UK: Looking to get a Z4

z4Cee

New member
Hi Guys,

I am new to the forum and actively looking for a Z4, looking to spend around £10-12k and have driven both 2.5si and 3.0si models. I just sold my Impreza WRX wagon, which was fun, but am looking for a big change!

Went to go and have a look at a private sale today '06 3.0si with 56k miles on it. Print out of SH from BMW and some recent reports. It also had new brakes etc. It was a nice little car.

There were only two things that concerned me:

1) The first service was carried out at 10k miles. Is there a running in service on the N52 engine? What are the intervals at the beginning of an engine's life?
2) There wasn't a noticeable ticking, but it just sounded like loud fuel injectors. I have read up the air in the lifter system etc. I haven't had the time to check out some videos on YouTube etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Hi and Welcome! I don't think there's a running in service on non M cars but prepared to be corrected.

If you've any doubts either walk or get it inspected properly. There are plenty for sale, and some nice examples for sale on the site.

Good luck with the search!
 
No running in service required for the N52, just a first oil service. 10k miles is a bit low as the service interval is typically about 15k, though the system bases it on fuel consumption rather than miles, so perhaps it was driven enthusiastically when new. The sequence is oil, inspection 1, oil, inspection 2, repeat.

If there's no ticking then it should be fine. Mine can sound a teeny bit rough on start up on a cold morning. Others on here more technical than me may have better / more complete advice.

Hope you find the one you want - you have the right budget for a lovely example :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for getting back to me on this.

One thing that did bother me slightly, is that the SH is a printout from a BMW dealership, the service history is comprehensive but it's not stamped in the book and it hasn't been serviced since 07/2011 (I think). The last service was an I2, but with being quite so long ago, should I factor in getting the oil done or is it nothing to worry about? It's got 8.5k until the next oil service as per the indicator.

The car has a SS catback exhaust as well and cost £750 to fit from a company called longlife exhausts, which looks like a franchise. To me, it sounded slightly blowy in the centre section. Does anyone have any experience of them?

As for inspections, who should you get to carry one out? Any recommendations?
 
Hi i,am picking up my first Z4 Saturday which just happens to be an 06 3.0si it has full history and is a BMW used approved car with 64k on the clock the engine is quite :) would this HVA problem still happen with a car of this mileage and age how can i tell if it was fixed in the past :!:
The car is still covered by AUC warranty
oh yes the car is only going to be a weekend/summer car :driving:
 
Back
Top Bottom