Prospective Z4 coupe owner

M

Mike the merciless

Member
Hi,

New member here hoping to own a nice Z4 coupe soon.

I've got my eye on a couple after missing out on two gems that have come up and sold within the last few days on here and was hoping for some advice.

Is there a big difference between the grey top and black top engines? Should I only consider the black top or does it really not matter?

Any opinions on this would be greatly appreciated,

Cheers Mike
 
The grey-top engine was the N52, the black-top was called the N52k.

BMW changed over to the N52k around September 2006 - my 1st Coupe was built in October 2006 and had the black-top, but my current one was built in August 2006 and has the grey-top.

Someone posted a detailed list of the differences between the 2, but sadly I can't find it. Here is a link to an overview anyway:- https://www.quora.com/What-s-the-difference-between-BMW-s-N52-and-N52K-engine

While there are mechanical differences so in theory an N52k is an upgraded version of the N52, personally I'd be equally happy with either of them - power is the same anyway!

My current grey-top E86 is running fine on 90K miles, and I'm on my 2nd 3 Series with a grey-top N52 running great even well past 100k miles.

Hope that helps - but good luck with your search anyway. :thumbsup:
 
Thanks tidy!

So there does seem to be a few changes (upgrades?) on the later engine.

That may just change my mind and make me go for a black top ideally just increase.

Cruise control and now black top added to my ideal coupe.....as well as being grey/black with red leather or blue with black leather. But honestly they're all great looking cars to be fair, the search goes on.
 
Yes, there were some enhancements on the black-top engine but I don't think the grey-top suffers from any issues that don't afflict black-tops. Like gummed up CCV and electric water pump failures. :(

I wouldn't worry too much about Cruise - it's probably the easiest option to retro-fit. I believe BMW still sell the stalk (even if it is £100+) and the lower half of the steering column cowl has an outline on the inside showing where to cut to install it. And forum member "srhutch" can make up the section of wiring loom you will need for sensible money.

Funny you want black leather in a blue car - I really wanted something other than black, so was pleased when I found mine with Pearl Grey! But maybe that's because I liked the Pearl Grey I had in my Ruby Black one.

I wouldn't rule out the "Individual" Bi-Colour leather either, like this one has:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=116201

Although I might not choose that colour combination - Bi-Colour was also available with red, blue or yellow side bolsters, and in the right combination it can look fantastic.

In case you have some time to kill you might find this database that a forum member put together entertaining:- http://perso.numericable.fr/tonyz4c/index30si.html

Just click on the UK on the map, then 3.0Si at the top and you'll get a listing of them all. Select Coupe then choose a paint colour and an interior colour and it will tell you how many were registered in the UK, but even before you get to colours you'll realise there have never been many of them in the UK - and obviously only ever a limited number for sale at any one time. It helps to be patient, but I struggle with that. :laugh:

Still I quite like that my colour and trim combination turned out to be 1 of 3 in the UK!
 
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