Some Questions About Z4 Ownership!

mr wilks said:
propaintballa said:
mr wilks said:
I have indeed seen that and is hugely attractive, plus I kind of like the colour, albeit, not as much as I like Black, Grey or Blue. The only downside is the trek up to Manchester really as I'm in Devon/Dorset.
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Its jolly on the train & enjoy the drive home :driving: ive been all over the country for various cars & always enjoy the pick up / drive home part
Don't miss a good car at a great price for the sake of a days travel :thumbsup:
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Yeh this is it, I've been all the way up to Sheffield, Cheshire etc for cars. It's just the worst thing when you get there and realise it's a dog and you could have saved yourself a whole lot of time and money! Would be interesting to speak to the owner of that car though as it's very well specced as well.
 
Room for negotiation on the price but the mileage is quite good if the service history is ok. Negotiate on wheels needing replacement, any concerns over disc wear, 2.5 over 3 litre (less sought after), possible need for another service (though this can be cheap if done at a specialist independent)

If I was you I'd be patient and wait for a 3.0i - it's the right time of year to be looking.
 
paulgs1000 said:
Room for negotiation on the price but the mileage is quite good if the service history is ok. Negotiate on wheels needing replacement, any concerns over disc wear, 2.5 over 3 litre (less sought after), possible need for another service (though this can be cheap if done at a specialist independent)

If I was you I'd be patient and wait for a 3.0i - it's the right time of year to be looking.
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Yeh totally, I wouldn't pay £5,000 for the ebay one I linked for those exact reasons.

Regarding clutches, obviously this is highly dependent on whether the car was primarily driving in towns on on the motorway, but would you say the age/mileage I'm looking at that I should be looking for one that has had it done?

I can't say I've been hugely bothered about the 3.0 tbh, probably for the reason that a nice one tends to be out of my price range so I pretty much ruled one out, though it would be nice as the insurance is pretty much the same and as you know, so is the tax!
 
Not heard much about clutches needing replacement on the forum - they seem to hold up well even at high mileage.

I'm not so certain that you can't hold out for the 3.0 litre. If you're not too concerned about high mileage the Merlot one for sale on the forum is a cheap way into a 3.0 litre. I still think you'll find a 3.0i out there in your price range.
 
paulgs1000 said:
Not heard much about clutches needing replacement on the forum - they seem to hold up well even at high mileage.

I'm not so certain that you can't hold out for the 3.0 litre. If you're not too concerned about high mileage the Merlot one for sale on the forum is a cheap way into a 3.0 litre. I still think you'll find a 3.0i out there in your price range.
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That's reassuring... As for the 3.0, I believe that's the only one I've come across that isn't super high miles and/or automatic!

Though I have to question whether I'd prefer the 3.0 or the lower miles! The benefits as well are that the 3.0s tend to be specced better, which obviously lends them the higher asking prices as well!

It's a tough choice that is pretty much inevitable buying any car, that I hold out and HOPE that a nice 3.0 turns up and end up missing a well looked after 2.5 that's around the corner from me haha!

Have you driven both the 2.5 and 3.0 out of interest?
 
I have driven the 2.0i Sport (my first Zed) and I feel it's an under-rated version - great for keeping at the top of the rev range and buzzing around the Northumberland back lanes - love it (but if you can stretch to running one then a 2.5 and 3.0 makes sense)

I have driven a 2.5si (the face-lift version) and really liked it. Mike (Cherrym) comes out on our runs and his 2.5si is very capable - on the road the 3.0si just has the edge on out and out acceleration but there's not a lot in it - a skilled driver will make a difference between the two.

I have not driven the pre-2006 (pre-facelift) version of the 2.5i or 3.0i. Been on plenty of runs with them and again it's the driver that makes the difference on the road, they are both capable Zeds.

Perhaps those owners will post up a comment.

