WANTED: Z4MC

So it could be 8 years before it gets an Inspection 2 ?

Hmmm.....Wouldnt fancy that.


Anyway................... Brake discs could need replacing around this mileage age....I know mine did.. Im not sure on pricing now but budget £800-£1000 for a full seat of pads and discs..
 
Hi gents,

I'm looking at another Z4MC on Saturday with a inspection by the guys at DEKRA scheduled in for tomorrow. Other than their visual and aural inspection, is there anything I should look out for? Specifically around VANOS, engine knocking, electrical, fluids etc? Are there anything I need to really be mindful off once I am there in person? The car I'm looking at is this one listed on AT.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201304096181890/sort/default/usedcars/body-type/coupe/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/model/z4/make/bmw/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/radius/1500/postcode/nw21aq/keywords/3.2/page/1?logcode=p

The HPI report has come back with 6 owners in total (including the current owner)! That would make me the 7th, so I wonder why has this car been traded around so frequently? A knowledgeable gentleman gave me some info around inspecting the cam heads through the oil cap for engine part condition, such as residue and marks. Just like to hear what the experts on this forum have to say regarding what and where to check for suspicious signs of a bad car.

Cheers,
J
 
There is a lot to check on an M car......Engine condition being the one that will cost the most if it goes wrong. The S54 is a stonking motor but can suffer the odd problem...Spun bearing shells,headgasket,pistons and rattley vanos gears..

The gearboxes are notchy,but are usually very good but the odd one is now going faulty..

Diffs can whine...

Broken springs and worn brake discs are common..

Look for stonechips on the front end and forward of the rear wheels.

Drivers seat bolsters wear,door handles and steering wheels mark up easily...



Some M cars do have quite a few owners....Although 7 inc yourself i would class as high,and when/if you came to sell i think it maybe a problem...I know i wouldnt like to be the 8th owner on a car..
 
Lucky number 8 maybe? But in all seriousness I am concerned about that too. I also wonder why the price is so cheap considering the options that are on the car plus the relatively gentle mileage at 58k. Current owner was suffering from memory loss when I quizzed him over the previous owners. I prefer not to have a car that was owned by a dealer ship as a demo. Have had bad experience with high oil and snoot on the exhaust tips from my last car which was a Audi TTS. Also, I've read that the vehicle inspection guys are not that great even though they charge £260 for this "service" which they provide. Guess the bottom line is I'm here seeking knowledge and some reassurance from experts on whether this is a good solid purchase, a deal where I could negotiate down the price further or maybe something to avoid completely...

Cheers,
J
 
You really need to see with your own eyes before you let anyone inspect...Well that would be my advice.

If you view they car and love what you see,then its always best to get an objective view on what your purchasing.


I dont think the price is "cheap"......The downsides that the car has is reflected in the price. Looking on and projecting into the future,if and when the time comes to sell,with the next purchaser being the 8th owner you may not be able to sell it at all,unless really cheap.

Black is a bugger is keep tip top so may put some people off.....is the car 2006 or 2007?....It says both on the advert..lol....

Its like all cars out there...The low miles/low owner cherished examples ALWAYS bring a premium.. Unloved/high owner/high miler cars always have to be sold cheap...More so in a specialist market like the Z4MC....
 
Woody's is a much better buy. Higher miles but at least it's got a known history with the last 2 owners being forum members.
 
TrickyDicky said:
Woody's is a much better buy. Higher miles but at least it's got a known history with the last 2 owners being forum members.
Click to expand...

Fair point, but Woody already has offers of £13k and Jamjia's budget is £12.5k might be a bit out of his price range.
 
StevenH72 said:
TrickyDicky said:
Woody's is a much better buy. Higher miles but at least it's got a known history with the last 2 owners being forum members.
Click to expand...

Fair point, but Woody already has offers of £13k and Jamjia's budget is £12.5k might be a bit out of his price range.
Click to expand...

IMHO if £500 makes the budget that tight, then you probably shouldn't buy an M at all (running/servicing costs etc...)
 
Okay guys, I had a inspection engineer take a look at the AT car. Here are a summary of faults and recommendations they gave me (see below). Just wondering how this affects the overall agreed price of £13k if tires are to be replaced soon? Plus the issue with me being the 7th owner and potentially having to flog this to the 8th owner???

Advice, warnings and recommendations:
Apart from the items noted for attention the overall condition of the vehicle is generally satisfactory being free from obvious evidence of major defects or previous significant body repair.
The underside of this vehicle is fitted with protective guards. The topside of the engine is also part covered. This has restricted the inspection of the lower areas and some parts of the engine, engine bay and transmission.
Rear springs cannot be assessed without ramp and wheel removed inspection.
Inspection service due 3675 miles
It is advised that consideration is given to some form of Warranty being sought or purchased for this vehicle. Ensuring that the level of cover is suitable for your needs and the vehicle specification.
Essential Repairs:
It is strongly advised that the essential repairs are investigated and rectified prior to purchase.
Rear LH tread - Rear RH tread - Uneven tyre wear - Renew and recheck alignment/geometry
Advisable Repairs:
These should be planned and budgeted for.
Bodywork /paintwork refurbishment of minor blemishes as deemed necessary or as presented when clean and dry
Coolant level/condition - low,Replenish and test.
Wheel Rims - minor scuffs.
Fuel filler cover/cap -Fuel cap tie cord broken.
External leaks (upper engine)Slight oil misting to RH side of cam cover . Degree of disc wear lipping
Front LH tread bead edge protector minor cuts
 
Hmmmm...

I hope you payed about £10 for that inspection.You could have written that report from 20ft away..

To be honest,that really tells you nothing apart from in wants some tyres and has "A degree of disc wear lipping"....

Thats vague beyond vague..
 
Well, that's all they can do really. Unless you strip the car down and look at each component. But is there anything that would stand out in the opinion of the experts on this forum? Should I beware of the low tread on the rear tyres for example. Or what about the slight oil misting on the RH side of cam cover??? And what's the cause of the disc wear lipping?
 
No it isnt...............

They cant even carry a jack to check for play in wheels or spring breaks?

Low tyres are causes through use ,if it needs them budget for £900 a set for good stuff..

Oil misting is cam cover gasket,it should be replaced under insp 2...........

The cause of the brake disc wear is the driver putting there foot on the brake pedal.............. If the discs are worn,spec in £1000 for replacement with pads and sensors for decent stuff..
 
Low coolant level sounds like a minor thing but would be a big warning for me - surely fluid levels are a basic thing you make sure is in order when selling a car? Doesn't sound like a very well looked after car to me....
 
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It's done, happy with the deal and the result. Maybe more photos to follow in the future. Thanks everyone for your kind advice, it's been very helpful!
 
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