Newbie - Buying Advice

S

Simmo2468

Member
Hey all,

Newbie here. Been reading a lot of different threads on here because I am in the market for a Z4, either an e86 3.0l coupe or an e89 23i (can't afford to insure a bigger engine e89).

Just wondering if people could give a bit of advice on how easy the retrofitting of things like PDC, Bluetooth and cruise control to an e86 is? I viewed the one on the link below today, and it felt good and looked good (bar a few chips and some scrapes on side glass presumably from dirt getting into the doors), but is missing those options.

I plan to drive a 23i as well to compare, but a lot more of those seem to have BT, cruise and PDC fitted already, which might tip the balance (if the drive is good).

https://www.gumtree.com/p/bmw/gorgeous-red-bmw-z4-3.0-si-sport-coupe-px/1347801287



Thanks in advance,

James
 
Hi James, and welcome to the forum. :thumbsup:

If you like that Red one don't hang about! Someone on here put together a database and going by that only 31 Red Manual Coupes were registered in the UK, and from what I can make out only 5 of them had Red seats! And it looks like it has had a black wrap on the roof.

I imagine retro-fitting parking sensors wouldn't be too easy, so none too cheap - but it can be done. A previous owner had them retro-fitted to mine.

I'm not too up on these things, but I imagine you could get Bluetooth by fitting a new head unit - hopefully someone may be able to be more specific on that.

Retro-fitting cruise is pretty straightforward, you just need the operating stalk which is about £100 from BMW (Sopers of Lincoln give a forum discount) and forum member "srhutch" will sell you the section of wiring loom you'll need to make it work.

From what I have read the E89 is a noticeably different drive to the E86 - a bit more GT than sports car, but it depends what suits how you plan to use the car. And after a 3.0Si you might be disappointed with a 23i, but the only way to know is to try one.

Anyway, happy hunting. :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for the info Tidy,

Interesting to know that both can be done, and a discount in Lincoln is pretty good as I am around there every now and again anyways.

Will definitely be looking to have a decision on it by end of next week, given its the only red one I've seen listed anywhere!

I will be dailying the Z, but am coming from a renaultsport clio 200 and don't mind a few sacrifices for the smiles :wink: I also think I might be disappointed with the 23i, as I might as well stick with the clio for what it puts out performance wise (on paper).
 
Welcome to the forum. :)

Get out and try them. I would say try an E85 as well, but may not be practical enough for your daily needs.
 
Simmo2468 said:
I will be dailying the Z, but am coming from a renaultsport clio 200 and don't mind a few sacrifices for the smiles I also think I might be disappointed with the 23i, as I might as well stick with the clio for what it puts out performance wise (on paper).
Click to expand...

I think that may well be the case. They did make some E89 30i models, so the same engine as the 3.0Si in the E86 if that gives you another option.
 
buzyg said:
I would say try an E85 as well
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I just can't bring myself to like the rag tops. The shape with the roof up doesn't do it for me, and since it's England that's how it will be most of the year :lol:
 
Mr Tidy said:
They did make some E89 30i models, so the same engine as the 3.0Si
Click to expand...
I did look at a few on autotrader, but ran an insurance quote and it was almost double the 23i! If it was close I would have considered it.
 
PDC is a complete waste of time on these cars imho, the back is very easy to judge...it’s the front that’s the problem. The factory Bluetooth is pants also as you can’t stream music through. A Bluetooth receiver can be easily added for literally no money. That only leaves cruise which is admittedly nice to have and has been covered above.
 
ph001 said:
PDC is a complete waste of time on these cars imho, the back is very easy to judge...it’s the front that’s the problem. The factory Bluetooth is pants also as you can’t stream music through. A Bluetooth receiver can be easily added for literally no money. That only leaves cruise which is admittedly nice to have and has been covered above.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, interesting to know! Looking like it will just be cruise to sort and that seems relatively easy.

Just found out the car has no service book to go with its pile of receipts :? Which is worrying as BMW won't give me any info on early history until I can prove ownership, so I don't know what was done between 07 and 2014 (a bit worrying!)
 
Simmo2468 said:
ph001 said:
PDC is a complete waste of time on these cars imho, the back is very easy to judge...it’s the front that’s the problem. The factory Bluetooth is pants also as you can’t stream music through. A Bluetooth receiver can be easily added for literally no money. That only leaves cruise which is admittedly nice to have and has been covered above.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, interesting to know! Looking like it will just be cruise to sort and that seems relatively easy.

Just found out the car has no service book to go with its pile of receipts :? Which is worrying as BMW won't give me any info on early history until I can prove ownership, so I don't know what was done between 07 and 2014 (a bit worrying!)
Click to expand...
hi
Be brave - I bought mine with zero recent history - listen look and follow your heart :thumbsup:
 
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