Hi there, I bought my z4 on Saturday from a private seller and have discovered today that, not only are the rear tyres illegally worn but they are not run flats! And no spare in the boot! The ride is still very very hard and maybe it's because I m not used to it but I was pinning my hopes on the reason being the run flats. I've read that they can be replaced with non run flats for a better ride but now I have no option and the price I have to now pay for new non run flats is still £140. Also been told the front bushes need done. My dream is turning into a nightmare. Any advice or sympathy would help
New z4 but having problems
- Thread starter Kazz94
- Start date
Welcome to the forum Kazz94,don't worry about the non run flats.Non run flats are a lot better ride.What you need to do is replace with non run flats and get a compressor and some tyre weld or something like that.
Run flat tyres ruin the drive and they cost a packet.I have changed to non run flats as well as everyone else on this forum.
Run flat tyres ruin the drive and they cost a packet.I have changed to non run flats as well as everyone else on this forum.
ryanwhite19
Member
Should have checked tread depth before buying really bro but atleast its nothing major. Non runflats are better imo and the bushes are fairly cheap to replace so all in all things could be alot worse
Presume we are talking about an E85 here?
First off, I take it you actually viewed the car first??? Why did you not check the tyres/type of tyres when you brought it?! Basics really, not getting that one.....
In any case, ok so you've got to fork out for some new tyres, look at Falken none run-flats, popular because of their value vs. cost on Z4's.
There is no spare wheel in the boot, hence the run flats as standard, you need to get a roadside tyre repair kit, BMW do one or there are plenty of alternatives.
Front bushes are no big deal. Get the garage to check other suspension components as well such as rear springs (potentially broken)etc. I noted in one of your other posts you mention the car having a harsh ride....again, did you drive the car before you brought it? Did you drive others to compare it with? It will have a harsh ride, but I don't find it that bad personally and the roads are poor around here, depends what your used to/expecting. Never had a problem keeping up with others, remember front wheel drive cars are easier/more forgiving to drive on the limit though, rear wheel drive cars will have a higher limit mostly but getting to that limit takes more work/skill.
This is why researching your chosen car/test driving as many examples as possible is so important before buying!
First off, I take it you actually viewed the car first??? Why did you not check the tyres/type of tyres when you brought it?! Basics really, not getting that one.....
In any case, ok so you've got to fork out for some new tyres, look at Falken none run-flats, popular because of their value vs. cost on Z4's.
There is no spare wheel in the boot, hence the run flats as standard, you need to get a roadside tyre repair kit, BMW do one or there are plenty of alternatives.
Front bushes are no big deal. Get the garage to check other suspension components as well such as rear springs (potentially broken)etc. I noted in one of your other posts you mention the car having a harsh ride....again, did you drive the car before you brought it? Did you drive others to compare it with? It will have a harsh ride, but I don't find it that bad personally and the roads are poor around here, depends what your used to/expecting. Never had a problem keeping up with others, remember front wheel drive cars are easier/more forgiving to drive on the limit though, rear wheel drive cars will have a higher limit mostly but getting to that limit takes more work/skill.
This is why researching your chosen car/test driving as many examples as possible is so important before buying!
To those that fancy themselves better buyers than the OP: Should have, could have, what ever. Give the guy a break. He let his emotions get the better of him. Surely everyone has done something similar at one point or another. Or are you cold and calculating and have no emotions? 
oke: And who could blame him, if the potential for Zed ownership doesn't get your heart racing, not much would, I feel sorry for you. :evil:
The past is past, lesson learned. What's the best way forward?
oke: And who could blame him, if the potential for Zed ownership doesn't get your heart racing, not much would, I feel sorry for you. :evil: The past is past, lesson learned. What's the best way forward?
Sorry but when your spending that much on a car 6k+ checking tyre depths would seem the least you could do as well as taking it for a test drive to see if you get on with the ride (which the OP complained about in a separate thread), Christ how do you know if your gonna gel with a car if you haven't even had a decent drive in one?
Thanks for wading in though with your post which hasn't helped the OP at all. I may have been 'cold and calculating' but at least I offered up some advice to his/her problems.
To the OP: The Falken tyres I mentioned earlier are the Falken 453's which should be around £95 fully fitted for the fronts and £145 for the rears if you go for the recommended staggered set up.
Thanks for wading in though with your post which hasn't helped the OP at all. I may have been 'cold and calculating' but at least I offered up some advice to his/her problems.
To the OP: The Falken tyres I mentioned earlier are the Falken 453's which should be around £95 fully fitted for the fronts and £145 for the rears if you go for the recommended staggered set up.
