from BMW at the time

• The 6 pot 3.0 is a peach. I mean that. You will have lots of fun.

• Service history is generally always king. If its not been looked after luckily there aren't too many extreme things to go wrong with these cars but always better to buy one with a decent book of stamps and file of receipts.

• Don't worry too much about mileage. I just bought a coupe on 102k and its not even middle aged yet. Look after them with the normal cadence of servicing and they'll look after you and your fun levels.

• When you're ready, put out a wanted post here, with top budget. Somebody will be selling and the bonus is you can search through that users posts to find out more on the car.

• Try and budget a little money for a fresh service, consumables that might not have been done or things to make the car your own.

• Roadsters are nice. Coupes are nice. Both have pros and cons. Coupes are rarer. Comes down to personal preference at any given time.

• If you go for a roadster - facelift vs pre-facelift is an option you'll also have. IMO the pre-facelift is stunning. Those rear lights are straight out of the concept car sketchbook.

• Think about your colour prefs (incl interior). If you have a favourite combination you might get lucky.

• Search YouTube for BMW films with Clive Owen. The Z4 films on there are just really good to watch as launch marketing from the early noughties. This one always gets me wanting a grey vert with ellipsoids...

[youtube]XGivBHff7hQ[/youtube]

Good luck with your search.

 

[Sludgepump]

Heated seats are a must - especially if you want to tempt your other half to accompany you on a cold day.

Nothing against the smaller engined cars but it's 3 litre for me - a bit more grunt and nicer exhaust note. Prob not a massive difference in cost.
2.5 will be fine though if it keeps you within budget.

Many owners have re-located the roof motor into the boot, but as long as the drain holes are cleared regularly you shouldn't be put off by a car that still has the motor in the hood well.

Your budget will likely push you towards the earlier M54 engine so be prepared to service the vanos seals if they haven't already been done. If you're handy with the spanners this will be fiddly but well within your capabilities. The DISA valve can be a problem but is easy to sort out.

Service history is obviously important but these cars are getting to an age where condition is all important. Both the M54 and N52 engines are capable of high mileages provided thay get regular oil changes and reasonable maintenance.

You could consider a Japanese import if you want a bit more for your budget. I did this and have no regrets whatsoever.

 

[Swampy1982]

Thank you all so much for the replies - i would reply to you individually but getting multiple quoting working etc is probably beyond my capabilities!

So - I am learning with every post - key messages so far are

1 - £4k should be enough to get a decent car within my needs
2 - 2.0 is likely a decision which would end with a 3.0 within time (for my personal taste)
3 - Heated seats and wind deflector are nice to haves, but i could always buy a gillet
4 - a car thats been looked after will look after you - but this could be evidenced in more ways than a service history
5 - Buy a forum car
6 - Buy a forum car

I am based in Peterborough - so smack bang in the middle of the country. Never really understood people who arent prepared to travel for the right car. I've been to wales, scotland and cornwall in my car shopping history with varying degrees of success. pre-qualifying the car and seller before hand helps massively, so buying off a forum owner makes a lot of sense in a long distance purchase scenario.

In terms of colour preferences, I would like to avoid black and gold, but for the right car its relatively unimportant. Also I would like sports seats but not bothered about electric
I would like a manual car - my daily is auto and its great for a commute, but i think a fun car should be fun and that means manual for me.
I'd love a coupe - but I think for my budget it would mean I ended up with a ropey one - so am looking at roadsters. If I find I use it as much as I think I will then I can save towards chopping it in for a coupe (the looks are to die for)

couple more questions if I may

Are we entering into the territory of being able to get these insured under classic policies - has anyone tried it? I know that some insurance companies have quite loose definitions of classic that wouldn't fit my (or the traditional) thoughts on what constitutes a classic

There are some engine codes and numbers being thrown about and trim (?) letters (SE vs SI etc) - is there a definitive guide somewhere that I can research the differences? I dont think there will be a massive influence for my use case but i'm in the information gathering stage so all information is a great help.

