Prospective Owner

M

Mr Aero

Member
Hello,

I'm located near Edinburgh and I am currently looking to purchase a Z4. Been really busy over the last few months moving house etc, so thought I'd give myself a break and treat myself to a new car this summer. Speaking to the previous house owner, who owned a Z4, he gave me a spin in his and at that moment I knew I had to own one! I have always loved the way the sharp lines give the car extra definition and just feel that now is the right time to buy one.

I am currently looking at 2 Z4s' at the moment, both of which are Black with red interior but one is an Alpina Roadster S Lux and the other a 3.0i convertible. They look very similar in appearance.

The 3.0i has been modified quite a bit, can't remember everything of the top of my head but things like ESSTS2 stage 2 supercharger with ESS ECU software, Brembo brakes, heated leather seats, exhaust, lowering springs, alloys and a full aerodynamic bodykit which I absolutely love! It has covered 48K and has full service history.

The Alpina on the other hand, has covered 67K and has recently got new brake pads and discs changed all round and new front bushes. 3 previous owners.

I thought I'd ask here for a few tips and advice prior to buying. I have searched around on the forum a bit and the most common problems seem to be roof drain plugs and motors and the DISA valves. What other things should I be wary of? And how reliable are these engines in the long run in terms of servicing costs and what are expected average mpg's for motorway driving?

Many thanks.
 
The engines are normally very reliable with good economy on a run but I think the supercharged one would possibly negate those comments-imho the standard car would give you an easier life.
Regards
 
If done properly the charged car shouldn't give you too much bother. Find out where the work was done and if reputable then i wouldn't let that put you off. You only live once and you will probably kick yourself for not going with the charged beast in the long run 8)
 
On paper I would go with the Alpina. Will be less of a problem moving on and their values arent dropping as much if at all like standard Z4's
 
Apart from the resale issue as pointed out above, there's no reason running the supercharged car should be a huge problem as long as it's been looked after and you're willing to keep up the maintenance requirements. Hard to say how the servicing costs would compare with a standard 3.0l but there are people on here with SC engines who may be able to advise on the essential maintenance over and above a standard car, they should also be able to tell you the likely mpg. You'd likely have to find a specialist insurer as you'd have to declare all the modifications but other people on here have done the same so it's no biggie. One thing to be weary of is that, with those mods, it may well have been used as a track weapon so you'd want to check it over carefully.

If you find out the build # of the Alpina (on the plaque over the rear-view mirror) there may be additional information available on the car. The DISA valve isn't an issue with the Alpina engine as it hasn't got one, but headgaskets can be a weakness. Servicing costs are inline with a normal 3.0l E85 and mpg should see 30mpg+ in normal mixed use - I've had 36+ on long motorway runs

Drive them both and see which you like best....
 
Thanks for the replies.

The car does look well kept after and clean inside-out. I will be going to inspect the car on Friday, so will report back on how I get on.

I will also keep an eye out for that Alpina build # thanks!

As with the 3.4L Alpina, do you think it will be noticeably more "thirsty" on the fuel? And what sort of price should I be paying for a 2006 Alpina with 67K on the clock?

Many thanks.
 
Mr Aero said:
Thanks for the replies.

The car does look well kept after and clean inside-out. I will be going to inspect the car on Friday, so will report back on how I get on.

I will also keep an eye out for that Alpina build # thanks!

As with the 3.4L Alpina, do you think it will be noticeably more "thirsty" on the fuel? And what sort of price should I be paying for a 2006 Alpina with 67K on the clock?

Many thanks.
Click to expand...
I mentioned the typical Alpina mpg in my reply - they're surprisingly economical in day-to-day driving. This can drop when hooning, but that's true for any car.

If the car was registered in 2006, it's likely one of the last few that Sytner sold - if it's Black with red interior on an 06 plate, I'll be very interested in the details as I don't have any of that combination confirmed on an 06 plate. As always, price will depend on condition and history - this thread shows some that have been up for sale lately, and this thread has some additional information
 
The Alpina would IMHO be the total no brainer if they were both similar price -even within a grand
Also for rarity value the Alpina will be easier to sell on and will hold its residuals much stronger
The higher miles on the Alpina isnt really an issue if its got a proper SH
 
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