Questions from a potential buyer

[superiormirage]

Greetings all. I've been lurkering in these forums for several weeks now as I consider the purchase of a Z4. As the title says: I am considering buying a used 2003-2005 Z4 and I have a few questions those of you that have lived with these cars for years.

1) I know I am buying a 9-10 year old vehicle. Thus, it is going to have, or develop issues. What can I expect to replace or pay for repairs in the first few years of owning this car? (I.E. Reliability over the long haul.)

2) This will be a daily driver. Those of you that have driven a Z4 as a daily driver, would you do it again? What issues did you run into? (Previously, I had a 2005 Mustang GT as a daily driver, so I am aware of the 'rough ride', 'road noise', etc. I am really looking for issues relate to 2-seater convertibles as I have never owned one.) Can you fit a suitcase in the trunks of these cars?

3) When I go look at a used z4, are there any issues in particular I should be looking for?


Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[AlanJ]

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Check my signature and click on the link which will take you to a list of Zed specific per purchase checks - this covers most if not all of the issues you may find.

 

[Stuart Truman]

Hello and Welcome!

What ^^ said

 

[chris g]

i travel away quite a lot and can easily get a suitcase in the back - i can get a full weeks shopping for the family in there too (3 big morrisons bags).

i think the boot is pretty big for a convertable

 

[superiormirage]

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Check my signature and click on the link which will take you to a list of Zed specific per purchase checks - this covers most if not all of the issues you may find.

Thank you! I am going to load that into my phone when I go check out a few Z4s I have my eye on.

i travel away quite a lot and can easily get a suitcase in the back - i can get a full weeks shopping for the family in there too (3 big morrisons bags).

i think the boot is pretty big for a convertable

Excellent, that is what I wanted to hear.


Are these cars generally considered reliable? I understand I may have to deal with a few issues on an 8-10 year old car, I just want to avoid a money pit.

Thanks again for the links and the advice.

 

[bcworkz]

Are these cars generally considered reliable? I understand I may have to deal with a few issues on an 8-10 year old car, I just want to avoid a money pit.

Depends on your expectations and your luck. Not as reliable as some Japanese brands. I'd say average reliability. The basics are reliable, it won't leave you stranded, but several less important systems are prone to problems. A few have had an ongoing string of issues, others have had no issues at all.

 

[IvanDobskey]

There are a few very common issues like broken rear springs, grinding starter motors, abs pressure sensors, window regulators etc

But overall I'd say it was a pretty reliable car. Used mine as a daily for nearly 3 years and I'm still happy

 

[superiormirage]

I test drove a 2007 Z4 yesterday and fell in love with this car. I was used to the raw, seat-shoving power of my Mustang. The Z4 was buttery smooth in it's acceleration. I looked down and had no idea I was doing 70. The trunk surprised me with how much room it had, even with the top down. I could definitely live with this car as a daily driver.

I am going back today to see if we can come to a price agreement. If not, I will own one eventually. These cars are just sweet.

Thanks again to everyone who gave me information. You got me to go test drive one of these beauties. Now I must own one.