What wheel size are we talking here?
I'm guessing 18's? The fronts still run flats will make them seem harsh... As will the sport suspension.
But its pretty easy to rectify... I would get all 4 tyres changed to nrft, maybe about £500.
Or the alternative would be get some second hand 17's or new aftermarket 17's will cost more but cheaper tyres will offset the cost.
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I'm guessing 18's? The fronts still run flats will make them seem harsh... As will the sport suspension.
But its pretty easy to rectify... I would get all 4 tyres changed to nrft, maybe about £500.
Or the alternative would be get some second hand 17's or new aftermarket 17's will cost more but cheaper tyres will offset the cost.
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AndyBeech said:
Who recommends a staggered set-up? :?
It was not standard on all models. There are actually plus and minus features between staggered and square (all the same size) wheel set-ups. For road use on a car with stability control there is no real benefit and a tendency towards understeer. On track or with stability control turned off the wider rear tyres inducing slight understeer will slightly assist managing oversteer (tail-happyness) but many track drivers prefer a square set-up. The main benefit is how it looks. If the OP is concerned about cost I wouldn't worry about going to a staggered set-up which also means you can't rotate wheels front to rear as they wear.
Kazz94
Don't panic - I had these issues to deal with too when I first bought my Zed. What model do you have?
I've got used to the ride and with new tyres, non runflat, you will feel a benefit I'm sure - what's on the front? You'll enjoy the handling that the suspension and ride set up makes possible - the Zed is a fun car! It takes time to get used to though so stick with it.
Secondly - I wrote long letters to my dealer asking what I was supposed to do in the event of a flat tyre I thought I'd not been supplied with a spare. . . you soon learn to rely upon an inflator and some puncture aerosol in the boot - most people have this set up - you can get both from Tescos quite cheap and they'll do the job if you want to keep costs down. Have an extendable wheel brace and your locking wheel nut handy in the boot as well. Then most of us have AA RAC etc in case of problems.
Some of the mechanicals on the Zed are straightforward and there are lots of experts on the forum who have posted 'how to' guides if your any good with a spanner - if not - you need a specialist garage - ask on the forum for recommendations where you live. I think my specialist garage is great and I trust them - they are also massively cheaper than dealers (known as stealers by some on this forum).
If your getting new rears keep costs down by buying from the internet and nominating a fitter from their suggested lists - check all costs though before going ahead as prices seem to vary a great deal and there are fitting costs to consider.
Have a read through the 'what to look for when buying a Zed' on the forum - it gives you a good idea of potential issues and possible costs - really helpful if you don't know the car well.
I bought a 2.0i Sport 2006 (facelift) two years ago without knowing too much about the Zed - got on this Forum too late! But I really have enjoyed my ownership - I had to replace back tyres (£300) - now fronts (£210), the rear bushes on the front wishbones (£120) and pay for the larger of the Inspections (servicing) £180 including brake fluid change over the two years. Hope this gives you some idea of potential costs.
Give it time and I think you'll grow to relax and love it - they are a great car for the money - all the best!
:driving:
Don't panic - I had these issues to deal with too when I first bought my Zed. What model do you have?
I've got used to the ride and with new tyres, non runflat, you will feel a benefit I'm sure - what's on the front? You'll enjoy the handling that the suspension and ride set up makes possible - the Zed is a fun car! It takes time to get used to though so stick with it.
Secondly - I wrote long letters to my dealer asking what I was supposed to do in the event of a flat tyre I thought I'd not been supplied with a spare. . . you soon learn to rely upon an inflator and some puncture aerosol in the boot - most people have this set up - you can get both from Tescos quite cheap and they'll do the job if you want to keep costs down. Have an extendable wheel brace and your locking wheel nut handy in the boot as well. Then most of us have AA RAC etc in case of problems.
Some of the mechanicals on the Zed are straightforward and there are lots of experts on the forum who have posted 'how to' guides if your any good with a spanner - if not - you need a specialist garage - ask on the forum for recommendations where you live. I think my specialist garage is great and I trust them - they are also massively cheaper than dealers (known as stealers by some on this forum).
If your getting new rears keep costs down by buying from the internet and nominating a fitter from their suggested lists - check all costs though before going ahead as prices seem to vary a great deal and there are fitting costs to consider.
Have a read through the 'what to look for when buying a Zed' on the forum - it gives you a good idea of potential issues and possible costs - really helpful if you don't know the car well.
