Noob and prospective owner saying hi :)

[Ellipsoid]

Hello to all. After many years of snorting and rattling around in a Frogeye Sprite I've decided it's time to get something with a bit more range,
grunt, and comfort. I confess a 987 Boxster was top of my list to replace it but I've become wary of ownership costs and potentially ruinous engine gotchas so I'm thinking an E85 is probably the better way to go. Always loved the way they look and if the Frog disposal goes to plan I should be able to afford a fairly decent one. Ideally a 3.0Si SE manual, but we'll see.

Slight obstacle to overcome first is the fact I've never even sat in a Zed let alone driven one, so there might be another thread incoming to try and resolve that...

Looking forward to soaking up the forum knowledge and learning what's what.

Cheers

 

[Lynchy]

Welcome to the Forum. A 3.0si is a great choice

 

[Ellipsoid]

Thanks Lynchy

 

[firebobby]

Welcome to the forum, old classic car guy, quite a few of us on here. I'm sure your rear end will be seated in a Zed seat soon.
I'm also confident that you will be hooked pretty quickly by the Zed bug

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome.

Just wondering if there is a particular reason you are thinking of an SE model? Most people want a Sport so they get the very desirable "M-Sport" seats - although they were an option on the SE I don't think too many SEs had them.

The 3.0Si is a great engine - you'll definitely notice a difference after your Frogeye. :lol:

If you want to try one you could start another thread giving your rough location - I'm sure there would be a forum member somewhere nearby who'd let you see how an E85 feels. I did it last year for someone thinking about buying a Coupe, but was concerned he might be too tall!

Anyway, happy hunting.

 

[Ellipsoid]

Hi and welcome.

Just wondering if there is a particular reason you are thinking of an SE model? Most people want a Sport so they get the very desirable "M-Sport" seats - although they were an option on the SE I don't think too many SEs had them.

Thanks! I was thinking SE because I don't want a *too* hard/crashy ride, which apparently is a thing with Sports. Saying that, I'm already mentally factoring in damper and spring changes (and non-RFTs natch) if I see an otherwise-ideal Sport on offer. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself there, I dunno - part of the reason I want to try a few out first. The sport seats do look superb so obv I'd much rather have them if possible.

And on the subject of trying out I've already posted a thread in the E85 room asking if anyone has a Zed I can look over. I did the same on a Boxster forum recently with good results so here's hoping

 

[Mr Tidy]

Thanks! I was thinking SE because I don't want hard/crashy ride, which apparently is a thing with Sports. Saying that, I'm already mentally factoring in damper and spring changes (and non-RFTs natch) if I see an otherwise-ideal Sport on offer. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself there, I dunno - part of the reason I want to try a few out first. The sport seats do look superb so obv I'd much rather have them if possible.

And on the subject of trying out I've already posted a thread in the E85 room asking if anyone has a Zed I can look over. I did the same on a Boxster forum recently with good results so here's hoping

Well that's the thing - seeing as they are all over 10 years old now any that haven't had a suspension refresh will probably be needing one!

And if you find a "Sport" that hasn't had it done you can always fit SE spec parts to get the better ride quality.

I just saw your other post too - hopefully someone will be able to help.

After a Frogeye it may not be too much of an issue, but E85/86 specs were pretty spartan even compared to 1 and 3 Series of that era.

So if rear parking sensors, Bi-Xenons, cruise control, cup-holders, MFSW, upgraded stereo or heated seats are "must haves" bear that in mind when you are searching.

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. Where abouts are you?

 

[Mr Tidy]

Nearly as far from Cornwall as you can get while staying within England! :lol:

Here is his other thread:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=115268

 

[Ellipsoid]

Hehe Mr Tidy is not wrong

 

[Crazy Harry]

Hi and welcome - Z4 roadster great choice

Lots of us classics guys on here. Get a ride with a member who has an 3.0si I don't think you'll find the ride too hard. Hold out for a car with the Msport heated electric seats (search the site to find the difference) they hold you in better and with the heat pads on make the car an all year drop top and it only takes an few seconds to operate the roof without leaving the drivers seat so no problem if you do drive into rain - not like the stiff fabric and straps or poppers on classic drop tops!


Would be happy to run you round but I'm in Norfolk. Anyway happy hunting