Purchasing advice, please

[lfyost1]

Sorry! Here are some dealer sites:
https://www.schompford.com/used-Denver-2006-BMW-Z4-Base-5UMBT93526LE89504
https://www.selectivecars.net/details/used-2006-bmw-z4-m/73447046
https://www.kunibmw.com/inventory/used-2007-bmw-z4-m-rwd-2d-convertible-5umbt93587ly52970/
https://foreignautoconnect.com/vdp/17566232/Used-2006-BMW-Z4-M-2dr-Roadster-for-sale-in-Bloomington-IN-47401

Also please, how does the ride compare between the 'M' and standard models?
For context, the nearest BMW dealer to me is 100 miles away. The nearest 'M' Z4 is 540 miles away, so first hand information is not readily available.

 

[mmm-five]

They all seem to be using 'artistic licence' to make standard items seem either more special, or optional extras.

For example...'Bucket Seats' are not a standard fit item, yet all the descriptions list these. The car has sports seats...that's it!
Bucket seats have much more pronounced hip support to keep the occupant from sliding around when driving hard...the standard Z4M sports seats are not brilliant at that function and you'll end up using your knee to brace yourself.

Standard Z4M sports seats:

Bucket seats:


Unfortunately, there is no substitute for going and seeing the cars in person, and checking all the 'claimed' optional extras they have, that the service history is as accurate and complete as promised, and the condition is as good as they've said.

From the first link's 'Options' list:

• Locking/Limited Slip Differential - STANDARD
  [*]Rear Wheel Drive - STANDARD
  [*]Traction Control - STANDARD
  [*]Stability Control - STANDARD
  [*]Brake Assist - STANDARD
  [*]Tires - Front Performance - STANDARD
  [*]Tires - Rear Performance - STANDARD
  [*]Aluminum Wheels - STANDARD
• Aluminum Wheels - DUPLICATE
• Power Steering - STANDARD
  [*]4-Wheel Disc Brakes - STANDARD
  [*]ABS - STANDARD
  [*]Rear Defrost - STANDARD
  [*]Convertible Soft Top - STANDARD
  [*]HID headlights - STANDARD
  [*]Automatic Headlights - STANDARD
  [*]Heated Mirrors - STANDARD
  [*]Power Mirror(s) - STANDARD (powered folding are optional)
• Intermittent Wipers - STANDARD
• Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers - DUPLICATE
• Rain Sensing Wipers - STANDARD
  [*]Leather Seats - STANDARD SPORTS SEATS
• Bucket Seats - NOT STANDARD / NOT FITTED unless they're describing Sports seats as bucket seats
• Leather Steering Wheel - STANDARD
  [*]Trip Computer - STANDARD
  [*]Engine Immobilizer - STANDARD
  [*]Power Windows - STANDARD
  [*]Power Door Locks - STANDARD
• Keyless Entry - NOT STANDARD / NOT FITTED unless they mean remote open/close?
• Power Door Locks - DUPLICATE
• Remote Trunk Release - STANDARD
• Remote Trunk Release - DUPLICATE
• Climate Control - STANDARD
  [*]A/C - STANDARD
  [*]AM/FM Stereo - STANDARD
  [*]CD Player - STANDARD
  [*]Premium Sound System - STANDARD unless they mean Pro Nav & Hi-Fi
  [*]Convertible Soft Top - DUPLICATE
  [*]ABS - DUPLICATE
  [*]Passenger Air Bag - STANDARD
  [*]Passenger Air Bag On/Off Switch - STANDARD
  [*]Front Side Air Bag - STANDARD
  
  [*]Traction Control - DUPLICATE
  [*]Stability Control - DUPLICATE
  [*]Brake Assist - DUPLICATE
  [*]Rollover Protection Bars - STANDARD

 

[lfyost1]

Excellent information, thank you.

 

[Ole gits rule]

Some great advice in here and as said there is nothing like going and seeing the car in the flesh.

