New around here

[tee.gilding]

Hi all, just joined up on advice of a friend. I'm on the hunt for a Z4 3.0 si Coupe to replace my ageing E46. Any suggestions on what to look out for? Any good examples on offer?

I've seen a few I like and my perfect spec would be carbon black, silver or champagne leather, manual (of course) and black-top engine. Want something low mileage (sub 60k preferred, might go up to about 65k) and not silly money.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum OP - good recommendation by your friend (and great choice of car BTW)!

There is a link here to a buyer's guide:-

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281&hilit=Buyers+

Other than that just be aware that they have an electric water pump which can just die (don't ask how I know!) and a new pump is around £250. Mine died at 60K miles and 9 years old, so if you find one that has already had a replacement that is a bonus!

From details provided by another forum member only about 2,500 3.0Si Coupes came to the UK, and of those about 90% are Sport models. Which is significant because Sport models got M-Sport seats, SE models got Sport seats which just aren't the same! Sport models also got stiffer suspension and sit 10mm lower.

Standard spec is a bit mean - cruise, parking sensors, Bi-Xenons, Multi-function Steering Wheel, heated seats and cup-holders were all options so decide what are must-haves and what would be nice-to-haves before you get too involved! Although cruise can be pretty easily retro-fitted now a forum member is offering made up wiring looms for it!

I think the silver leather you mention is what BMW call Pearl Grey - quick photo of my first one with the M-Sport seats in Pearl Grey:-

 

[metal licker]

Hi and welcome aboard

 

[ph001]

Welcome. Sat nav was also an option along with 2 levels of audio upgrades- dsp and pro which are both 10 speaker setups rather than 6.

 

[tee.gilding]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys.

I'm glad to see I'm not the only person in here with a 325ti daily...

I didn't realise the base spec was so sparse - I'll definitely keep an eye out for a Sport model with xenon's and cruise control, as a minimum. I've also been told to look for one with the aero kit if one pops up! I'm less fussed about the audio system - if the basic one puts out sound without masses of distortion or tinny sound, I'm happy enough. It's the engine, chassis, and shape I'm buying it for.

Are there any other things to keep an eye (or ear) out for? I'm assuming they don't have the rear subframe issues the E46's did? Front control arms and bushes still an issue?

My mate who recommended I join up had a Z4 roadster and recently got himself a Z4M roadster. I believe he's a member somewhere around here!

 

[Marlon]

Welcome to the forum, you'll have a long wait if you hold out for a coupe with aero kit. When you say 'black top engine' are you referring to the engine cover? There is no difference (apart from the colour) between the black covers and the silver coloured cover.

 

[mr wilks]

Welcome to the forum t.g , great choice of Z in the 86 Si , keep us posted with any possibles

 

[jamie_z4]

Welcome to the forum, you'll have a long wait if you hold out for a coupe wit aero kit. When you say 'black top engine' are you referring to the engine cover? There is no difference (apart from the colour) between the black covers and the silver coloured cover.

the silver top engines were in N52's from 2005-2007.5 and black top thereafter - the blacktop engines are less susceptible to the HVA issues - from what ive read

 

[Marlon]

Welcome to the forum, you'll have a long wait if you hold out for a coupe wit aero kit. When you say 'black top engine' are you referring to the engine cover? There is no difference (apart from the colour) between the black covers and the silver coloured cover.

the silver top engines were in N52's from 2005-2007.5 and black top thereafter - the blacktop engines are less susceptible to the HVA issues - from what ive read

Really? so just to confirm, are you saying the back top engines are different in terms of HVA issues - that they addressed the issue - and came in at the end of the E85/86 production run mid 2007 to 2008?

 

[jamie_z4]

Welcome to the forum, you'll have a long wait if you hold out for a coupe wit aero kit. When you say 'black top engine' are you referring to the engine cover? There is no difference (apart from the colour) between the black covers and the silver coloured cover.

the silver top engines were in N52's from 2005-2007.5 and black top thereafter - the blacktop engines are less susceptible to the HVA issues - from what ive read

Really? so just to confirm, are you saying the back top engines are different in terms of HVA issues - that they addressed the issue - and came in at the end of the E85/86 production run mid 2007 to 2008?

Just from various things ive read on here mate yeah.

 

[Marlon]

the silver top engines were in N52's from 2005-2007.5 and black top thereafter - the blacktop engines are less susceptible to the HVA issues - from what ive read

Really? so just to confirm, are you saying the back top engines are different in terms of HVA issues - that they addressed the issue - and came in at the end of the E85/86 production run mid 2007 to 2008?

Just from various things ive read on here mate yeah.

Interesting Jamie - I thought the silver/black covers were random, good to know if true as mine is a black cover 2008 engine

 

[jamie_z4]

Really? so just to confirm, are you saying the back top engines are different in terms of HVA issues - that they addressed the issue - and came in at the end of the E85/86 production run mid 2007 to 2008?

Just from various things ive read on here mate yeah.

Interesting Jamie - I thought the silver/black covers were random, good to know if true as mine is a black cover 2008 engine

different platform but same engines
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1158063

 

[ph001]

Wow, so black tops have different ECU's to silver tops as well. Didn't know that.

 

[tee.gilding]

And here I was thinking the engine bay just looked nicer with a black engine cover! Definitely going to aim for one of the black top engines then!

Really looking forward to jumping on board the Zed ownership train.

 

[Marlon]

And here I was thinking the engine bay just looked nicer with a black engine cover! Definitely going to aim for one of the black top engines then!

Really looking forward to jumping on board the Zed ownership train.

:lol: top marks for honesty

 

[Mr Tidy]

I'm not so sure - the reference to a different ECU was on an E90 forum.

I'm not sure about the dates either. :?

All I know is my 1st E86 was built 10/10/06 and had the black cover, but my current one was built 18/09/06 and has the silver cover.

Someone suggested my first one may have had a silver cover, suffered an issue and had the cover replaced - but I can't really see BMW or an owner paying for a new ECU as well!

Anyway good luck with the search OP.

Unless you get really lucky if you really, really,really want an aero kit you'll probably have to buy and fit one! Cruise isn't difficult or expensive to retrofit so you I wouldn't be put off if a car fitted the bill in every other respect.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only person in here with a 325ti daily...

Oops, missed that bit!

I had to have a daily. Within 6 months of getting my Coupe I new it had to be a straight 6, so the 325ti seemed the nearest I could get to an E86 with more seats!

 

[tee.gilding]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only person in here with a 325ti daily...

Oops, missed that bit!

I had to have a daily. Within 6 months of getting my Coupe I new it had to be a straight 6, so the 325ti seemed the nearest I could get to an E86 with more seats!

I'll be parting with the compact if I find the right zed. Can't afford to run two thirsty Bimmers unfortunately. My daily commute is 50 miles...

This is my 325ti:

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. Nice 325. Good luck finding the perfect Zed.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I'll be parting with the compact if I find the right zed. Can't afford to run two thirsty Bimmers unfortunately. My daily commute is 50 miles...

Lovely looking 325ti. Mine is a 52 plate Sport, but Imola Red.

I kid myself it makes sense as I don't commute - even if 2 x Band K RFL is a bit painful! :roll: