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Zeddy28

Member
Hi all

Currently own a Z3 2.8. 1999 V plate. 120.000 miles.

It’s time to call it a day. :( gutted but required.

So, I have £14,000. What do I get? Apart from a Z4 obviously.

I have major concerns over the cam chain issue. I’m researching the n20 and the problem seems to be with the rails being poor plastic if I’m correct?

Problem is, just found a 2.0 m sport in the colour I like and 3 miles from my house. 2014 (14) 47.000 on the clock. He’s only had it 4 months. Says it’s his knee operation. Seems nice. He’s 71. Last sale 2017.

So, what’s the deal on this engine? And how, if at all, can one check that it’s fine? £14,000 is a big deal for me. It’s hopefully gonna last as long as my Z3….which I bought in 2001!!

Thanks all,
Tony.
 
The N20 engine prior to approx March 2015 had one version of cam chain/ tensioner/guide/oil pump drive..it was revised in 2015 with a chunkier chain and revised parts..later plastic parts were white, earlier ones were brown in colour.

My best guess is about 5-10% of N20 cam chains subsystems fail / go bad..

It’s around £1k to preemptively replace the oil pump drive / cam chain sub system..

Long oil change intervals , use of stop start are contributing factors to demise of the system..

As it fails a pronounced whine which changes with revs is the normal precursor to failure..

It it fails it’s good night Vienna

]if it’s a honey of a car..then change it..the engine with TLC should do better than 150k miles
 
Hi and welcome.
I also have a Z3 (3 litre in bits as an ongoing rebody project). I am also on my second E89 Z4 with the N20. Both have been very low mileage but not had any issues.

PS £14,000 is MUCH too expensive for a 2014 20i with 47k miles. Should be nearer £10-11,000. Not massively low mileage and the market is very slow for these (and all) cars this year.

I paid £14,000 for the latest 2016 20i we have. Half your mileage and in amazing condition (generally). And that was too much! :roll:
 
Does it have to be an E89?

If so I'd be tempted to try and find a good 30i, although they seem to be a bit thin on the ground.

If not there's a smart Z4M Roadster that has just been advertised for £11K to forum members. :lol:
 
Zeddy28 said:
Interesting?! If I look at 2016 on half the mileage they are £16k plus.
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Mine was private, so with the dealer mark up..easily get to £16k. But are they selling at that??
£12k maximum for a private 2014 20i M-sport with a decent spec and very good history at that mileage. Your money, though.
For £14k private I would expect it to be a very high spec (i-Drive, heated seats, cruise, PDC, auto lights and wipers, extended lighting, 326M wheels etc), have an immaculate service history (not just on mileage) and be in (almost) perfect condition.

If it does have 326M wheels, watch for cracks (or a history of. MOT will tell you).
 
Zeddy28 said:
Thank you, really appreciate that advice!
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Suggest you drive the car..the old 4 pot vs 6 pot argument is very polarised..

Personally I really miss my N20 powered Z4…you can easily remap them without any known structural issues to around 275 ish BHP..then they’ll stay with anything this side of a Z4M or well driven 35is..

If it’s good condition and feels right and it’s going to be a keeper then…..
 
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