Sub-£3000 E85?

[Dr. Zed]

So we all know that car prices are mad right now. I bought my Z4 for 2k about 18 months ago with less than 100k miles. It now has more than 100k and I can sell it for more than what I paid for it.

However, my mate recently took a road trip in my car and fell in love with the Z4 and has asked me to keep an eye out.

So the main question is: is it still feasible to get an E85 Z4 for less than £3000 that isn't a project car?
Any input would be appreciated as I'm trying to gauge whether he should even bother looking.

Thanks!

 

[JamesClements]

There are a few out there! What about this one? - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204104515698?sort=price-asc&include-delivery-option=on&year-to=2008&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&make=BMW&radius=1500&postcode=le169rr&advertising-location=at_cars&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.2&model=Z4&page=1

MOT history is ok new boots and some brake discs and she'll be ready for summer. I think you will always have to do something but if your prepared to do a some of the work yourself there are some bargains available

 

[buzyg]

What's not to like. I love that it comes with a Computer.

 

[JamesClements]

What's not to like. I love that it comes with a Computer.

A very rare optional extra

 

[Zedebee]

Definitely. The challenge is identifying what is a good car and what is a hidden project.

I have bought a car which is definitely a project. When I’ve finished with it, it won’t be a project anymore, but I still wouldn't expect to get £3k for it.

 

[Dr. Zed]

I have a found a few too and the 'hidden project' thing (love that name for it BTW) is why I posted this thread.

He's keen to get one but doesn't want massive amount needing done to it.
I've told I'd do the oil/coolant, filters and other basic maintenance that's required.
I told him about the roof motor, vanos etc and he's not too keen on doing that but he's also just looking for it for the summer so potentially not an issue really.

Was curious what the general consensus was for getting a Zed for below 3k. Seems you guys think the same as me - possible but might need some work

 

[Dr. Zed]

There are a few out there! What about this one? - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204104515698?sort=price-asc&include-delivery-option=on&year-to=2008&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&make=BMW&radius=1500&postcode=le169rr&advertising-location=at_cars&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.2&model=Z4&page=1

MOT history is ok new boots and some brake discs and she'll be ready for summer. I think you will always have to do something but if your prepared to do a some of the work yourself there are some bargains available

I missed this one. Although the dent in the back is definitely a bigger problem than a few new brake pads etc.

 

[JamesClements]

There are a few out there! What about this one? - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204104515698?sort=price-asc&include-delivery-option=on&year-to=2008&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&make=BMW&radius=1500&postcode=le169rr&advertising-location=at_cars&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.2&model=Z4&page=1

MOT history is ok new boots and some brake discs and she'll be ready for summer. I think you will always have to do something but if your prepared to do a some of the work yourself there are some bargains available

I missed this one. Although the dent in the back is definitely a bigger problem than a few new brake pads etc.

Sure - maybe not the best example... but there are some around guess it depends if your after a fixer-up-er or not as well

 

[NiallR]

A little over £3k but my 2.5i is currently for sale if your friend would be interested? Absolutely not a project car! Thousands spent in the past year to get it in good, dependable mechanical condition.

Here it is: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=134137

 

[Dr. Zed]

Sure - maybe not the best example... but there are some around guess it depends if your after a fixer-up-er or not as well

I definitely wouldn't shy away from some work but he's not so keen unfortunately

 

[Dr. Zed]

A little over £3k but my 2.5i is currently for sale if your friend would be interested? Absolutely not a project car! Thousands spent in the past year to get it in good, dependable mechanical condition.

Here it is: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=134137

I'll pass the link on and see what he says. Thanks.

 

[futureZ4buyer]

It's always funny to me how Z4 and some other cars are so much cheaper on the island compared to the rest of the Europe. You can't get good Z4 here below 7000€ and the prices are going up.
I guess it is because you can't sell it anywhere else because right hand drive?

 

[srhutch]

There are a few out there! What about this one? - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204104515698?sort=price-asc&include-delivery-option=on&year-to=2008&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&make=BMW&radius=1500&postcode=le169rr&advertising-location=at_cars&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.2&model=Z4&page=1

MOT history is ok new boots and some brake discs and she'll be ready for summer. I think you will always have to do something but if your prepared to do a some of the work yourself there are some bargains available

I missed this one. Although the dent in the back is definitely a bigger problem than a few new brake pads etc.

Easy to pick up a rear wing in Black Sapphire for well under £100

 

[Dr. Zed]

Easy to pick up a rear wing in Black Sapphire for well under £100

Agreed mate.
Like I said, I'd have no issue with getting one for 1.5k or 2k and doing a bit of work to it. But he's not willing to do it. I've told him I'd do it for him but I think it's more a patience thing!

 

[Dr. Zed]

It's always funny to me how Z4 and some other cars are so much cheaper on the island compared to the rest of the Europe. You can't get good Z4 here below 7000€ and the prices are going up.
I guess it is because you can't sell it anywhere else because right hand drive?

The prices are definitely going up here too but I couldn't imagine paying 7k for a Z4 (or any car really with 100k plus on the clock and that's now approaching 20 years old).
Where do you live that they're so expensive?

Also this is definitely more a UK thing. I'm originally from Ireland and my uncle paid nearly double what I paid for a 2 litre Z4 from 2004. He also paid triple my road tax and more than double my insurance.. And he's 73 years of age, I'm 29...

 

[JamesClements]

Sure - maybe not the best example... but there are some around guess it depends if your after a fixer-up-er or not as well

I definitely wouldn't shy away from some work but he's not so keen unfortunately

Oh sorry fair enough just re read your original post - might be a few 2.0l for that money

 

[futureZ4buyer]

It's always funny to me how Z4 and some other cars are so much cheaper on the island compared to the rest of the Europe. You can't get good Z4 here below 7000€ and the prices are going up.
I guess it is because you can't sell it anywhere else because right hand drive?

The prices are definitely going up here too but I couldn't imagine paying 7k for a Z4 (or any car really with 100k plus on the clock and that's now approaching 20 years old).
Where do you live that they're so expensive?

Also this is definitely more a UK thing. I'm originally from Ireland and my uncle paid nearly double what I paid for a 2 litre Z4 from 2004. He also paid triple my road tax and more than double my insurance.. And he's 73 years of age, I'm 29...

I'm from Serbia, but prices are the same in Switzerland, Germany, Italy (was looking on autoscout). The lowest price I saw was 3.0 in Switzerland with 460.000kms for 4000 swiss francs.
About Ireland, the tax thing is similar in Serbia. If your engine is bigger than 2L, tax increases a lot (double to 2.5, triple to 3.0, don't want to talk about prices above 3.0)

 

[SonnyA85]

If all you are looking to spend is £3k or below then forget about owning a Z4.

He will easily spend £3k on repairs and maintenance over the course of a few years.

The power steering modules on the columns are all faulty for a start. I have had 2 need repaired hopefully this time I did it right by getting it remanufactured instead of a second hand replacement.

Roof motor another big bill.

Then there is everything else that can go wrong with a 20 year old car.

I have just spent circa £3k getting mine back up to scratch in the past month alone