Ok, newbie to the BMW world. I have had many streetrods, hotrods, british, Italian, and other hobby cars but never a German car so need much help. I am hoping this forum will guide me in the right direction to find my new hobby car, a BMW Z4. I see them all the time and love the lines of the car. But I lack knowing anything about them. Pitfalls, idiosyncrasies, maintenance, how to inspect for problems, etc. My goal is to find a nice 2006 to 2008 for around $20K. I've heard the 2006-2008 are the best bang for your buck. I also want an automatic so my wife can drive it. All my other hobby cars have been manual and this time I want her to be able to take it for a spin. I currently have a restored 1969 Triumph TR6 that I will be putting up for sale for $25K. Yep, it's really nice with a frame-on total restoration. But back to what I am seeking. Any advice of what to look for when inspecting used Z4's and what to stay away from would help. I plan on being on the forum and a contributor once I learn about these cars. I am retired so I have lots of time on my hands....LOL. Thanks.......
Questions before buying a Z4
- Thread starter KenSmith
- Start date
A
Anonymous
Guest
6 cylinder engines were changed around 2006 IIRC from the very strong M54 to the not so strong but still very good Valvetronic N52.
Reason for me telling you this is that the M54 can be supercharged for reasonable money and would be a good project if you like that sort of work.
Trim can annoyingly rattle and creek a fair bit more than other BMW's due to the USA build and therefore the many locally sourced brittle plastic components, clips, etc. Can take some time to locate causes and resolve.
Rear trailing arm bushes wear and lead to a nasty "rear steer" effect, particularly noticable on bad roads under power. They can be replaced with uprated items.
The front wishbone bushes wear and lead to a slightly ponderous front end and when really bad, a klonk felt through the steering when you quickly stab at the brakes.
Satnav system can give issues with either dead GPS sensor or dodgy nav computer. GPS sensor can be fixed easily but nav computer can require costly replacement.
Reason for me telling you this is that the M54 can be supercharged for reasonable money and would be a good project if you like that sort of work.
Trim can annoyingly rattle and creek a fair bit more than other BMW's due to the USA build and therefore the many locally sourced brittle plastic components, clips, etc. Can take some time to locate causes and resolve.
Rear trailing arm bushes wear and lead to a nasty "rear steer" effect, particularly noticable on bad roads under power. They can be replaced with uprated items.
The front wishbone bushes wear and lead to a slightly ponderous front end and when really bad, a klonk felt through the steering when you quickly stab at the brakes.
Satnav system can give issues with either dead GPS sensor or dodgy nav computer. GPS sensor can be fixed easily but nav computer can require costly replacement.
Hi and welcome,
There's lots of thread's on your question already on here. Just a quick search will point you in the right direction of what to look for and the type of Zed's there are.
Enjoy the forum, I'm sure you will find it to be a wealth of knowledge.
There's lots of thread's on your question already on here. Just a quick search will point you in the right direction of what to look for and the type of Zed's there are.
Enjoy the forum, I'm sure you will find it to be a wealth of knowledge.
No Auto for the ///M, so recon you will be looking for a face lift, 3.0i.
Have a search around the Forum, loads of info.
Check the roof action is smooth. Most owners clean and modify the roof drains, here in wet old Britain. Expensive to replace the roof motor.
Also check the rear springs, they often go, but easy and cheap to sort.
On start up, the display will show the mileage to and type, for the next service. Ins II is pricey, so use as a bargaining chip, if it's due soon.
They're generaly prety reliable.
Have fun looking and Welcome to the Forum
Have a search around the Forum, loads of info.
Check the roof action is smooth. Most owners clean and modify the roof drains, here in wet old Britain. Expensive to replace the roof motor.
Also check the rear springs, they often go, but easy and cheap to sort.
On start up, the display will show the mileage to and type, for the next service. Ins II is pricey, so use as a bargaining chip, if it's due soon.
They're generaly prety reliable.
Have fun looking and Welcome to the Forum