what to buy?

T

the doctor

Member
Hi
Im in the process of ditching my old school Mazda Mx5 for a Z4.....

all you experts out there would love you advice.

I have just 6k to spend and wandered where my money would be best invested?

thinking of getting 3.0 SE 2004 with 75k on the clock in what appears to be good nick.....am i barking up the wrong tree....ive been advised to avoid <2.5L in favour of straight 6 engine?

cheers for any advice
 
6k should get you a good mileage 3.0i and possibly a 'facelift' 3.0si with an extra 35bhp.
The 3 litre will give you the straight six and 6 gears :driving:
Welcome, btw :)
 
six gwand will get you a lovely 3.0se with all the toys and possibly even the hardtop and as marlon says maybe even a facelift model.
However, for faw gwand you can still get hold of a decent 100k miler but just make sure you know what to look for in terms of mechanical issues etc. I bought one at the back end of summer and it had a few buried but easily-fixable issues such as a leaky cam cover gasket, knackered throttlebody and buggered intake hoses, as well as one or two other minor issues. Could have gone to an indy to get it sorted quickly but decided to get clued up and tackle the fix meself. Runs like a dream now.

I'd suggest taking a decent bmw-specific OBD scanner with you to do a scan on any prospective motors as there could be hidden issues you won't be able to see from a visual inspection.
Plus all the usual mechanical checks.
Welcome and keep us all posted of what you end up with..
:thumbsup:
 
will be taking my car savvy + mechanically minded friend to look at cars, but he is more of a subaru guru.....any ideas of particular things to check or consider in these cars?
cheers for advice
 
the doctor said:
will be taking my car savvy + mechanically minded friend to look at cars, but he is more of a subaru guru.....any ideas of particular things to check or consider in these cars?
cheers for advice
Click to expand...

Good forum buying guide:
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281
 
Good luck with the search OP!

The guide linked above is pretty comprehensive.

But just to clarify, the pre-facelift cars use the M54 engine (as found in E46 3 Series) which comes in 2.2, 2.5 and 3 litre capacities. They are all straight 6s, so running costs are pretty much the same whichever you choose - hence the advice to go for the biggest!

Facelift cars (early 06 on IIRC) use the N52 engine (shared with early E9* 3 Series) in 2.5 or 3 litre capacity, which feels much better suited to a sports car like the Z4 as it really likes to rev and from my (limited) experience has much more top-end performance. The only downside is they are more technically advanced so have the potential to cost more IF they have problems - like the electric water pump that costs £500 from BMW! So if you find a facelift check if it has had a new pump, and maybe factor it in if it hasn't!

Hope to see some photos of your Z4 soon. :thumbsup:
 
Found a 2006 2.5si sport with 101000
On the clock for £4995

Or
2003 3.0i sport with 98000 on clock for £3995

Do you think that's fair if in good order?
Would be any particular things to check in these cars for before buying?

Cheers for all your advice :)
 
If both cars are in the same condition and have the same seats and toys then the 3 litre, although I think the 2.5si may have a better spec and it will also have 6 gears I believe. To give a more informed opinion you need to send links to both cars :wink:
 
The 2.5 had clearly had some front end repAirs didn't line up true and paint was flaking at edges; bloke new nothing about it allegedly
 
Hi
Have found this local to me; very low mileage
What are your thoughts?

http://www.christchurchmotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars-christchurch-dorset
 
Well if its just low miles you are after its ok, but it hasn't got M Sports seats, or heated seats and the alloys are 17" and don't do anything for the looks of the Zed imo
 
Took for drive and lovely order but roof seems a bit odd.

When the roof is down seems quite loose and not flush and when up a small gap at front top corner is this normal? I suspect not?!
 

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Marlon said:
Well if its just low miles you are after its ok, but it hasn't got M Sports seats, or heated seats and the alloys are 17" and don't do anything for the looks of the Zed imo
Click to expand...
+1.
Not a car I'd be spending £7k on..
 
Beware the facelift 2006 2.5SE. Not saying it isnt a decent car but for some unexplained reason the pre facelift model had about 20 BHP more. Only found out about this after buying my 2005 2.5SE and glad I didnt go for a slightly newer one.
 
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