The 3.0 litre will be easier to sell on and is more desirable that's the main reason for holding out for one and if one's available go for it. As you say there may very well be a lovely 2.5 example available and it makes only a little difference on the road.
 
paulgs1000 said:
I have driven the 2.0i Sport (my first Zed) and I feel it's an under-rated version - great for keeping at the top of the rev range and buzzing around the Northumberland back lanes - love it (but if you can stretch to running one then a 2.5 and 3.0 makes sense)

I have driven a 2.5si (the face-lift version) and really liked it. Mike (Cherrym) comes out on our runs and his 2.5si is very capable - on the road the 3.0si just has the edge on out and out acceleration but there's not a lot in it - a skilled driver will make a difference between the two.

I have not driven the pre-2006 (pre-facelift) version of the 2.5i or 3.0i. Been on plenty of runs with them and again it's the driver that makes the difference on the road, they are both capable Zeds.

Perhaps those owners will post up a comment.

The 3.0 litre will be easier to sell on and is more desirable that's the main reason for holding out for one and if one's available go for it. As you say there may very well be a lovely 2.5 example available and it makes only a little difference on the road.
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Definitely, the 2.0s especially have the benefit of being that bit newer, though I haven't driven one, I am looking out for one as well.

I've been meaning to go and test drive a 2.5 local to me but have been waiting for an improvement in weather conditions!
 
The 2 litre has issues with manifolds blowing and engine management lights causing hassle. The manifold can be welded, the engine managements lights can be a headache. I didn't have problems in either of these areas over 18 months of hard use.
 
I owned a 2.0i sport for 8 months, it was on 100k when I traded it in. Had issues with engine warning light coming on every so often - I'd clear the code and it would be ok for a few weeks and then reappear. I liked the car but always felt is was underpowered, 150 hp just wasn't enough in terms of straight line acceleration - great fun on twisty roads though.
 
We have Chezsherman that comes out on our hoons and I'm always impressed how he can set the pace on a drive such as Hartside - always enjoy his leading and he's in a 2.0i Sport :driving: :thumbsup: He does occasionally comment on the lack of power in certain situations such as getting past unhelpful traffic.

There's no doubt the 3.0 litre is a different animal and offers grunt at low revs and greater performance at high revs - useful for safer overtaking.

Have to say, it took me all of 200 yds of a test drive to decide to upgrade to a 3.0si from my 2.0 litre (and a couple of roundabouts to make certain it cornered as well) :lol: :thumbsup: Hold out for a 6 cylinder. :thumbsup:

But you'll always want more . . . . :roll:
 
So, I went to have a look at this one today http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-2-5-2003MY-Roadster-/171918298888?hash=item2807210f08:g:YHIAAOSwu4BV6BeC

I'm actually quite frustrated about this vehicle because it is pretty low miles, around 70k, the exterior was in pretty good condition, new discs and pads, roof seemed good without much discolouration at all. The car had heated seats and a CD changer but not much else.

Now the bad stuff, it only has like 3 service stamps in the book, with little evidence to suggest any self service work had been carried out. The garage said they would MOT and service it before I bought it but that was besides the point really. The other BIG issue for me was the smell, it smelt like someone had smoked 40 a day in it, somehow, this smell worsened when opening the boot. The guy said he used the car over the summer when they first got it and have had it since, so something must be up here.

Now I know these engines are pretty bomb proof and it sounded good running, but obviously, having an owner running a car like this on a shoe string budget rings alarm bells, that along with the smell...

What do people think? The smell, potentially is temporary but not sure how easy it would be to eradicate this. A few niggles inside got me but again, nothing that couldn't be changed but just makes me wonder the type of owner prior.
 
propaintballa said:
So, I went to have a look at this one today http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-2-5-2003MY-Roadster-/171918298888?hash=item2807210f08:g:YHIAAOSwu4BV6BeC

I'm actually quite frustrated about this vehicle because it is pretty low miles, around 70k, the exterior was in pretty good condition, new discs and pads, roof seemed good without much discolouration at all. The car had heated seats and a CD changer but not much else.