Dealer listing items as special / different or non standard is my pet peeve - it frustraters the hell out of me as it almost as if they are trying to con you into paying more for something that is normal

 

[lfyost1]

These are two differently set up interiors. Just different years, or different 'packages'?

 

[mmm-five]

These are two differently set up interiors. Just different years, or different 'packages'?

They’re simply interior, exterior, trim choices and optional extras.

I don’t believe the Z4M had a huge amount of ‘option packages’ as most of the newer BMWs have. Yes, you could get extended storage ‘package’, or smoker’s ‘package’, and different hi-fi and sat-nav options, and of course you could pay a premium for ‘Individual’ exterior paint and interior trim options (such as extended or full leather, or bi-colour leather).

Some are no cost options, some are cost options.

You really need to check the relevant the build sheet (from the links I provided) to see what option codes they’ve got, and cross-check that with a sales brochure of the time to see what was standard and what was a co/no-cost option.

 

[lfyost1]

Got it, thanks.
How do I find build codes for other ones I might find?

 

[Mr Tidy]

mmm-five has pretty much covered it all.

Here's a link to a site where you can download various Z4 brochures - hopefully the Z4M one will help you:- https://www.onlymanuals.com/bmw/z4

There used to be loads of sites that would identify the original spec of any car using the VIN, usually just the last 7 characters, but many don't seem to work any more - or only work if you pay a fee! I used to use vindecoder, mdecoder, and others - hopefully you can find one.

 

[lfyost1]

Great brochure, Thank you.
Thought I had a nice one located yesterday. I made arrangements with a BMW independent mechanic to do a thorough inspection and while I was talking to the mechanic, the salesman sold it to someone else. Nasty business!

 

[craig3.2]

Sorry! Here are some dealer sites:
https://www.schompford.com/used-Denver-2006-BMW-Z4-Base-5UMBT93526LE89504
https://www.selectivecars.net/details/used-2006-bmw-z4-m/73447046
https://www.kunibmw.com/inventory/used-2007-bmw-z4-m-rwd-2d-convertible-5umbt93587ly52970/
https://foreignautoconnect.com/vdp/17566232/Used-2006-BMW-Z4-M-2dr-Roadster-for-sale-in-Bloomington-IN-47401

Also please, how does the ride compare between the 'M' and standard models?
For context, the nearest BMW dealer to me is 100 miles away. The nearest 'M' Z4 is 540 miles away, so first hand information is not readily available.

In my opinion, having owned a 2005 3.0i,from less than 2 years old back in 2007,with low miles,on Msport suspension (as new with car),on staggered 18s,for around 6 years,,my current z4m Roadster, which I have owned since 2012,
Also on staggered 18s,is actually More Comfortable than my previous e.0i z4 was,due to slightly higher profile tyres on my M from Factory.
It also handles better

P.s,both my zeds have been on Non Runflat tyres,as Ms come that way,and my 3.0i I swapped to Non Runflat almost immediately after purchase.

 

[Mr Tidy]

lfyost1 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 01, 2021 1:49 pm
Sorry! Here are some dealer sites:
https://www.schompford.com/used-Denver- ... 526LE89504
https://www.selectivecars.net/details/u ... m/73447046
https://www.kunibmw.com/inventory/used- ... 87ly52970/
https://foreignautoconnect.com/vdp/1756 ... n-IN-47401

Also please, how does the ride compare between the 'M' and standard models?
For context, the nearest BMW dealer to me is 100 miles away. The nearest 'M' Z4 is 540 miles away, so first hand information is not readily available.
In my opinion, having owned a 2005 3.0i,from less than 2 years old back in 2007,with low miles,on Msport suspension (as new with car),on staggered 18s,my urgent z4m Roadster, which I have ownsonce 2012,
Also on staggered 18s,is actually More Comfortable than my previous e.0i z4 was,due to slightly higher profile tyres on my M from Factory.
It also handles better

I just had a look at those and they are all M Roadsters - the 3.2 litre engine is the giveaway!

If you are that far away I'd definitely recommend getting full service history and checking the fight things have been done at the right times.

I'd agree with what craig3.2 said about the ride too.

