Please don't sigh too loudly

[nothingwitty]

Hello to my Z4-fathers ( sorry, it was the best opening pun I could come up with),

I joined this forum because I am looking into the possibility of getting a Z4 later this year, I am sensible enough not to ask if this would be a good idea! My main concerns at the moment are the practicalities so I thought I would go to the experts for advice. Before I outline the gaps in my knowledge I would like to put a little biographical info out there so everyone knows just how much of a novice I am. I currently drive an aggressively mediocre Ford Focus and have never owned a BMW, I enjoy my driving but I have a long enough commute to a relatively low paid job so I have to keep an eye on the pumps and the fuel gauge. And last, but not least, I am a technical idiot who struggles to change a headlight bulb so anything DIY-ey will probably be beyond me.

Now that is out of the way, I will list my questions:

*what size tyres does the Z4 take (normals, I would rather avoid runflats)?
*what is a decent price for a tyre?
*is there a snob factor against the 2.0l?
*when buying, what things should be looked at specifically and are there any red flags to watch out for?

I am sure there are more but I will spare you those for now, any help I can get would be gratefully appreciated.

Ian

P.S. sorry for the lack of pictures.

 

[Oli T]

Hey, welcome to the forum Having only had my z a couple of months I'm not really the best person to answer your questions, I'm sure other more knowledgeable people will answer them. As the the 'snob factor' who cares as long as your happy with it.

Oli

 

[metal licker]

Welcome to the forum nothingwitty
Nice intro had a chuckle at the aggressively mediocre line
As for the questions - tyre size depends on model
dont think anyone cares about engine size there all z4's
There's a buying guide in AlanJ's sig

 

[Maxsam]

Here's the buying guide for you.... Good luck with your search...


http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21281

 

[Atom1]

Hi Ian,
I wouldn't worry about snob factor with a 2.0.. I hope not its what ive gone for.

Its the badge and soft top that will earn you the snob factor in peoples eyes,lol

You cant please everyone so get what suits you and makes you happy matey, best of luck on your search.

)

 

[Dangerous-Dave]

High and welcome.

There is lots of great advice on this site, and you can't go wrong with a lot of what the knowledgeable people on here say.

Whilst I don't have any ideas about he tyre question you asked, there was some recent buying advice in the thread "M/// coupe advice needed" below.

Happy shopping.

DD

 

[Derby Z4]

Hi and welcome.
I had never had a BMW until I bought my Z4 2.0l.If you are a Z owner,there is no snob factor against the 2.0.
I think there are more E89 2.0 owners than E85's 2.0 owners though.

 

[nothingwitty]

Thank you all for the warm welcome, I have been through the buyer's guide and it's very helpful although I would still be unsure about buying off of someone's drive though.

A more general question as well if I may - what was it like transitioning between front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive? I am tempted to ask my Dad if I can take a spin in his 3 series estate to give it a go, would it be similar enough for comparison?

 

[Atom1]

You will need to spend time with RWD to realy appreciate the absolute greatness

 

[Atom1]

Just buy one, you wont look back!

 

[Rusky]

Dude, I have run front wheel drive cars most of my driving career, and this is my second BMW. Rear wheel drive for the most part you won't notice the difference, snow fall will make a difference but on the whole it's no issue. As for the engine size, you get what is good for you, nobody here will give you grief for that. Tyres are reasonable and there are plenty of recommendations and advice on here. this is turning into a novel sorry
I love driving mine and I think if you take the time to choose a good one then you will be in for a great time behind the wheel and a welcome to a great and friendly community..

 

[paulgs1000]

Hi Nothingwitty

Lots of good advice on this Forum - why not check out the ads on this forum and buy from a respected forum member?

I run a 2006 2.0l sport which I love and enjoy the fact you can use all the performance of the engine most of the time though it is its ability in the twisty bits that make it stand out. For what its worth here are my responses to your questions - though there are far more knowledgeable folk on this forum than me, you may find it of interest.

The 2.0l makes sense if you're running to a budget though tyre prices are similar dependent upon model between 2 and 3 litre - basically Sport versions have 18in staggered tyres (wider at back) and some SE (which have 'softer' suspension set up) have 17inch wheels whose tyres cost less than relative 18in - some Zeds have uprated wheels - all depends on year model and owner choices - something to bear in mind though as with all things tyre costs depend on make etc. For info I paid £300 for 2 mid-range non-runflat rear tyres for my sport. I have been surprised how quickly these tyres (Falcon 452s) have worn - down to 4/3mm in 7000mls - though I do enjoy my Zeds performance.

Fuel costs and mpg seems to vary widely dependent upon how you drive the Zeds (obviously) - I have seen some surprisingly high mpg posted on the forum for the 3.0litre but when cruising I'm sure the engine is under very little strain. My 2.0l sport returns high 20s when revved out up to 40 plus when cruising down the motorway.

Servicing costs can be kept down (especially with an older model) by using an independent specialist and not the BMW dealer garages (often called 'stealers' on the forum) BUT do search out a Zed with a good service record if you want to resell it in the future. My last service (which was the more expensive one) was £200 from an independent specialist that I trust (could have been double that at BMW)

If you don't work on your own car then a good specialist garage will be needed though I bought my Zed because it has proven mechanical components and a good reliability record (bar certain issues which you'll find info on in this forum - hood motor can go - £600 to have fixed at my garage - springs breaking - relatively cheap to replace - exhaust manifold - can crack and need replacement/welding - don't know cost of this) Rest will be normal consumables and servicing which are a cost whatever car you drive. I think the Zed is a reasonable car in terms of running costs (bar the tyres - which I think the extra cost is balanced out by the extra performance)

Be interesting to hear what 3.0l owners have to say as I suspect there's not that much difference in ownership costs between the 4 and 6 pots - but I'll leave that to them to say.

The M version of the Zed is a different proposition and costs are far higher than other Zeds.

You are right to ask about the rear wheel drive - the Zed has stability programmes built in which will keep you out of trouble (within reason of course) but try your relatives rear wheel drive to see whether you like the feel of the car. If you are not a serious driving enthusiast then you may find the Zed a little focussed (especially the earlier Zeds and Sport versions) and the ride quite hard. The steering can be odd at first as it can follow the camber and ruts in the road /tramline but don't be put off by this = its not all the time and non runflat tyres can help with this - you'll get used to it and you'll enjoy the involvement and sensation of driving the Zed very quickly.

If you like the car then you'll love ownership - keep doing your research - read lots of people's posts on this forum and it will help you choose wisely - then Zed ownership will be brilliant.

All the best

 

[Peter P]

Welcome!

Some great advice already on here.

Another suggestion would be to find another owner/forum member that lives close to you, and get them to come along to any potential viewings?

If not, a lot of companies will do a pre-sale inspection for a small fee.

My personal choice would be a fellow member (cheaper - maybe a beer token or two! Lol), as they will know the common areas to look at in terms of reliability, accident damage, what should be on the car etc.

Engine choice is a personal thing. I understand and respect the fact daily drivers may need the 4 pot engine. No snobbery in other words! :wink:

At the end of the day all Z4's are great looking cars that drive really nicely.

Hope this helps.

Cheers.


Pete

 

[nothingwitty]

I have received some very good advice, thanks. I am going to let my bank account consolidate a little longer and see where I can go. I need to get rid of my Focus first so part exchange is probably the way to go.