Thinking of buying a Z4

Donzie

Member
Hi, I'm new to this site. I am really seriously looking to buy a Z4 in the very near future but I thought I'd ask some questions first if you don't mind answering them for me? At present I have an MGTF and looking to upgrade. I did have the dreaded head gasket failure but now had the Landrover head gasket fitted and all ok cross fingers. I have also had a few other minor problems with it and each time have been told that "This is a common fault with MG's". So I thought I'd ask in advance if there are 'common faults' with the Z4 but I would hope that being a BMW there wouldn't be any!!. Can anyone help please?
 
Hey Donzie & Welcome!

Broken Rear springs are relatively common - but it's a cheap easy fix.

Have a quick read of the FAQ thread in the General forum - should answer most of your questions ! :thumbsup:

Good luck on your hunt.
 
TH3R4POR said:
welcome :thumbsup:

what flavour are you looking at?

Oh to be honest I have no idea about Z4's, sorry, but just to have one would be a great upgrade to what I have now so the lower range I guess for starters then upgrade in 3 years time when I should have a better part exchange offer on the Z4
 
don't think do

are you thinking of the coupe or roadster?

i believe roadster owners also have problems with roof motors, some body correct me if i'm wrong
 
My understanding of the roof motor problem was blockage of the drainage holes on earlier models allowing water to enter the motor (the motor was sealed on later builds).

I think it's fairly rare though?
 
TH3R4POR said:
My understanding of the roof motor problem was blockage of the drainage holes on earlier models allowing water to enter the motor (the motor was sealed on later builds).

Anything facelift (06 >) has it's motor sealed against this.

I think the drain blockage / roof motor failing is quite common on the older ones, but as long as the drains stay clear it should be ok!
 
Taz x said:
ok i'll shut up lol

nono :oops:, that's just my understand from what I read here.

You certainly don't see many cases so I wouldn't say it was a reason to not get a Roadster.
 
be a nice step up from a MGTF

That is exactly what I was thinking!! Mind you I have enjoyed the MG and it was my first sports car/soft top. I'm looking at a Roadster, just working out what I can afford with my car as deposit + loan for the rest. Think I'm gonna sell MG privately as BMW garage only offered me £2300 on my 04 car against a £17000 Z4 on the 3 year scheme that they offer where you keep your payments low but have a balloon payment at the end. So I think a personal loan would be more beneficial because at least at the end of the 3 years the car is mine
 
lostaussie26 said:
Hi Donzie,
Well if you decide its coupe for you. Then check out my 56 plate 3.0SI Sport. It in the for sale section!

Lovely car!! But as I've had a soft top it has to be the Roadster for me
 
You can avoid most of the bad weather on your hood by sticking a lid on it from November to March.
You can also pick-up a spare set of 3 series wheels and put winter tyres on it and enjoy the snow :driving:
 
m44rrt said:
You can avoid most of the bad weather on your hood by sticking a lid on it from November to March.
You can also pick-up a spare set of 3 series wheels and put winter tyres on it and enjoy the snow :driving:


Good idea!! I have got a hardtop for the MG but to be realistic I think it will take most of my money to get the car let alone a hardtop and new wheels. Nice thought I know
 
A secondhand hardtop will set you back around a grand (depending on condition and colour).
 
TH3R4POR said:
A secondhand hardtop will set you back around a grand (depending on condition and colour).

Well it will be staying soft for the time being then until the next time I can change it in and get a better, newer one
 
Donzie said:
Well it will be staying soft for the time being then until the next time I can change it in and get a better, newer one

I had one and sold it, the soft top is of good quality so one isn't needed as such.
 
When I was 17 my Mum had a black 99 1.8i VVC. It was new, yet bit's often fell off and fit/finish was poor. But it had bags of character and it was great fun. I stole it regularly :) I mention this because IMO you won't need the hard top. I remember the MGF roof - there was a gap between the body and the rear wing on both sides you could poke a finger through...and it was noisy / basic to say the least in winter. By comparison the Z4 will fee like a hatchback....!

Donzie said:
That is exactly what I was thinking!! Mind you I have enjoyed the MG and it was my first sports car/soft top. I'm looking at a Roadster, just working out what I can afford with my car as deposit + loan for the rest. Think I'm gonna sell MG privately as BMW garage only offered me £2300 on my 04 car against a £17000 Z4 on the 3 year scheme that they offer

What they offered is likely PCP (Personal Contract Purchase). Many banks lend on cars this way - the big ones are RBS, Santander, Close Brothers, Black Horse (Lloyds TSB), Lombard (though not so much now) etc etc. BMW dealers simply offer the BMW Financial Services 'branded' version of PCP. It make you think it's a bespoke product from them and less clear you can get the exact same thing elsewhere for less money. Every major make has it's own finance arm and it's always got a name - 'Select', 'Options', etc etc. If you sell your MG privately and get a better price, you can then speak to a car finance broker, who will get you the same kind of scheme for a lot less money.
 
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