Wannabee Z Owner - saying Hi and some Q's

M

Mickemo

Member
 Hampshire
Hi Folks

Ive joined your wonderful forum after several months of lurking in the background :-)

I need some advice on which Zed to buy and I have a few questions that you experts may be able to help me with...Ive a budget of approx £8K GBP

I currently drive (don't hold this against me too much) a new shape VW Golf Cabriolet - its a very good car but i yawn when i drive it :zzzz:

I love convertibles and have driven one for the past 7 years however I am truly smitten by the Z4 Coupe's looks - especially in White.

Reading the Forum i see a lot of comments about the Z4 Coupe e.g. nice car but shame its a Coupe - why is that ? Is it because its an inferior car in some way that Im not aware of or is it a subjective comment ?

As mentioned i adore convertibles so id be like a pig in brown stuff with a Z4 Convertible too

Im really after the straight 6 engine i think (I know the Coupe only comes in 3.0), MPG isn't really an issue as the Zed will be a 3rd weekend car (thats what I'm telling my wife anyhow :rofl: )

So Convertible or Coupe ?
Whats the best colour to buy in each ? (I saw an amazing Phoenix Yellow Coupe on Autotrader - its certainly individual but will i struggle to sell in future years perhaps)

Right enough of my waffle for now

Thanks folks :driving:

Mick
 
The coupe / convertible debate is really just banter - it's a personal choice, and many have gone for roadster to coupe, some the other way. The coupe is stiffer and has different suspension to the roadster, I believe the difference in handling is much more marked when considering Ms - the coupe is generally regarded to be more 'focused'... Though I don't know for sure as I've not driven a coupe for many years. The coupes are holding their value more, basically because there are a lot fewer of them around, so you may struggle to find a good one in your budget with reasonable mileage.

Personally I love the flexibility of the roadster - it's roof, not the chassis :roll: - as there's something special about just being able to drop the hood when you feel like it, even if it's raining :wink:

You should drive both if you're undecided. £8k will definitely get you a decent 3.0Si roadster (post 2006) - don't worry too much about mileage as long as it is in good condition and the service history is complete and correct - there are no issues with the N52 engine due to age, though some have problems with hydraulic lifters (a loud tapping sound at idle that you can't miss). Black is the most common colour, but a bitch to look after ; Phoenix Yellow is very marmite, you love it or hate it - but it looks much better with the bi-colour interior IMO.

Hope some of that ramble helps, others will be along to offer advice - lots of friendly people on here so feel free to ask as many questions as you like. Welcome, and good luck :thumbsup:
 
Hi Mick, welcome to the Forum.

Convertible for me even if the coupe looks fabulous, so does the roadster with the roof down and if you like open top as much as you say then there is only one choice. The coupe owners love their cars though and they are said to be a 'special' drive - so test if possible?

If mpg is no problem then 6 cylinder is the way forward. I've had both 4 and 6 pot and I always defend the 4 pot as a fun car with surprising capabilities but the 3.0si for me offers amazing performance and enhances my enjoyment of the Zed.

Colour (and wheel choice) is a very subjective thing - everyone has their own view - perhaps you should look through the Gallery posts and Carole's Forum Zed post to get ideas of what's available - there are many 'greys' available for example so take your time and browse. . . .there are plenty on offer.

Check out the FAQ post on the Forum - E85/86 2003-2009 Z4 discussion section to get an idea what to look for - its one of the first posts.

Good luck!

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for the warm welcome and the info Bing and Paul

You're both right in that I'll prob head for a roadster and I will test drive both to be 100% sure...if I head down the roadster route could I lower my budget so say 6K? Or will that just get me into problems and bills?

Dare I say this on here but I was at one point considering a Toyota MR2 (mk3) and whilst I'm big fan of the little Japanese car the Z4 looks and sounds like its in a different league

You're right though re the alloys and colour as my wife and I don't agree on either :o
 
Mickemo said:
Thanks for the warm welcome and the info Bing and Paul

You're both right in that I'll prob head for a roadster and I will test drive both to be 100% sure...if I head down the roadster route could I lower my budget so say 6K? Or will that just get me into problems and bills?



You're right though re the alloys and colour as my wife and I don't agree on either :o
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You could lower your budget - it would be a case of waiting for the right Zed - there are some well cared for and well maintained examples come up for sale on the forum - you will need to be patient or even post a wanted add. Choice may be limited at that price point as condition is far more important than colour - but then you've got to live with it. Lots of experience on the Forum just ask.

