Need Help to purchase a Z4, possibly importing.

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Dag12c

Member
Hey everyone..

So I've made a previous topic in the newbie section just about buying a z4..

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=23105

"So I don't actually own a z4 .. YET... but I figured the best place to get info before I buy one would be a z4 forum
Now I'm pretty much sitting on the money so within next pay check I'm looking at getting one..
I just want to know how these are in reliability department?
I know BMW's are built solid,
but any common problems that I should know about?
any significant costs when it comes to spare parts?
one in particular... My last car was an 98 audi a4 an fuel pump went on it an cost me 800 bux for a stock one when my brothers lancers fuel pump went only cost him 180 an that was for a performance pump...
something like a fuel pump for z4 how much you lookin at?
I just want to know what I'm getting into?
Any advice for a newbie buying a z4.. specially when looking for used ones? anything to look out for in particular that could cause future problems?
I know these are a lot of questions but any help would be great"

So far I've heard of:
Problems with sensors
Re-occuring problem is with the rear springs snapping
High Pressure Fuel Pumps on Engines E54
an AlanJ's awesome guide on pre purchase checks
Anything else would be great

One other thing I forgot to mention was in buying one, if I cant find what I can in price an quality, I was considering importing... (to Sydney Australia)
I had a bit of a look around.. so far I've found a couple in Japan for about $5000 cheaper than what i can find in Australia including import tax and customs an road worthy cert...
I'm looking from anywhere from about 18k-28k Aus $$
Anyone have any advice on importing?
Or any particular places to look or buy through? Importing from other countries for cheaper?
Is it worth it?
anything would be great!

If I remember anything else I'll post :)

Cheers,

Daniel
 
Sorry Daniel but you're not going to get one here in Oz south of AU$30k. I paid $39k for my 03 2.5i model (but it was very low kms) just 3 months ago and I watched the prices on Carsales for over a year before I purchased. You might get close to your price for an auto with high kms, but IMO if you're going to be spending this kind of money best not to skimp. I saved for over 18 months before buying mine.

No experience with importing, but from my understanding BMWs are as exclusive in Japan as they are, so by the time you import I don't think you'd be getting any better a deal. I'd be wary of hidden costs doing the import route. If only we could import from the UK we'd be set!

My understanding of the rear springs snapping was that it is caused by rust from salting roads in winter. Since that doesn't happen here I think it's unlikely to be an issue.

Parts aren't cheap but if you aren't in a hurry the best way is to order from US online retailers. If you need the parts ASAP then be prepared to be raped by your local dealer.

For me there are two main concerns with regards to long term reliability: the sticky steering issue (the steering can become "notchy"/sticky at high temperatures) and the convertible roof motor (if drain holes get clogged it can easily get wet and is expensive to replace).

Hope that helps.
 
Hey Dag12c,

Have to agree with Mangozac - from the 12+ months research I did prior to buying, I learned that the springs issue isn't one here in Oz, and the clogged drain holes doesn't seem to crop up either unless the car is kept outside under a gum tree or the like..

I've found the Z4 to be super reliable and the odds and ends I've had done to the car haven't cost me a fortune. The one thing I did fine expensive was replacing all four tyres - best price I could find was just under $2500 fitted for Michelin Pilot Sport 2's. Expensive, but it has made the car SO much better in handling and comfort over the OEM Bridgestone's.

Haven't had the steering issue and my independent BMW mechanic hasn't seen it in his fairly extensive experience with BMW.

Cheers and good luck - it's an awesome car and still makes me grin every time I drive it.
 
Thanks guys..

Yeah, I am looking at upping my budget if needed..
But as far as Oz costs go yeah I know what you mean.. cheapest I've found here is like 30k.. but like I said, I'm also looking at importing..
In aus $$ you can get a 03' 2.5L Z4 with 60,000k's, in what I can see as pretty good condition (obviously need to have a closer look) at $14,000 Aus and its not just one but theres about 10 that ive seen around that price off a couple of sites.. with
Import service fee: $990
Import Duty: $791.56
GST: $1662.29
Telegraphic Transfer fee: $35
Shipping / wharf / customs fees: $2000
Compliance fee: $2200
So I mean with the car at that cost I'm looking at about 22k Aus.. an thats gonna save me a good 8k with a 27 day shipping time...
obviously aswell thats not including rego road worthy cert etc...
so total up about 23k ... I think its worth it...
but what i want to get my head around is that other stuff first like the common problems an costs for spares is my only hesitation at the moment.. the importing is still not a definite.. but i think its worth the consideration...
 
If you do go the import route I'll definitely be interested to hear how it goes. Personally I just don't like the idea of buying a car without having driven and personally inspected it first. Then again maybe that's reason to go on an overseas trip ;)

Please keep us updated!
 
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