Total Newbie

R

RayM

Member
 Cheltenham
Hi Everyone. First post so please be gentle... LOL :)

I'm looking to purchase my first Mk 1 Z4 but I'm totally confused !

I have been looking for a 3.0 litre or 2.5 but keep seeing conflicting information on adverts and seek clarification.

I have seen adverts for the 2.5 Mk1 models with 177, 192 & 218 BHP and the 3.0 Litre with 232 BHP. Would someone be kind enough to explain this to me please. Is there a timeline or history on the outputs as some older cars appear to have higher BHP than some newer versions?

On the same straight 6 engine are they chain driven or do they have the fibre/toothed timing belt system? I'm just thinking that if its the later it needs checking for work if I end up looking at a higher mileage example.

All buying advice/help gratefully accepted.

Regards. Ray.
 
Pretty sure the pre-2006 2.5 is 192 and 2006 on is 218. Pre-2006 3.0s are about 230, post are 265. Not sure where 177 comes from.

The reason for pre and post differences is because they are different engines, but they all have chains, not belts so that's one thing you won't have to worry about.
 
Oh, and welcome :thumbsup:

Don't be worried about higher mileage - buy on condition and history. If you go to 'meet the team' above, click on AlanJ and go to one of his posts you'll find great buying guides in his signature.
 
Welcome to the forum, yes it is a bit confusing at first especially with the 'facelift' change to the engine range.
 
welcome- this should give you a little guidance- essentially the early 2.5 had a higher bhp to differentiate it from the 2.2. When the 2.2 was dropped from the range the 2.5 se replaced it as the lower powered 6cyl and and they added the higher powered 2.5 si.
http://www.bmwz4roadster.net/bmw_z4_specifications.htm
 
Hi Ray, it is a bit confusing when you first start looking. In 2006 there was a 'facelift' given to the Z4 - the 2.5 and 3.0 litre (6 cylinder) engines increased their bhp (as they were a new lighter engine) At the same time a 2 litre 4 cylinder was released and it replaced the 2.2.(Pre-facelift 2006 Zeds have been explained above - note the differences in power in the 2.5 engines).

Depending what money you have I would be searching for a facelift 3.0si (it will be the easiest to sell in the future) The pre 2006 pre facelift 3.0i, has 231bhp the post 2006, post facelift 3.0si, has 265bhp.

You say that you are looking for a Mk 1 Zed - pre 2006. There are plenty about so I would hold out for the full 3.0 litre and be prepared to travel to buy the right one. These can be enthusiast owned cars and therefore well cared for and cherished. These are the ones to be looking for - check out this forum as Zeds, where most issues are already dealt with, do come up for sale from time to time. The Z4 has fairly long service intervals so it is easy to own one for a year or so and then sell on with the new owner having to deal with tyres, brakes, servicing that might all need doing at once - costly. Be patient - there are lots of pre 2006 Z4s about and more will come on the market as the summer comes to an end.

Lots of good advice already given - good luck with your search. They really are a special ownership experience. :thumbsup:
 
Thanks again everyone for your input, most helpful.

For me I'm not in a hurry so can spend some time finding the right car. And the budget is flexible if I find the "Right" car.

On with the hunt LOL.
 
As others have mentioned, hold out for the 3.0 litre. Surprisingly you'll also get better mpg, not that it matters too much when buying a Zed :driving:
 
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