Now the bad stuff, it only has like 3 service stamps in the book, with little evidence to suggest any self service work had been carried out. The garage said they would MOT and service it before I bought it but that was besides the point really. The other BIG issue for me was the smell, it smelt like someone had smoked 40 a day in it, somehow, this smell worsened when opening the boot. The guy said he used the car over the summer when they first got it and have had it since, so something must be up here.

Now I know these engines are pretty bomb proof and it sounded good running, but obviously, having an owner running a car like this on a shoe string budget rings alarm bells, that along with the smell...

What do people think? The smell, potentially is temporary but not sure how easy it would be to eradicate this. A few niggles inside got me but again, nothing that couldn't be changed but just makes me wonder the type of owner prior.
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any used buy of a car this age is a gamble but it was sounds like you have already made your mind up to me... hang fire till you find one your happy with
 
personally id stretch your budget and buy this, a forum car will always be better cared for than something you find in a used car lot imho

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=82388
 
mr.tourette said:
propaintballa said:
So, I went to have a look at this one today http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-2-5-2003MY-Roadster-/171918298888?hash=item2807210f08:g:YHIAAOSwu4BV6BeC

I'm actually quite frustrated about this vehicle because it is pretty low miles, around 70k, the exterior was in pretty good condition, new discs and pads, roof seemed good without much discolouration at all. The car had heated seats and a CD changer but not much else.

Now the bad stuff, it only has like 3 service stamps in the book, with little evidence to suggest any self service work had been carried out. The garage said they would MOT and service it before I bought it but that was besides the point really. The other BIG issue for me was the smell, it smelt like someone had smoked 40 a day in it, somehow, this smell worsened when opening the boot. The guy said he used the car over the summer when they first got it and have had it since, so something must be up here.

Now I know these engines are pretty bomb proof and it sounded good running, but obviously, having an owner running a car like this on a shoe string budget rings alarm bells, that along with the smell...

What do people think? The smell, potentially is temporary but not sure how easy it would be to eradicate this. A few niggles inside got me but again, nothing that couldn't be changed but just makes me wonder the type of owner prior.
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any used buy of a car this age is a gamble but it was sounds like you have already made your mind up to me... hang fire till you find one your happy with
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I wouldn't say I've made up my mind as the low price is quite enticing along with the fact that it's fairly close to me compared to any other vehicle in the same price range. The main reason I posted was to see if anyone else has had a similar experience with a Z4 in respect to the service history and indeed, any other car regarding the smoke smell...

As it happens, my current car has just developed a gearbox problem which has put my search at a bit of a disadvantage to say the least! As I can't really do anything until that's in good shape and or sold!

mr.tourette said:
personally id stretch your budget and buy this, a forum car will always be better cared for than something you find in a used car lot imho

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=82388
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And that is a lovely looking car to be fair! Just distance is an issue at the moment unfortunately, which is why I have been confined fairly locally :/ That being said, will definitely consider it as it wouldn't be the furthest I've travelled for a car!
 
rjsimmons said:
propaintballa said:
Hahhaah cheers bud, yeh, definitely not ideal :( Maybe I'm in denial!
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We always seem to turn a blind eye to the defects of the ones we love...
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Yep, bloody hate her most of the time! Wait... Are we talking about cars?? ;)

In all seriousness, I was just looking up removing smoke odour and I hadn't even thought about it getting as far as air vents. Seems to be WAYYYYY too much hassle and with no guarantee of ever removing it :/
 
The long service intervals mean that you're likely to be surprised by how little servicing these Zeds have had :cry: A cared for example will have had servicing around every two years and 16000 miles (though it's variable depending on how they are driven).

Smells can be eradicated but it's hard work and sometimes takes time to find out exactly the cause.

I'd be prepared to travel for the right Zed.
 
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