Potential new owner with some questions...

[JoshC]

Hi all, newbie from Cardiff here! Not actually a Z4 owner yet but hopefully will be soon. I recently wrote of my 350Z (no-one else involved and I walked away fine thankfully) and while starting to look for a replacement I've taken a really fancy to the Z4 (E89). Still waiting to hear from my insurance on a pay out etc but I'm already keeping my eyes out for a 35i M Sport (auto with the paddles), ideally looking for one in white or grey with red leather and around £20k!

Anyway, few questions I was hoping you could help me with. Firstly, is there anythying I should be looking out for, common faults, issues that should have already been sorted etc on a 2010 model?

Also, as I said I want the paddle shifters but from some quick research and having sat in both a 10 Z4 and a newer M235i this weekend I've already decided I'd prefer the newer pull/pull shifters? Can't find any uk links to the parts but assume it's possible to change them? Just wondering how much it might cost me?

Finally, any reccomended sites for aftermarket parts i.e. coilovers/spacers, lips etc? And I was also wondering what the remap potential is for a 35i?

Any help is much appreciated

Thanks,
Josh!

 

[NeilP]

Welcome!

Can't really help on the specifics but the n54 engine has plenty of potential tuning wise given it's boosted. I'm pretty sure I've read that the gearbox gives in before the engine can in terms of power.

As for the engine itself, there have been issues with the high pressure fuel pump giving issues so it might be worth looking into an extended warranty just to cover your back on that.

Hopefully that should start the ball rolling with answering your questions!

 

[JoshC]

Welcome!

Can't really help on the specifics but the n54 engine has plenty of potential tuning wise given it's boosted. I'm pretty sure I've read that the gearbox gives in before the engine can in terms of power.

As for the engine itself, there have been issues with the high pressure fuel pump giving issues so it might be worth looking into an extended warranty just to cover your back on that.

Hopefully that should start the ball rolling with answering your questions!

Cheers mate! Yeah I was hoping that a remap should see good power returns given it's a turbo unit, so good to hear that!

Will keep an eye out for fuel pump issues when looking then, or more like I'll add it to a list of things for my mate to check over while I pretend to know what I'm looking at :?

 

[Stark]

I would advise to change the run flats over immediately to normal tyres, to avoid any issues with cracked alloys. Be sure to check the alloys before you take the car, and get it up on a ramp before.

In terms of the engine, I would try and get some warranty with it, and also just check the exhaust flaps, don't make too much noise when starting up.

 

[Fast3000]

Welcome and goodluck with the car hunt

 

[JoshC]

Cheers both!

I would advise to change the run flats over immediately to normal tyres, to avoid any issues with cracked alloys. Be sure to check the alloys before you take the car, and get it up on a ramp before.

In terms of the engine, I would try and get some warranty with it, and also just check the exhaust flaps, don't make too much noise when starting up.

Yeah, I was thinking that hopefully on a 2010 model the previous owner will very possibly have already chnaged over to non RFT's but will definitely check out the alloys either way.

Are the exhaust flaps just something to listen for or can they be physically checked? As for a warranty, if it has an extended one that is running out soon, any ideas how much BMW charge to extend it further?

 

[Stark]

I extended mind for £50 a month but sometimes that goes up to 80/90 a month too, but I think it's worth it.

The flaps are just audible and can't be seen. It's just a rattle in the driver side exhaust. I got three new exhausts in 3 years just based on this. But some don't have that issue.

Don't assume tyres are changed. Most people wouldn't

 

[JoshC]

I extended mind for £50 a month but sometimes that goes up to 80/90 a month too, but I think it's worth it.

The flaps are just audible and can't be seen. It's just a rattle in the driver side exhaust. I got three new exhausts in 3 years just based on this. But some don't have that issue.

Don't assume tyres are changed. Most people wouldn't

Yeah just did a hypothetical quote on BMW site and it was around £500 a year of £50 a month I think!

Will definitely check the tyres though, only ever heard bad things about RFT's!

Thanks for the tips mate

 

[metal licker]

Hi and welcome aboard

 

[JoshC]

Hi and welcome aboard

Cheers

 

[Swiftly]

Hello and welcome to the forum