Ugrading to a Z4M from Z3 3.0

J

janeb

Member
Hello everyone : ) newbie here first post. Any sterling advice for buying a Z4M Roadster having driven the Z3 3.0 for the past 10 years?! particular things to look out for before committing to purchase? owner experiences / general advice? would anyone know how this compares in terms of handling to the Subaru Imprezza (one of hubby's cars that is a thrill to drive : ). Many thanks. Jane
 
Hmm so many questions. The Z3 is getting dated now, I think you'll find the Z4 a nice upgrade. Are you set on the Z4M and not the 3.0?

If you are set on the ///M then, dare I say it because we had a big debate on it a few days ago (forum etiquette), but unfortunately trawling through all the posts in the ///M section is definitely the best way to find out about the car.

Here are some general posts, one thing I would add is that fuel quality seems to be an issue with the O2 sensors, one way around that is to run it on super unleaded all the time, but that coupled with 16-24mpg can get expensive, unless of course you aren't doing too many miles.

James_G said:
There's a buying guide in the stickies but common faults are:

Rear springs cracking
Oxygen sensors failing
Roof motors on roadsters
Diff seals (well a few of us anyway)
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ian in lancs said:
Buy BMW Approved Used Car (AUC) to get remainder of 3yr warranty and full main dealer support. There's quite a few well optioned 07 07 cars out there, all with reg nos Y*07*** ..., at the dealers at the moment with prices around £32 - 36k depending on mileage and options. There's not much in the way of problems to look out for. The M3/CSL running gear and the base Z4 are well sorted and proven and any early parts failures will be covered by warranty anyway. The only problem I've had in 35000mls of Z ownership is a broken rear spring - I blame 10 speed bumps a day... sigh! I would ask to see the service record to see if its had warranty work and/or crash damage repairs. The dealer that has done the work can see the details other dealers can only see its been in and where so it's possible to call them for info if necessary. It may not have been to a BMW bodyshop so check panels, gaps inside and out and look for evidence of paint spray. Originally the Z4's have a dark grey internal painted surfaces, engine bay for example, that's hard to replicate.

Buy on condition, scratches, parking knocks etc and take a close look at the tyre shoulders. Any abrasion beyond the normal contact patch will indicate the car has been driven (cornered) hard. Check the mileage to service, add to the total mileage and if its much less than 14000mls it might have been driven hard although it's quite hard and scarey to thrash a Z4M. In fact some would say ignoring the running in limits will produce a free reving engine!

Make sure all the manuals are there, stamped up by a BMW dealer. The Z4M has a 1400mls running in service/
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Andy said:
Common Faults
[*] Here is an excellent link to all the Service Information Bulletins (SIBs) for the E85/E86/M.
[*] All Z4s have a high failure rate on rear springs. Good news is, it's a relatively cheap replacement.
[*] You can reset your one touch window open / close (if active) like this
[*] On Roadsters, the drains will need cleaning which if left will corrode your roof motor, with substantial repair bills. This apparently forms part of Inspection I & Inspection II, but check with your dealer this has been checked.
[*] If your roof motor has failed, expect large repair bills from a dealer (£1000+). Shipkiller has kindly documented his replacement which will make this lots cheaper, as well as how to remove the roof.
[*] Facelift Zeds have a sealed roof motor to limit this problem.
[*] If you have an ODB2 lead you can list any stored faults, the definitive list is of these codes is here.
[*] All Z4s have a Clutch Delay Valve, which can give the effect of "kangarooing" in 1st/2nd gear. This can be removed by you or an specialist.
[*] If you have an illuminated Airbag light, it's likely your door airbags were disconected without the battery being removed, but there have also been occasions of failing seat occupancy sensors which cause this.
[*] Failing electric windows are often due to Window Regulators - telltale sign is a rattly door.
[*] Sticky / Non-working wipers? Check out this excellent thread.

//M Specific
[*] The "features" of the CDV are very noticeable on the /M and will often result in Kangarooing in 1st/2nd changes.
[*] Z4Ms all have a noticeable VANOS noise at about 3-4k RPM. This is completely normal.
[*] t's fairly common to detect issues with the allignment of an /M, resulting in often pulling to the left.
[*] Most Z4Ms will also need a new O2 sensor once in a while, it's fairly common to have had both replaced by about 30k.
[*] As /Ms have a Limited Slip Differential, you can only disengage the DSC fully by holding the switch.
[*] Some early Z4Ms have noted grinding between 1st/2nd gear which have resulted in Warranty gearbox replacements.
[*] http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=17429
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http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=17429
 
Nothing to add to the comprehensive list above apart from ///M's are fabulous value atm and if you follow the advise and get a good one you will be thrilled!!

Glwtsearch!! :thumbsup:
 
Thanks guys, that's really helpful and kind of you all :D Will post piccies up when I have the car.....seeing a couple this w/end and looking to buy soon, very excited. I have loved every moment in my "noddy" car (topaz blue) Z3 so I suspect it's going to be a case of going from a go-kart to something a bit more meaty :driving:

I was a little tentative/nervous when getting behind the scooby wheel (WRX STI prodrive) for the first time but fell in love with it's power, am hoping the roadster M will be just as thrilling!

Many thanks again, night night xx
 
A Z4 //M won't be as forgiving as a Scooby, though depends how u want to play. I said to myself a //M's not worth it... yet over the last week have been looking at 07/08 plate toys.

If I do get one, am going to commit sacrilege to many & change the rear facelift lights to the retro round puppies...
 
Hello and welcome, I've been here a few weeks now and they seem like a good bunch :P .

Jembo said:
If I do get one, am going to commit sacrilege to many & change the rear facelift lights to the retro round puppies...
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I'm with you on this one, I prefer the older light's.Although I'd get the clear aftermarket one's.
 
I agree with most things apart from two - fuel economy most of us on the M are seeing much better than 24mpg average see here -
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=34093#p462824

Also BMW are pretty desperate to get rid of the high powered M cars very easy to get a two year warranty. With mine I got the 2 year warranty, service 2, full all round wheel refurb all for free. Which I know wont have cost them a huge amount but it would have cost me £1600 for the warranty, £800-1000 for the service and £340 for the wheel refurb so not to be sniffed at. Also got an extra £1000 part x for mine and they reduced the price of the Z by £1000. So if you push hard enough you will get a good deal they are out there to be had :thumbsup:

Here is my 'New owner thread'
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30544

They are fantastic machines hope decide to come to the dark side :evil:
 
Thanks Tom, wow what a deal! that sounds great - good for you - my quandary now is whether to go for interlagos blue or ruby black - darn it :?
 
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