Z4 Coupe buying advice

[d_s]

Hi guys,

I've settled on buying a Z4 Coupe and have found this one which seems reasonably priced & in good nick. I'd really appreciate some pointers – things to watch out for, warning signs etc? The main thing that stands out for me is that it's been untaxed for over 2 months so has maybe been sitting unused? It's also missing the latest service (last was 55k).

(originally posted on PH, but figured you guys may have more pointers)

Cheers in advance.

 

[mr wilks]

Welcome to the forum , the above car has a decent spec,good colour combo & at a fair ask price for a dealer
No tax last 2 months i wouldnt flap about , the missing service ? Missed ? Possibly done but not documented ?
You have to view & drive to know if its a donkey or worth pursuing , stubby fitted > could be ex forum member ?
The 108s are notorius for paint+lacquer peel so if that's the case allow £300/£400 to have them refurbed properly

 

[MattHall91]

Hi mate,

I replied on PH too.

Tbh, I read a buyers guide and then just checked service history. I'd already decided I was going to get one regardless!

Nothing secondhand can be 100% risk free and life's too short.

That one looks fine to me anyway.

 

[Taz]

seats look like they have seen some action and they dont look like sports seats

check for rust on the inside of the tailgate

 

[mr wilks]

seats look like they have seen some action and they dont look like sports seats

check for rust on the inside of the tailgate

They are sport seats but need the shine taking off them
70k covered black M sport seats rarely look better than that a few hours effort can work wonders :wink:

 

[d_s]

Thanks for the replies - really appreciated.

Welcome to the forum , the above car has a decent spec,good colour combo & at a fair ask price for a dealer
No tax last 2 months i wouldnt flap about , the missing service ? Missed ? Possibly done but not documented ?
You have to view & drive to know if its a donkey or worth pursuing , stubby fitted > could be ex forum member ?
The 108s are notorius for paint+lacquer peel so if that's the case allow £300/£400 to have them refurbed properly

The wheels have been refurbed and look almost new outside; there's a bit of rust/corrosion(?) on the inner but not terrible. The last service was around 55k so it's definitely due another. All services stamped as being done at BMW. Gave it a good drive on Saturday and it's lovely. A bit of tramlining I think (felt ever so slightly loose/wobbly occasionally). I imagine that may be runflats (dmack winter safe tyres?) so probably consider removing those.

check for rust on the inside of the tailgate

Tailgate looks fine, though I did notice what looks like a small bubble on the offside front wing, just above the wheel arch.

The only other minor concern was how hot the engine was when I popped the bonnet after the test drive. It was HOT - is that normal for the 3.0l?

 

[Marlon]

Thanks for the replies - really appreciated.

The only other minor concern was how hot the engine was when I popped the bonnet after the test drive. It was HOT - is that normal for the 3.0l?

I think that's normal for all engines isn't it?

 

[d_s]

I think that's normal for all engines isn't it?

Ha, ok I guess so...

I've just spoken with the dealer and got more information on service history, which is as follows:
2007 - new
2009 - 22,509 mile service (oil service + inspection 1)
2011 - 37,000 mile service (inspection 1 + full service, filters, flush, brake fluid, gas treatment, rear springs replaced)
2013 - 53,000 mile service (oil service, inspection 1 + 2 (??), brake fluid, brake pipes replaced)

 

[Marlon]

So its done 20k since the last service, I assume the garage will give it a full service before they sell it?

 

[d_s]

So its done 20k since the last service, I assume the garage will give it a full service before they sell it?

Yep, full service will be included, along with a 6 month warranty.

 

[Marlon]

Well, from the info. you have given I can't hear any alarm bells - as always its a judgement call that only you can make on the ground. I was given mixed advice on this forum when I linked to the advert for my car - I bought it anyway and haven't looked back.

 

[Mike6]

20K without an oil and filter change. Haynes recommends 3K oil changes to prolong engine life and if using long life oils never exceed 15k. I would be looking for a smoking exhaust and state of oil. If no dipstick check filler cap for signs of mayo or smoking/burning smells.
Hope it all works out for you

 

[d_s]

Just a quick update to say that I've decided to go for it. Hoping to collect at the weekend or early next week.

Appreciate the advice! No doubt I'll be around here a bit more now...

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi OP, welcome to the forum (from PH)!

Please let us have an update!