WANTED - Z4 2-2.5L (2006-2010)

A

Ayrladdie

Member
Hi,

I just joined the forum as on the hunt for a z4 preferably just the 2L, might consider the 2.5l, 2006-2010. Looking for a nice clean car, FSH, ideally no more than 80k. It would need to be fairly local, I'm based in Scotland, Glasgow/Ayrshire area.

Please comment if you have something that fits the above criteria or close enough.

Thanks Allan.
 
Welcome to the forum Allan and good luck with your search.

Are you after an E85 (-2008) or an E89 (later)? E85 2.0 is the four-pot engine, 2.5 gets you the six-pot. The 2.5i is in a lower state of tune than the 2.5Si and can generally be had for less money if you’re not concerned about power.

Prices from around £2,500 for an OK car.
 
I’m in Glasgow and my 2.5si is up for sale on here. Not sure what your budget is though.

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=127711
 
Hi guys, thanks for the warm welcome and info. I think it will be up to 2008 (E85) due to budget. I am not too concerned on power as its a second car for my wife to use for work and some summer runs with the roof down hopefully.

Cribert, I noticed yours for sale, wasn't sure if it had sold. Its a bit over my budget but will give it consideration as its low miles and looks and sounds like a nice clean example. Are you available for viewing daytime during the week?

Cheers,
Allan
 
Hi guys,

Raising the budget and looking at the newer E89 model now as the misses likes the retractable hardtop and doesn't like older cars :headbang:

Am I correct in saying that z4 2.0l 2009-2016 uses the N20 engine? My mate keeps going on about timing chain issues, is this something of a concern buying a car with say 70K on the clock. Surely all comes down to correct oil and service intervals.

I ran a 2.8 z3 few years back, no issues and pretty sure my parents 320i has the N20 engine too, still going strong at over 80K.

I'd be grateful for advice on this or other unknown issues.
 
Ayrladdie said:
Hi guys,

Raising the budget and looking at the newer E89 model now as the misses likes the retractable hardtop and doesn't like older cars :headbang:

Am I correct in saying that z4 2.0l 2009-2016 uses the N20 engine? My mate keeps going on about timing chain issues, is this something of a concern buying a car with say 70K on the clock. Surely all comes down to correct oil and service intervals.

I ran a 2.8 z3 few years back, no issues and pretty sure my parents 320i has the N20 engine too, still going strong at over 80K.

I'd be grateful for advice on this or other unknown issues.
Click to expand...

The 2.0L engines didnt come out until around 2012. Earlier models were the 23i (2.5L 6 cylinder) and 30i (3.0L 6 cylinder) both non turbo which can be had in SE and Msport styling. These have the N52 engine and unless you are looking for huge power are great cars. We owned a 23i for 7 years.
 
Ayrladdie said:
Hi guys,

Raising the budget and looking at the newer E89 model now as the misses likes the retractable hardtop and doesn't like older cars :headbang:

Am I correct in saying that z4 2.0l 2009-2016 uses the N20 engine? My mate keeps going on about timing chain issues, is this something of a concern buying a car with say 70K on the clock. Surely all comes down to correct oil and service intervals.

I ran a 2.8 z3 few years back, no issues and pretty sure my parents 320i has the N20 engine too, still going strong at over 80K.

I'd be grateful for advice on this or other unknown issues.
Click to expand...

What has the budget increased to as there are loads around both 23i and 20i for £10k so will depend on wether you want a 4 pot for economy or a 6cyl for the noise and the engine pretty reliable, my choice would be a 23i Msport highline which has the toys included (I am biased though).

Some lower mileage cars about but maybe a little short on spec so again depends on what you want.
 
Thanks for the info. The 23i sounds like it would suit our needs fine, not too bothered about the higher m sport spec, tempted on the 6 cylinder again but probably best to go for the 4 cylinder to be honest as it will be a daily. If I could get a nice one with low-ish miles for around £9K that would be ideal! As usual, much more choice and better prices down south but covid rules again! What are peoples thoughts on higher mileage cars? Say 80K. Figured if I did buy one at that mileage then adding on another 30K would lower resale value a lot plus wearing components. Trying to keep to 60-70K max.
 
You have a point about things wearing on higher mileage cars, like suspension bushes, possibly cooling systems, etc. but even at 70K those sort of parts are already going to be past their best!

The 6 cylinder models aren't too thirsty unless you are in a real hurry! I've had one 3 Series with the 2.5 litre M54 engine as fitted to pre-facelift 2.5i Z4s and 4 cars with the N52 fitted to facelift E85, E86 and early E89 Z4s (2 in E86s and 2 in 3 Series) and they've all easily managed over 30 mpg - although I do most of my driving outside of rush hours.

High mileage isn't generally an issue for these engines. My E91 325i had done 139K miles when I sold it and was still pulling really well. I replaced it with an E90 330i that's currently on 115K and it still runs great.

To my mind having an N/A petrol straight 6 is one of the Z4s unique features, but good luck finding the right one whatever model you decide to go for. :thumbsup:
 
Ayrladdie said:
Thanks for the info. The 23i sounds like it would suit our needs fine, not too bothered about the higher m sport spec, tempted on the 6 cylinder again but probably best to go for the 4 cylinder to be honest as it will be a daily. If I could get a nice one with low-ish miles for around £9K that would be ideal! As usual, much more choice and better prices down south but covid rules again! What are peoples thoughts on higher mileage cars? Say 80K. Figured if I did buy one at that mileage then adding on another 30K would lower resale value a lot plus wearing components. Trying to keep to 60-70K max.
Click to expand...

The 23i is a 6 cylinder. Have a look at both SE and Msport versions, there are a few differences and my opinion is the Msport cars do look better inside and out. On the outside both bumpers are different and the car sits higher. On the inside the seats are different along with the steering wheel, gearstick and sill plates. More importantly is probably whether or not you want idrive/satnav or not. Heated seats should be a must.
£9k should get you a 23i easily, ours sold for less than that 6 months ago with 60k miles.
 
Is this along the lines of what you are looking for, SE with heated seats --- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-sDrive-23i-Convertible-2011/333931269068?hash=item4dbfdacbcc:g:o-sAAOSwTUtgWdaM

M-Sport highline with higher miles but looks like a decent car --- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-BMW-Z4-2-5-23i-M-Sport-Highline-Edition-sDrive-2dr-Convertible-Petrol-Autom/373459841221?hash=item56f3f0f0c5:g:Ct8AAOSwIe1gRvpB

MSport 4 pot with low miles --- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2013-BMW-Z4-2-0-SDRIVE20I-M-SPORT-ROADSTER-2DR-181-BHP-27k-miles-MOT-Private/284202441344?hash=item422bc91a80:g:nsoAAOSwiGJfb6E9
 
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