Tips - Buying a 2006 Z4 E85 2.0i
- Thread starter tanapxl
- Start date
Welcome to the forum and good luck. 
I don't know anything about the 4 cylinder models but the general consensus seems to be to go for a 6 cylinder, after all a straight 6 is one of the Z4s unique features. But a few people who have the 2 litre seem to like them so if it ticks the right boxes for you why not?
Otherwise just check everything works, including the roof operation. It's a bonus if the motor has been relocated to inside the boot, but there are a few people on here who can do that job and can often revive seemingly dead motors for sensible money.
I don't know anything about the 4 cylinder models but the general consensus seems to be to go for a 6 cylinder, after all a straight 6 is one of the Z4s unique features. But a few people who have the 2 litre seem to like them so if it ticks the right boxes for you why not?
Otherwise just check everything works, including the roof operation. It's a bonus if the motor has been relocated to inside the boot, but there are a few people on here who can do that job and can often revive seemingly dead motors for sensible money.
There isn’t really that many checks you can do that’s different between the engines unless you start going deeper. Forget the 4 cylinder and go for a 6 unless insurance is going to be a killer for you. 6 pots miles better even in 2.2 form.
Whatever you decide be picky. The choice is massive you don’t need to rush. Take a good long rest drive, check the history. Don’t be put off by silly things, mine had a huge oil leak from the oil housing gasket but that was an easy fix. Go to view more than one. Purposefully go see one you don’t want first if you can’t control yourself.
Whatever you decide be picky. The choice is massive you don’t need to rush. Take a good long rest drive, check the history. Don’t be put off by silly things, mine had a huge oil leak from the oil housing gasket but that was an easy fix. Go to view more than one. Purposefully go see one you don’t want first if you can’t control yourself.
I have just bought a 2007 2.0i Z4 and I suggest to check this things: for the exterior check the roof conditions (open/close, noise, gaskets and how the door window closes); check the battery compartment in the trunk (if the car had a significant incident in this area its shape won't be perfect...); in the engine bay look for fluids leaks. During the test drive try all the gears (also try to accelerate from low RPM and the reverse looking for strange noises). If you buy it, check the roof water drains.
About the 2.0: I know that is not a straight six, but, in my opinion, it is a good engine for this car and is really enjoyable (also compared to other four cylinder.engines).
About the 2.0: I know that is not a straight six, but, in my opinion, it is a good engine for this car and is really enjoyable (also compared to other four cylinder.engines).
Looking at current adverts it seems people selling 2.0 zeds are on a different planet! Asking £4-5k !!!
Given the struggle people are having selling big engines cars it seems they are trying to cash in on the perceived cheaper running costs. These are more or less non-existent tbh. My 2.2 gives a regular 38 mpg and insurance is no different to what a previous 2.0 was. In fact I think it’s a cheaper option in the long run as the engine is more reliable at higher mileages.
Paying over £3500 for a 4-pot, even with lower mileage, is too much in the current climate.
Given the struggle people are having selling big engines cars it seems they are trying to cash in on the perceived cheaper running costs. These are more or less non-existent tbh. My 2.2 gives a regular 38 mpg and insurance is no different to what a previous 2.0 was. In fact I think it’s a cheaper option in the long run as the engine is more reliable at higher mileages.
Paying over £3500 for a 4-pot, even with lower mileage, is too much in the current climate.
-JackZ4- said:
Your right the 2.0 is a good engine. I had a 318ci coupe 2.0 and it was a lovely car and although only 150bhp it was a lovely engine to drive and quite engaging. The sixes are better though and even if we like the 4 pots having a 6 will make it miles easier come selling time.
I've had my four pot now for over 10 years and love it, it has been my daily all this time. I wouldnt say its been trouble free but nothing serious and back on the road in no time. Also this was one of the first zeds to have the roof motor moved to the trunk by me back in 2014 before it was a mainstream mod.
A quick search on autotrader bmw low to high price full of knackered 4 pot petrol and diesel cars,my e91 n46 has been nothing but trouble,I’ve replaced valve stem seals,valve cover,valvetronic motor,water pump thermostat all gaskets and water pipes and it’s still not running correctly,I’ve ordered a genuine thermostat because it’s not getting up to temp on the radiator sensor and gas mileage is about 30mpg,good luck if you go down the n46 route at least you’ll have plenty of space in the engine bay to work on it unlike the 3 series.It’s also a shame it didn’t come with the later n46n lump.
