One day away from picking up my Z4

[clarker63]

Hi Guys, am pickling up my new Z4 tomorrow and trading in my S2000



I love my S, I've had it for 4 years and I had another one previously, I've just always liked the new Z4, great looks and quality interior and when I found this low miles (18000), immaculate sDrive23i, I decided to take the plunge! Here's the proof..



You're all going to be biased but I am slightly worried about trading in my 100% reliable, rock solid Honda for a car that looks like could cost me a small fortune if it goes wrong. I had a Freelander that cost me £1000s and I don't want to repeat that experience again!

I'm contemplating the BMW (Mondial) warranty for piece of mind, its not too expensive per month. Any thoughts?

Plus the only downside of this particular car is that its cloth interior. I've found some nice standard ones on ebay which I am contemplating for not much money. I think this is worth it rather than a grand on msports, which of course would be great, but not worth it on what others would think is the basic model.

Looking forward to picking it up (with slight trepidation...)

 

[HinesBeans]

Very nice Exciting times.

 

[DPG]

Very nice.

Out of interest why are you getting rid of the S2K? Just fancy a change?

I've always loved the look of the Honda

 

[clarker63]

I'm a great fan of the s2000 - its a beautiful car to look at, especially the latest version and from the back. However, put them side by side and the Z is a much more substantial car and the inside is 10x better than the S. Its a really reluctant sale, especially as I have to sell my Fireblade to finance the difference



I just hope I don't end up regretting it!

 

[Marlon]

Bet you cant wait, Z4 looks lovely (so does the s2000 )
Welcome to the Forum

 

[paddy wright]

these seem good value
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-INTERIOR-FRONT-SEATS-FULL-LEATHER-GENUINE-E89-2012-/291566126075?hash=item43e2b203fb
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-E89-SE-SDRIVE-20I-2011-INTERIOR-RED-LEATHER-SEATS-and-Air-Bag-/321731615403?hash=item4ae8b2daab
Welcome along

 

[stuartinzg]

You are selling a Fireblade and a mint S2000 for a 23i Z ?

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but I think based on your existing vehicle types you will get bored, fast.

Don't mean to piss on your parade it's a lovely Z, I just wonder if it's going to fit your character... you may find a 35i fits you better.

I struggled keeping up with my friends S2K in the twisties in my 35iS

Good luck!

 

[andy.c]

Nice car but like stuartinzg said I think you might get bored pretty soon especially if your selling your blade as well, Im so glad
I have still got my bike for early morning sunday blasts there is no Z that can compete with that kind of buzz/thrill.

 

[clarker63]

Thanks for the suggestions on the seats - I did get some seats today and will fit them tomorrow!

Yes, I was a little concerned about the swap - both S2000 and Fireblade have been fantastic but I'm ready for a change. I'm also lucky enough to own another motorcycle so its not the end of my motorcycling days!

The Z is like a new car, despite being 6 years old, and so far (well, today!) I've liked the more constant delivery of the Z despite it not being quite the sports car the S2000. Something about being in my 50's I guess.

 

[jamesbond]

Hello

Good for you ... I always wanted a S2000, when we owned our MR2 cars, but for one reason or another we went straight towards a z4 3.0i

so never experienced a s2000 which was always the normal progression from a mr2 for power and handling etc

hope you like your new purchase and enjoy it as much as you can

 

[jamesbond]

Nice car but like stuartinzg said I think you might get bored pretty soon especially if your selling your blade as well, Im so glad
I have still got my bike for early morning sunday blasts there is no Z that can compete with that kind of buzz/thrill.

a 35is on steroids can

 

[buzyg]

So how's the new toy.

 

[stuartinzg]

Thanks for the suggestions on the seats - I did get some seats today and will fit them tomorrow!

Yes, I was a little concerned about the swap - both S2000 and Fireblade have been fantastic but I'm ready for a change. I'm also lucky enough to own another motorcycle so its not the end of my motorcycling days!

The Z is like a new car, despite being 6 years old, and so far (well, today!) I've liked the more constant delivery of the Z despite it not being quite the sports car the S2000. Something about being in my 50's I guess.

Well that's perfect then Now you have a gentlemans car and still have a bike, perfect

 

[R.E92]

Event a highly tuned 700bhp 35i would be left looking silly be a Fireblade. If he wanted a car to keep pace with litre bikes he would need to be looking at tuned 911 turbos and GTRs.

The Z4 is a nice refined car with more practicality than people give it credit, should be a good step up from the S2000.

The Mondial warranty is very good. On a 35i/s it would be a must-have but the 23i is more reliable so may not be that useful.

 

[ronk]

The Mondial warranty is very good. On a 35i/s it would be a must-have but the 23i is more reliable so may not be that useful.

Out of curiosity, what's less reliable on a 35i/s v a 23i ?

 

[R.E92]

The Mondial warranty is very good. On a 35i/s it would be a must-have but the 23i is more reliable so may not be that useful.

Out of curiosity, what's less reliable on a 35i/s v a 23i ?

High pressure fuel pump
Low pressure fuel pump
Injectors
Turbo wastegates

All pretty standard failures on the N54. My car had all replaced before hitting 50k miles.

Those are just the parts that fail prematurely. If you are holding onto an N54 towards 100k miles then you will have to deal with intake port carbon buildup, valve cover gasket leaking, water pump failure and even a cracked valve cover. If you read any of the dedicated N54 forums you will see most owners just replace those components as a matter of maintenance.

BMW revised most of those parts so you will find once replacing them the car actually performs a lot better. Things like the fuel pumps and injectors are duff on most N54 cars causing incorrect fuelling and sluggish performance.

The 23i will have lower running costs due to it being a naturally aspirated engine. I don't think the fuel economy is any better but the service intervals will be longer and there's a lot less components to fail.

 

[clarker63]

2 days in an really enjoying the experience of not having to burn away from the lights. Lovely and smooth, quality interior, with nice leather now (god I'm getting old!). Love the look of the car!

Thanks for the best wishes, and useful information about the mondial warranty. They've given me 1 year platinum RAC warranty but I don't think it'll pay for anything much based on the reviews I've seen.

Are the roof's pretty reliable - there's a lot going on when it goes down!

 

[Marlon]

Glad to hear you're enjoying the car - how about some more pics

 

[MikeZ4man]

Folks. Others may think differently about warranties but my view is that its always better to go with the manufacturers backed one (assuming you plan to have servicing and fixes done at a BMW franchised dealer. I found the Mondial warranty on my previous beemer (E46) to be excellent and it took away all the hassle of getting permissions ahead of getting faults fixed or having to pay up front and then claim money back.

 

[jimbo1958]

I'm paying £44 + £250 excess a month on my 10 plate 35i. Would expect your lower mileage car to be considerably cheaper with a lower excess.