 

[inkey$]

Happy reading...
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=169415#p169415

 

[Swampy1982]

Happy reading...
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=169415#p169415

You little legend! thanks a lot

Looks a bit like i've entered the matrix after clicking the link - suspect I need a coffee before tackling it!

 

[Argyll Andy]

Hello and welcome, your initial post is somewhere close to my first one just over a year ago. I had little knowledge of the Z4 models, trim, engine etc. and joined seeking advice.

I ended up changing my budget from £4K as I really liked a specific forum coupe for sale then that fell through so I bought a forum E89 23i which had been pampered you a member. I recently changed that for a 35iS so the original budget and criteria well and truly blown

Heated seats are a must for me. Roof down in Scotland with our weather would be a totally different proposition without heated seats. They’d also need to be M Sport seats for me too. Same with the wind deflector. I’ve driven with and without one, would be another must for me but can be easily added.

I’d be buying on colour/spec/condition with proof of some detailed backup of how it’s been looked after. Wouldn’t necessarily need to be in the form of SH at that age but proof would have to be there.

Buy the biggest engine you can afford as the running costs between the 2.5 and 3.0 are minimal as far as I’m aware.

Said already in this thread, including by you, but buy a forum car

Are we entering into the territory of being able to get these insured under classic policies - has anyone tried it?

Depending on location and driving/claims record they’re not particularly expensive to insure. My 23i £188 and 35iS £247. Fully comp, protected NCB and business use.

I must be doing things the wrong way round, I just got my gutters, facias, soffits, dormas and windows finished about 2 hrs ago. Just need to wait for the bill now

 

[inkey$]

Happy reading...
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=169415#p169415

You little legend! thanks a lot

Looks a bit like i've entered the matrix after clicking the link - suspect I need a coffee before tackling it!

Recommend the blue pill and two or three coffees.

 

[Z4paul]

Hi swampy, your initial post /3rd para made me smile I know the facia soffits, chimney etc need attn but, as you say it's just too rock and roll !! Hence prioritising purchase of 2nd car s Z4 - i have the face lift 2.0 sport and its s huge change to previous mx5 and i am smitten. Personally i have had few problems and imho it does everything it needs to whilst being fairly economical.
Heated seats (sportd if you can) really are s great place to be, wind deflector is a plus and non run flat tyres. Mine has the sports suspension and run flat tyres and they can tramline on certain road surfaces.
2.0 / 2.2/ 2.5 or 3.0 litre you will love it

 

[Rich8]

I think the 3 litre is the sweet spot - not really any more in fuel, tax or insurance than the 2.5 (unless you're 18).

Heated seats - once you have them you can never go back.
Definately something i would hold out for.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome aboard Swampy.

It looks like you've been given plenty of good advice already, and some reading!

You mention M-Sport seats, but these are going to be hard to find in a pre-facelift as they an option whereas if you find a facelift Sport model they came as standard.

As others have already said I'd definittely be looking for a straight 6, it's one the Z4s unique features. And running costs are the same for the 2.2i, 2.5i (pre-facelift) and 3.0i as they use the same engine, just in different sizes.

Basic spec is also pretty mean so if things like Bi-Xenons (recommended BTW), heated seats, rear parking sensors, cruise control, cup-holders, power-fold mirrors are important to you bear in mind they were all options.

Another bonus with a forum car is it is likely to have had the roof motor moved already!

Now just enjoy your search.

 

[Zedebee]

You will find these cars surprisingly cheap to insure. I think I pay around £250 for my Coupe fully comp on 6k miles. My 19 year old pays under a grand for his roadster (his mates in their fiestas all pay more :lol: )

 

[Swampy1982]

All great advice, and great to hear your personal experiences so thanks for sharing.

As many have said, the search is really enjoyable, all be it quite frustrating at the moment as I can't seeing cars and not having the cash straight away is tough.

Good thing the market has so many, lots to look at and think about.

I will keep you all updated. I think insurance checks are my next thing, see the differences between the engines, might help expand (or narrow) my search and thinking.