I bought a 2.0i Sport 2006 (facelift) two years ago without knowing too much about the Zed - got on this Forum too late! But I really have enjoyed my ownership - I had to replace back tyres (£300) - now fronts (£210), the rear bushes on the front wishbones (£120) and pay for the larger of the Inspections (servicing) £180 including brake fluid change over the two years. Hope this gives you some idea of potential costs.
Give it time and I think you'll grow to relax and love it - they are a great car for the money - all the best!
:driving:
bcworkz said:To those that fancy themselves better buyers than the OP: Should have, could have, what ever. Give the guy a break. He let his emotions get the better of him. Surely everyone has done something similar at one point or another. Or are you cold and calculating and have no emotions?
The past is past, lesson learned. What's the best way forward?
Well said , Buying a used car is a learning curve & we never stop learning ,
There so many things to check & at times we can get carried away & here,s my biggest faux-pas
A few years back i was after a BMW & came across a private sale at a reasonable , though not a bargain price .
I went to view & was greeted with a small country mansion & the most charming & delightful disabled guy in a wheelchair .
The car was his , owned for 3 years & all main dealer history , registered to him at the address i was at , it had all the correct papers,no HP & we struck a deal .
I left a deposit & returned 5 days later to collect
Approx 15 miles down the motorway heading home i almost had a seizure ! The car was showing 92000 on the speedo but the advert had stated 82000
I pulled over at first opportunity & phoned the seller almost on fire with rage , , , , he huffed me by saying he had genuinely thought the car had done 82000 & that if i returned to demand my money back he would call the police & that the car was not his anymore . .
BUSTED ! my own fault & have to say it wrangled me until i sold the car just months later .So a couple of dodgy tyres aint so bad
Ewazix said:
General vibe I got off the forum when I searched about it a while back! But yeah cool, if staggered isn't standard for you or you want a non-staggered set up for costs then coolio, in that case rears should be the same price as the fronts I quoted earlier
Blackcircles, mytyres etc.All is forgiven mate.
I bought my Z completely with my head a few months back. I think of myself to be a pretty decent business person and always try to never pay the asking price for anything. I looked at the car on a beautiful summers day, roof down sun in the sky......la laa de da
Z had had 6 previous owners which should of raised massive alarm bells but was sold on the answer that it had been a BMW show car for 3 of them owners, an HPI check shouted 1 owner had done just 500 miles in a year so let this slide over my head. Car tax had days to run and the guy wouldn't even do a deal with as little as £50 knocked off. I walked away pissed with guy for not being a gent and Steuben.
Next day I rang him back and agreed to pay full asking price. Car had BMW warranty and was is immaculate. My head was spinning and I Just had to have it.
Oh and he wouldn't let me test drive the car wit :driving: out proving I had full comp insurgence to drive any car....... :headbang:
Never ever would of let a friend / family member do business this way but hey, I got sucked in.
Good news is the car has been amazing and other than a £9.50 bonnet alarm switch ( which led me to this site in the first place, cheers peeps!!!!) all is good.
Tyres would be low on my list of criteria when buying a car unless from main dealer. As low as the paper work is good, mechanics and body are sound tyres are a bargaining tool.
Good work mate and let this forum suck you in and spend you cash like it has to me.... :rofl:
I bought my Z completely with my head a few months back. I think of myself to be a pretty decent business person and always try to never pay the asking price for anything. I looked at the car on a beautiful summers day, roof down sun in the sky......la laa de da
Z had had 6 previous owners which should of raised massive alarm bells but was sold on the answer that it had been a BMW show car for 3 of them owners, an HPI check shouted 1 owner had done just 500 miles in a year so let this slide over my head. Car tax had days to run and the guy wouldn't even do a deal with as little as £50 knocked off. I walked away pissed with guy for not being a gent and Steuben.
Next day I rang him back and agreed to pay full asking price. Car had BMW warranty and was is immaculate. My head was spinning and I Just had to have it.
Oh and he wouldn't let me test drive the car wit :driving: out proving I had full comp insurgence to drive any car....... :headbang:
Never ever would of let a friend / family member do business this way but hey, I got sucked in.
Good news is the car has been amazing and other than a £9.50 bonnet alarm switch ( which led me to this site in the first place, cheers peeps!!!!) all is good.
Tyres would be low on my list of criteria when buying a car unless from main dealer. As low as the paper work is good, mechanics and body are sound tyres are a bargaining tool.
Good work mate and let this forum suck you in and spend you cash like it has to me....
:rofl:If you don't want "jap crap" (JE's words, not mine) then maybe some Korean tyres? I put Hankook tyres on my last car and current DD and they've been great. I read a few reviews before purchasing and no regrets at all.