You have my sympathies re agreeing with your wife - it's difficult - I've had to put some preferences (as she has) on the back shelf in order to compromise and get the type of Zed we can both be happy with. Good luck!

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
I had a mk3 MR2 a few years ago. I really fancied one and chose it over an MX5 but I was massively disappointed in the lack of stiffness to the shell over rough surfaces. At the same time as I had the 2002 MR2, I owned a 1980 Triumph TR7 and the Triumph felt less like a jelly (or at least the performance/feel equation was a lot more balanced).

I have a coupe now and the only car I can compare it to is the V12 E type 2+2 I owned in terms of feel. The Z4 wins :)
 
From personal experience, but more what I have seen on here, you should probably budget for the unexpected, so try and hold a grand back. There can be things you don't spot when you buy... And of course this place and it's inhabitants are expers at encouraging you to spend your money :evil:
 
Welcome to the forum :)

Convertible or coupe, I am sure you will not be disappointed.

The six cylinder straight six engines do sound great 8) I would recommend you buy the best car you can afford, with sat nav etc... as there nice options.

Keep us updated with what you choose :thumbsup:
 
Dale B, your Coupe is just WOW in white

Thanks you guys with your advice on budget etc..I realise that I'm restricted to what's on offer at the time I'm looking and most def will buy mo condition and comprehensive service history. I am very fussy indeed so will take my time to find the right car.

Claireysmurf, interesting experience you had with your MR2, I've read that they are really nimble etc..
Ive had both a mk1 and mk2 MR2 and the mk1 was smiles better...prob the most fun I've ever had in a car :rofl: so I'm really looking forwards to driving a RWD car again

I'll keep an eye out on the classifieds in the forum, ideally I'd like to buy from an owners club member like this rather than any old Tom, Dick or Harry from autotrader
 
Mickemo said:
Claireysmurf, interesting experience you had with your MR2, I've read that they are really nimble etc..
Ive had both a mk1 and mk2 MR2 and the mk1 was smiles better...prob the most fun I've ever had in a car :rofl: so I'm really looking forwards to driving a RWD car again
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I don't drive THAT hard but I had to back off on quite a few occasions on country roads when following a Golf GTi or similar. The cabin was a bit plain but the cupholders did hold a pint glass (!) and the luggage space was non existent. I'd have another as a modern classic/banger though.
 
Folks...youve prob noticed me being being logged in almost 24 hours a day (oops :rofl: )

Anyway I've seen a lowish (78K) mileage 2004 Zed with SMG box for reasonable money - comes with BMW warranty that is transferable (allegedly)

Should i steer clear of a car with the SMG like the plague or is it worth a look? (some forums say the SMG isn't as bad as its reputation)

Ideally id like a later 3.0 Si in black with red leather....but I'm really struggling to get to grips with paying the government £480 of my hard earned pounds just to tax it annually. Its not really the money, its the principle if that makes sense

Maybe a high spec 2.5 Si Sport would be a good compromise with 33 to 36 MPG ish and lower tax.....or will i always regret not buying the 3.0?

How do you guys deal with the annual robbery by the government

Cheers Zedders ! :driving:
 
Hi Mickemo and welcome :thumbsup:

I have a 2007 3.0si coupe and my road tax is £280 per year.

Having never driven a roadster, I can't say which I prefer. I did own a boxster which I loved to bits and if you've had convertibles for 7 years then I would say go for the roadster. You may feel "Couped up" in the coupe! Although it does look far superior! :fuelfire:
 
HI A320 phill - thanks for the quick response.

Ill go back and recheck the Gov website re VED bands, obv I've got confused somewhere...anyway that is very good news indeed that i can buy a 3.0 Si and tax only being £280 PA :thumbsup:

If i was going to buy a Coupe i think it would need to be Imola Red, mind you i really liked the in your face looks of the Phoenix Yellow

Id like to hear from anyone with experience with the SMG box

Cheers

Mick
 
A320_phill said:
Hi Mickemo and welcome :thumbsup:

I have a 2007 3.0si coupe and my road tax is £280 per year.

Having never driven a roadster, I can't say which I prefer. I did own a boxster which I loved to bits and if you've had convertibles for 7 years then I would say go for the roadster. You may feel "Couped up" in the coupe! Although it does look far superior! :fuelfire:
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Road tax on the 3.0 is £280 per year, The M will cost you more....
 
Thanks chaps

So this SMG gearbox then....looks like no one has a view on it :D

I've got cash burning a hole in my pocket...just need the right car at the right price
 
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