My first 2 Coupes were 3.0Si models with 18" wheels with OE Bridgestone run-flat tyres and standard M-Sport suspension.

After over 5 years with them I find my M Coupe feels slightly better on 18" wheels with non-runflats, even though it has aftermarket H & R coil-overs.

 

[craig3.2]

lfyost1 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 01, 2021 1:49 pm
Sorry! Here are some dealer sites:
https://www.schompford.com/used-Denver- ... 526LE89504
https://www.selectivecars.net/details/u ... m/73447046
https://www.kunibmw.com/inventory/used- ... 87ly52970/
https://foreignautoconnect.com/vdp/1756 ... n-IN-47401

Also please, how does the ride compare between the 'M' and standard models?
For context, the nearest BMW dealer to me is 100 miles away. The nearest 'M' Z4 is 540 miles away, so first hand information is not readily available.



In my opinion, having owned a 2005 3.0i,from less than 2 years old back in 2007,with low miles,on Msport suspension (as new with car),on staggered 18s,my urgent z4m Roadster, which I have owned since 2012,
Also on staggered 18s,is actually More Comfortable than my previous e.0i z4 was,due to slightly higher profile tyres on my M from Factory.
It also handles better

P.s,both were on Non Runflat tyres.

I just had a look at those and they are all M Roadsters - the 3.2 litre engine is the giveaway!

If you are that far away I'd definitely recommend getting full service history and checking the fight things have been done at the right times.

I'd agree with what craig3.2 said about the ride too.

My first 2 Coupes were 3.0Si models with 18" wheels with OE Bridgestone run-flat tyres and standard M-Sport suspension.

After over 5 years with them I find my M Coupe feels slightly better on 18" wheels with non-runflats, even though it has aftermarket H & R coil-overs.

Yeah,Mr Tidy,
My 3.0i m sport spec se model, was on Runflat tyres when I bought it,but soon changed to Non Runflat,which as we know,makes a big difference,but Even with both cars on Non Runflat tyres,the M is just more comfortable,less tramlineing,and less bumpy(although still not made for comfort obviously,lol), aren't they.
Early rfts were awful,(newer ones got better)but proper M cars thankfully ditched them.
Coilovers are something I have often thought about doing,but tbh,I get plenty of fun on stick suspension and I couldn't make it go round corners any quicker than I already do even with coilovers I don't reckon.

Some people may disagree with that,but just my opinion.
Same with some m owners being Happy with Standard brakes, whereas I feel they fade too much,and the bbk kit helps reduce that.

They are great cars those Z4m's though.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Yeah,Mr Tidy,
My 3.0i m sport spec se model, was on Runflat tyres when I bought it,but soon changed to Non Runflat,which as we know,makes a big difference,but Even with both cars on Non Runflat tyres,the M is just more comfortable,less tramlineing,and less bumpy(although still not made for comfort obviously,lol), aren't they.
Early rfts were awful,(newer ones got better)but proper M cars thankfully ditched them.
Coilovers are something I have often thought about doing,but tbh,I get plenty of fun on stick suspension and I couldn't make it go round corners any quicker than I already do even with coilovers I don't reckon.

Some people may disagree with that,but just my opinion.
Same with some m owners being Happy with Standard brakes, whereas I feel they fade too much,and the bbk kit helps reduce that.

They are great cars those Z4m's though.

Too right!

The Bridgestone Potenzas are the worst run-flats I've had for "crashiness", which includes a few other BMWs I've had with runflats (albeit 17s) but Pirelli are way better, with Continental and Hankook winters somewhere in between.

My MC came with the coil-overs already fitted and as they've done less than 10K miles (the car has done 79K now) I figured new suspension was a bonus! But in all honesty the 2 I drove on OE suspension before buying mine rode better than mine does - I suppose being lower requires stiffer springs!

On a smooth road it is great, but bumps seem to catch it out and get the TC light flashing. :lol:

But as I haven't managed 4K miles I haven't had any issues with the brakes - yet!

They certainly are great cars though.