Z4 e85/e86 auto (3.0l)

Zowen

Member
 Wigan
Hi guys,

My friend is looking around for a z4 auto or smg (he has auto only licence so either or) He would like the SE or SI models with the heated seats and other old techy fun. Also is looking for one with the m54 engine and after that hes open! So any colour, most conditions (with cat depends on insurance and restoration)

For budget hes hoping £2.5k< but can strech a bit if needed. I understand this is a low budget for a nice model but he's not against a bit of a rough zed :)

Regards,
Zowen.
 
It would be SE or Sport, as the Si was an engine designation for the later N52 only.

Does your friend have to have a 3.0? Having got both a 2.5 and a 3.0, I would go for a good condition 2.5 above a rough 3.0 any day of the week for that money.
 
At £2.5k youre looking at a 2.0l or an older 2.5l, buy on condition and service history, don’t compromise on engine condition they are not simple engines and workshop prices are high, if it’s a first Z4 and you like it you will want a better one when you can afford it
 
deltasierra said:
At £2.5k youre looking at a 2.0l or an older 2.5l, buy on condition and service history, don’t compromise on engine condition they are not simple engines and workshop prices are high, if it’s a first Z4 and you like it you will want a better one when you can afford it

Oh no, shouldve clarified this he wants something he can work on, I have a Z4 and a garage where it can be lifted etc. He does not want a perfect model, it would ruin the fun. It'll be a hobby where he learns on actually working on an engine and really makes it his so a buy and drive wouldnt be ideal.

This is to the point where if it means tearing it down and rebuilding thats fine as long as its able to be driven to mine. He is looking for one with the heated seats and the comforts included.

TL/DR: Not looking for a perfect example just best he can get for budget, will be a small project/ learning car for him!
 
Zedebee said:
It would be SE or Sport, as the Si was an engine designation for the later N52 only.

Does your friend have to have a 3.0? Having got both a 2.5 and a 3.0, I would go for a good condition 2.5 above a rough 3.0 any day of the week for that money.

I told him about the 2.5L that its still a good motor, doesnt feel much slower, and you still get a 6 cylinder. But he is interested in the 3.0L but yes a SE or sport apologies.

As long as the car is able to be driven back the condition isn't a priority as this will be a small project car and give him a chance to learn so likelihood is it will be ripped apart and built up again!
 
Go for the 2.5l if he’s happy to learn his own troubleshooting, these cars are 20 yrs old there is plenty of routine issues that need fixing without stripping it down, if all he wants to do is take an engine apart buy a non runner.
 
I might have the perfect solution for you.
I'm about to advertise my 3.0i auto 2003.
The car is superb, no rust, dents or obvious body repairs. Usual scrapes on lower front bumper but nothing serious.
Engine runs beautifully, no knocks, rattles, stutters, leaks, smoke. No dash lights on.
Gearbox is silky smooth - Sport button amazing.
Red leather with no rips, tears or obvious wear. Electric, heated memory seats.
Brilliant history with the majority of its mileage done in its early years.
Full book pack and 2 keys
Major work done includes but not limited to;
New steering column (lifetime warranty), ABS module, ABS sensor, gearbox position switch, battery, bills for £2140 - 4000 miles ago
New exhaust (complete)
New screen and surround.
New starter.
New callipers, discs and pads all round.
Roof replaced 2 years ago with motor relocated to boot. No snags, tears, nasty marks or repairs.
Brilliant Bluetooth, music streaming, USB input unit.
Ice cold climate control.
Xenon headlights
LED interior, boot and other lights.
BMW wind deflector.
18in Type 107 wheels properly refurbished and powder coated silver - mint and look perfect on the car.
Non runflat tyres.
Most suspension replaced.
Cruise control.
All fluids and filters recently changed.
The list goes on.
MOT until November 29th 2025 - YES 2025
Drives perfectly, no knocks, bangs, tram lining, no sloppiness in gearchanges, no delay in pickup, no pulling left or right, I would confidently drive this car anywhere.

Bulletproof M54 engine 232BHP

The mileage is 142k but if you know these cars, with good maintenance, that is nothing to be concerned about.

The great thing about this car is its originality and genuineness.

The price is £2750 and represents good value knowing nothing needs to be spent on it.

Reason for sale is age related - mine not the car.

Located NN100GQ Rushden, Northants
 
Tonywen said:
I might have the perfect solution for you.
I'm about to advertise my 3.0i auto 2003.

He is very interested that is amazing! He's wondering when youd be looking to sell?
 
Hi,

He was hoping for a viewing, I tried PM you but it didnt go through if you could pm me so we could arrange that would be great!

Zowen
 
There will be a 3.0i Auto in the Historics auction tomorrow with no reserve - link here https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-258---2003-bmw-30-z4-convertible/?lot=17094&so=0&st=&sto=0&au=84&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=0&pp=96&pn=2&g=1
 
Mr Tidy said:
There will be a 3.0i Auto in the Historics auction tomorrow with no reserve - link here https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-258---2003-bmw-30-z4-convertible/?lot=17094&so=0&st=&sto=0&au=84&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=0&pp=96&pn=2&g=1

Airbag light is on and is probably the hard to find left side module at fault. Tyre pressure sensor probably wants resetting for the other light.
 
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