Old vs New - Battle has commenced but I am in No Mans Land

W

WarlKicken

Member
Hi Chaps, Good Afternoon to all,

I am currently still in the process of searching for a Z4...it's going slowly but I am sure it's for the best! I have around £13-£13.5k to spend, obviously the less the possible. I am quite keen on the 2.0i or 2.5i Sport Roadster around an 07-08 model.

Today, I made the mistake of getting in a '09 plate, Deep Sea Blue 2.3i Sdrive. Damn. What a drive. I loved it. It's the first time I've set myself up properly in a Z4 and had a drive and I am blown away. Responsiveness of the gas, steering...I won't bore you.

My question is, is there much difference between a new Z4 and an old Z4? I am yet to get in an old one and they seem amazingly hard to get hold of.

I am really quite keen to kick on a make my purchase now, I loved every second in the new model (I only got in one to see about seating positions as my first time in a sports car of the sort) and it's made me realise I need to own one.

Plus, any advice on whether my budget is too low for what I want? Places to look for a good deal...etc etc.

Any advice is much, much appreciated as always

W
 
Welcome

Suggest you look at prices on piston heads and auto trader.

You'll be looking at around £20k minimum for a new shape 2009 Z4. Old shape starts from around £7k.

Read the reviews, but the newer shape is bigger, heavier (metal roof for a start) and the ride a little more forgiving. Some say the newer model is more of a luxury sports cruiser, less out and out sports car. Top Gear's Clarkson says newer model is softer, more toned down and he likes it that way - he had complained suspension on original Z4 was too hard.

I like them all, even the old coupe :poke:
 
by flimper » Sat Aug 27, 2011 3:48 pm

This might be of interest..../quote]

Many thanks for this...I've made an enquiry ;)


By the way guys, I am not intending to get a new model, they out price me quite a bit. I just wondered if the ride was much different but that's been answered so many thanks.

Just need to find a nice Zed now...
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WarlKicken, that looks like fantastic example in the link above.

There are loads out there, don't feel rushed. It's very much a buyers market. As you'll see there are a number listed in the buy and sell section of this site too.
 
For that money you should be able to get a fairly decent 57/08 2.5si M-Sport with the 218 bhp engine they are cheaper than the 30l but quicker than the 4 pot. Having owned both the ride on the e86 is quite harsh on the 18" RFT's but the m seats are really good and supportive

Good luck regardless.
 
I made the mistake of getting in a '09 plate, Deep Sea Blue 2.3i Sdrive. Damn. What a drive
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that mistake could prove to be expensive! Its dangerous enough for me to sit in one while mine is being serviced.... :tumbleweed:
 
HI DOCTOR NICK!

Definitely. Smashing drive, I only hope the older Z4 lives up to it....OR it could be next year before I get one and that "one" might have a hardtop and cost about 10k more :|
 
I still quite like the very hard ride of my previous E85. E89 M Sport is just a little bit softer, but much more refined.
 
I've just come back from Germany and saw endless numbers of the E89 which is growing on me (why do cars always look 'cool' on foreign plates?) but get the E85 off the original spec Bridgestone Run Flat Tyres and the ride is very acceptable to the point of not being an issue.

With the price of indulgences like the Z4 going subterranean at the moment there really is no rush, there are plenty of E85 about so choose the best, haggle and be prepared to walk or you will regret the price you paid come mid-winter.

Have fun :thumbsup:
 
the price of indulgences like the Z4 going subterranean at the moment there really is no rush, there are plenty of E85 about so choose the best, haggle and be prepared to walk or you will regret the price you paid come mid-winter.
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Cheers Ewazix! I actually spoke to a dealer today and he said the same thing. "If you can hold off a few months, people will start looking to get rid of convertibles for Winter, which is perfect for someone looking for one". I never really thought of that.

Are soft tops Okay in Winter? I mean, I assume there is no real issue with temperature etc etc...apologies if that is a stupid arse question :?

I've had a decent look about and there are a couple I really like the look of...damn it.
 
I don't know about others, but my Z has by far and away the best heater I have ever known in a car! The missus LOVES it for that, if for no other reason (typical lady, she always seems to be cold)
 
Forget the breezy dripping canvas tops of old, the E85 soft top is one of the best insulated and fitted around so combined with the heater that Steve853 mentions winter is no problem from a temperature point of view. I haven’t got heated seats but those with them say they further improve winter top down motoring and are a sought after extra.

The soft top will stand up to winter driving fine as long as you clean it regularly to make sure that salt and grit are kept off the fabric, it can stain if left and grit in the fabric will do it no good if the top is activated when dirty.

Of course this is not an issue on the E89 :)
 
Heated seats, excellent roof, the only problem is if we have snow, and then like any rear wheel drive car, leave it at home (unless you have winter tyres)
 
The E89's are growing on me and in 2 or 3 years time I may go hunting for a 3.0 in Melbourne Red with light leather and 456 wheels.I never thought I'd say that,but I just did.
 
Good Evening All!

My mofoin' search continues. After reading a posts on here, one thing that has come to light (although not overly common) is the cost of repairing a damaged or faulty soft top. A purchase of a Z4 would be a dream for me and although achievable I need to put into perspective something like this in terms of cost. Looks like about a thousand quid plus!!

I very much like the coupe shape but they seem like gold dust to get hold of...why are there less about and how expensive are they? I have been searching around and have found.....like three in the 13k+ category..

Cheers fellas and felines
 
I very much like the coupe shape
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No no no no! Don't buy a coup! :poke:

If you buy a post facelift soft top then the roof is much more reliable as they changed the design of the motor.
 
I really like the E89 design (apart from the rear). However for me BMW's decision to deny buyers a proper M powered version in what is their flagship sports car is unforgiveable. I've driven both manual and DCT 35i's and although a nice car it lacks something special for me. It's also at least 150kg too heavy.

The 35is is an M-car wannabe on the cheap and from what I've seen hasn't yet had a decent press review.

Shame really - great looking car.
 
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