Opinions Please!

S

stupot67

Member
 Milton Keynes
Hi,

After 16 years of disturbing the peace my Super Seven will soon be going to a new home :| - And as a long time admirer of the Z4, I think a late E85 / early E86 2.5 (Or a really tidy 2.2) would make a good (Dryer) replacement, but what model?, I've read plenty of opinion that the sport is overly firm and spoils it slightly as a long distance tourer.
This making me think that the SE may be a better option, but I would like to hear what you real owners have to say!, I'm assuming that the same things to look out for apply to both models (Rear road springs, Hood motor and power steering column, although I suspect it will be hard to detect this during a short test drive).

All the best.
Stuart
 
Hi stupot67 welcome to the forum
Haven't got any advise regarding choice of engine,sorry !
Good luck with the search
 
Hi Stuart and welcome along :thumbsup:

I wouldn't think the sport will be too harsh for you, especially coming from your Super Seven, however from what I've read changing to non run flat Tyres will make a huge difference, hope you find a good one ! :driving:
 
Hi and welcome.

Think you have your models confused though, E86 is the coupe, and you don't want one of those horrible tin tops. :evil:

Sport models will always be easier to move on, but pre facelift there was only only model which is the SE.
 
Welcome :thumbsup:

I agree with Darren, I think it will be a limo compared to your 7, even on Sport springs.

Just so you know what you are looking for, all roadsters are e85s, though you have pre-facelift up to 2005 (orange hockey stick indicators on the front, orange side repeaters, round fog lights, rounded rears) and facelift (clear indicators and repeaters, redesigned lower front bumper and fogs, redesigned rear lights and bumper).

All e86's are coupes - I guess you don't want to go there :D , but for completeness they are all facelift style, and only available with the 3.0 N52 (facelift) engine.

Hope that helps :thumbsup:
 
Hi,
Thanks for the heads up on the model designations , I assumed that the E86 was was the facelifted version and it was available as both coupe and soft top!. I hear what your saying with regards to the ride comfort of the Z4 compared to the 7, but thats part of the reason the old girls going, a 2 hour blast on a Sunday morning is fine, but driving from Bordeaux to Calais just stopping for fuel sort of takes the shine off things, again thanks for your advice.

Stuart.
 
Welcome :thumbsup: Why are you not considering the 3.0 litre engined version Stuart? Very happy with mine after 6 months ownership :)
 
Hi Toeside,

Insurance is the reason for not considering a 3.0, My Caterham is on a flat rated policy (I.E doesn't gain any NCD), So I have no NCD to transfer over. I looked into transfering the NCD from my daily car but the premium was silly. As a matter of interest Adrian Flux quoted £330 FC on a 2006 2.5 SE (Starting with Zero NCD) - And nearly £200 a year more for a 3.0.

Stuart.
 
Welcome Stuart - good luck with the search :)

I don't know the 2.2, 2.5 or 3.0 (have only driven the ///M and Alpina) but mine has a modified 3.0 suspension (Alpina front end struts) and whilst stiff on back roads is pretty comfortable on a motorway cruise. I would expect that the 2.5 sport would be fine, but if its comfort you're considering would recommend you don't go for run flats or bigger than 18" wheels.
 
Hi and welcome to the Forum. Lots out there at the moments (and some good buys advertised here on the Forum). 6 cylinder engine for me - 2.2 and above. Checklist link in my signature which may help when choosing. :thumbsup: GOOD LUCK :)
 
Feel my 3.0 SE that came with M Sport suspension feels solid but not that harsh, though depends if you're comparing it with a Cadilac.

Feel prices for the 03-05 models have risen, though could be just me seeing people asking more in case they catch a fish...

In any event, best reason for getting a Zed is this Forum, so look forward to finding what you've settled for
 
People do seem to be bringing their cars out of hiding and putting them up for sale at prices that are higher than they have been for a while. Spring time soon :wink:
 
stupot67 said:
Hi Toeside,

Insurance is the reason for not considering a 3.0, My Caterham is on a flat rated policy (I.E doesn't gain any NCD), So I have no NCD to transfer over. I looked into transfering the NCD from my daily car but the premium was silly. As a matter of interest Adrian Flux quoted £330 FC on a 2006 2.5 SE (Starting with Zero NCD) - And nearly £200 a year more for a 3.0.

Stuart.
Click to expand...
Ah I see that makes sense. I have built up a second separate NCB on cars/vans/4x4's that I have had other than main vehicles which I will now never relinquish even if it means insuring a complete 'banger' that sits on my drive. Insurance is complete robbery really. I have never been brave enough to do the Math on how much I spend each year on insurance!
The 3.0 is fun though!! :thumbsup:
 
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