Hi all,
I bought my 2003 Z4 2.5 auto last September and I'm delighted with it. The mileage was a little high at 83k but I figured that the engine can easily take it. I didn't realist just how affordable these gorgeous cars are until I started looking around, I'd initially thought of getting an MX5 but when I saw that I could get a Z4 it was a no brainer. I'm very much from a motorcycle background but I love cars, my first two were Alfa Romeo's, the first a Sud and then a Sud Sprint. The Sud dissolved within 6 months but after months of learning in a Metro I couldn't have cared less, when it was on the road it was sublime. I had a couple of nice bikes in the garage but I decided to sell the Ducati and keep the MV Agusta, the Z4 was as much for my wife (who wanted the auto) and my kids, who absolutely love it. They get shuttled around in a Focus or Passat estate usually so you can't blame them...
I've had a little time with the car and had a few little issues and bits to sort, some done, some not. There is a slight leak into the corner of the boot when it rains heavily, It's not a lot and doesn't always happen but I bought a Stormforce cover for the car before winter set in so I'm not too worried, I guess that it's a seal issue and I'll sort it in time. The other thing I missed when I bought it was checking the aircon, (never gave it a thought when smitten on a top-down test drive) and sure enough it needed a service. Other than that, it had the brake servo pipes and valves replaced and an inspection 1 service and brake fluid change before winter. This year I took it to ETA Motorsport to replace a leaking radiator and the anti roll-bar drop links, I was very impressed with their service and I'll be using them again. The passenger airbag light had come on over the winter but they checked and cleared that and it has stayed off which is a relief as I know that can be a can of worms. The last thing that needs sorting is the wheel alignment, I've recently had to have a rear tyre replaced that had virtually no visible wear but once on the ramps it became apparent that the inside shoulder was dangerously worn. I'm sure that it will sharpen up the handling a bit too so I'll be getting it done asap. At some point I'll get the wheels restored but they're actually in really good shape so that's for another year.
This sounds like a lot but I expected a few bits and bobs to sort and I plan on keeping it for a long time so I don't mind giving it some tlc and compared to running Italian bikes it's good value too. The performance is plenty but more important to me is the sense of occasion that I get every time I get it, it always feels special and makes me, and the family smile. Anyway, hi and apologies for waffling on! I've tried to upload a photo or two but not sure if it has worked.
I bought my 2003 Z4 2.5 auto last September and I'm delighted with it. The mileage was a little high at 83k but I figured that the engine can easily take it. I didn't realist just how affordable these gorgeous cars are until I started looking around, I'd initially thought of getting an MX5 but when I saw that I could get a Z4 it was a no brainer. I'm very much from a motorcycle background but I love cars, my first two were Alfa Romeo's, the first a Sud and then a Sud Sprint. The Sud dissolved within 6 months but after months of learning in a Metro I couldn't have cared less, when it was on the road it was sublime. I had a couple of nice bikes in the garage but I decided to sell the Ducati and keep the MV Agusta, the Z4 was as much for my wife (who wanted the auto) and my kids, who absolutely love it. They get shuttled around in a Focus or Passat estate usually so you can't blame them...
I've had a little time with the car and had a few little issues and bits to sort, some done, some not. There is a slight leak into the corner of the boot when it rains heavily, It's not a lot and doesn't always happen but I bought a Stormforce cover for the car before winter set in so I'm not too worried, I guess that it's a seal issue and I'll sort it in time. The other thing I missed when I bought it was checking the aircon, (never gave it a thought when smitten on a top-down test drive) and sure enough it needed a service. Other than that, it had the brake servo pipes and valves replaced and an inspection 1 service and brake fluid change before winter. This year I took it to ETA Motorsport to replace a leaking radiator and the anti roll-bar drop links, I was very impressed with their service and I'll be using them again. The passenger airbag light had come on over the winter but they checked and cleared that and it has stayed off which is a relief as I know that can be a can of worms. The last thing that needs sorting is the wheel alignment, I've recently had to have a rear tyre replaced that had virtually no visible wear but once on the ramps it became apparent that the inside shoulder was dangerously worn. I'm sure that it will sharpen up the handling a bit too so I'll be getting it done asap. At some point I'll get the wheels restored but they're actually in really good shape so that's for another year.
This sounds like a lot but I expected a few bits and bobs to sort and I plan on keeping it for a long time so I don't mind giving it some tlc and compared to running Italian bikes it's good value too. The performance is plenty but more important to me is the sense of occasion that I get every time I get it, it always feels special and makes me, and the family smile. Anyway, hi and apologies for waffling on! I've tried to upload a photo or two but not sure if it has worked.
