Thinking about a Z4 ...

D

Damohick

New member
Hello,

I’m new to the forum but have been browsing and it looks like a great resource for information. I’m currently thinking about buying my first Z after a few months of running around in my van I’m getting sick of it and if I don’t buy something soon I think my other half might murder me!

I’ve been to have a look at a few cars and think I would be happy with a 2.0 but am really only looking to spend around the £5000-£5500 mark, do you think I could get a decent one for this kind of money?

I’m also after any information on what the car is like to live with from day to day, I have in the past fallen in love with cars only to find out they really aren’t great for day to day driving.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Damian
 
Hello Damohick. I bought a 2003 2.5i auto convertible for £4750 in June last year. It has over a 100k on it but it's an absolute beauty. Very clean inside and out. Iv'e looked at a lot of other cars since owning it and most of them are not a patch on this one in terms of the interior(i'm not talking about forum members cars). The only down side of this car was the wheels which were a bit scabby. Since owning it I have had to change the expansion vessel and auto thermostat because it let go a month after I got it back to France. Rocker cover gasket needs replacing as it has a small oil leak which drips on the hot manifold. Might do the vans rebuild at the same time. I have rebuilt the Disa using the i6auto rebuild kit. Piece of cake. I have the well documented sticky steering problem. Not done anything about it yet, but planning to do the fix talked about on here. Drilling the steering column and lubricating.
I've never been interested in BMW before owning this car. But I absolutely love the Z4. I would not normally go for an auto, but I love this one. You don't see many of them on the road compared to other cars. They still turn heads. Personally I think you would be mad not to get one.
 
Hi there we have a 2005 2.0 bought last year for 6k with 27000 on the clock and have just done 1000 miles last week on holiday in Devon, and i have to say i was well pleased how comfy it was and over 40 mpg.even with a good blasting on some twisty back roads.so go get one and have fun. :driving:
 
Just brought a 2.2 a couple of weeks ago and did a long test drive in a 2.0 before that.
From my point of view I found the 4 cylinder lighter on the front end and performance was good but for me it was the sound of the straight 6 that grabbed me most. Its just sooo smooth even when you take it up to 6000 rpm and sounds fantastic. Performance is a little better as well though I am currently showing 31 mpg on the trip computer with mostly local short drives to work and back so its not as frugal.

Personally I was willing to put up with the mpg as to be honest I new that it was never going to be anywhere near my previous car (Megane 1.5 dci coupe :D ) and that was not the reason for buying it in the first place.

This is now my daily driver and I have to say at the moment I am really enjoying the experience though as with any used car there are a few niggles to sort out.

Chris
 
Hi and welcome. For that sort of money you should be able to get a early 3.0i Pre face lfit 6 cyl models all have the M54 engine which is pretty bullet proof. The 2.0i on the other hand has it's issues such as manifold issues, just ask Andysat and few other.

You might find insurance is less with a bigger engine. Sounds strange nut many of us who have upgraded in engine size have found our premiums have dropped. You will pay more to tax and run of course so if this is an issue a 2.0i might be the way forward.
 
Thanks for the great advice guys, just been reading the buying guide to get myself clued up! I had ruled out the larger engined cars due the the roads I drive on generally being windy country roads so I'm not sure I'd really benefit from the extra power ... I'm willing to be told different however. I've also spotted a 2007 2.0 se with 54000 on the clock for £6250 local to me so might pop along and take a look at it, although it doesn't have leather and doesn't have any of my favoured wheels I could always change these at a later date. Does this sound like a good price? I'm told the service history isn't complete but am waiting to hear back on how incomplete it is.
 
2.0's are generally lesser specced than the larger engined older models. For example a standard 2.0 will have cloth seats, 16" wheels and not much else unless 1st owner added optional extras. Older 3.0 will have a few more toys as they have better standard equipment and bigger wheels.

2007 is facelift model though so IMO looks a lot better than pre facelift. Get some nice wheels later and you got a pimp looking motor. You can pick up standard leather seats and door cards off ebay for £100 if you wanted leather, simple modification.

I paid 7k for 40k mile model earlier this year so seems like a good deal. The 2.0 is a great car and is still quick (just not as quick as 3.0 lol). I average high 30's mpg wise, mid-high 40's on a motorway run. Service history will put off future buyers as I'd personally buy on condition and history vs mileage.

Check for raspy/farty exhaust note, 2.0 manifolds fail with common regularity and are expensive repair. Slight fluctuation in rev needle at idle is normal and shouldn't put you off. Crazy fluctuation can be coil packs which are common to fail to but are sub 200 repair supplied and fitted. Think these are the 2 most common 2.0 failures to look out for. Check for snapped rear springs and broken roof motor as these are common failures throughout the range.

Happy hunting
 
Hi Damohick,

As Adamski has said there are plenty of 2.0 available at your price point. Don't discard the larger engine models - there are advantages to owning both 4 and 6 pots.

Whichever you go for you may find it initially a 'different' driving experience. The ride can seem harsh and the steering takes some getting used to - you will not want to let go of the wheel on uneven roads. BUT stick with it - it took me some time to get to know the full capabilities of my Zeds - but that's the beauty of them - they are an involving drive and well worth sticking with. They can be driven 'normally' too however and apart from the long bonnet and low seating position are fine for day to day. The boot is surprisingly big!

I loved my 2.0 litre Sport - 2006 so it was a 'facelift' version with M/// wheels, steering wheel and leather sports seats. Loved the fact you could wind it up and enjoy the lower gears without breaking the speed limit (too much). I found it excellent for fun driving around our favourite back roads. The petrol consumption was good considering the fun had. Others have outlined the issues with them (including engine warning light)

I've gone onto a 6 pot and the 3.0si Sport (Sport versions have the extra M// spec. SE versions generally have more 'basic' spec but a softer ride - then again owners add and 'improve' their Zeds so you may find 'extras' with any Zed you're looking at).

My 2008 3.0si Sport is quite a different experience which is dominated by the engine - terrific and so capable but the performance has to be paid for through higher fuel costs (but it's worth it!) At your price point you could look at early pre face lift 3.0i Zeds which have a great reputation and are very well thought of by their owners as well as the 2.5 and 2.2 versions.

Keep reading through the Forum - ask questions and keep an eye on the For Sale posts - some well cared for Zeds can come up.

Finally - if you are considering a 2.0 litre there are lots out there and so you should be able to find your preferred Zed both in colour and spec - just be patient and I'm sure you'll find the Zed that best fits you and that has your preferred spec and good service history.

Good luck with your search and welcome to the Forum.

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom