Z4 Newbie

[step_change]

Hi all,
My first post to the forum. May all your dreams come true!

Going to buy a used 2.5 2007 Blue and white leather with 43000 on the clock from a friend in Jan. That's when he is selling it due to it giving him a bad back since he is 6'8" and needs to sell! He has never had a problem with it. Auto, Satnav and a few other bits and pieces as extras - 19 inch rims etc. Looks lovely and in great condition. MoT and service history all check out. Dealer only prepared to offer him £4300 for it right now and £6000 in Jan after xmas. So he said he will sell it to me for £5800.

Always wanted one of these cars. I drive a 740 M Sport as main car and the Z4 is a toy in summer and nice weather for personal and business.

What does the Z4 Oracle think?

Regards and health to all.
Jon

 

[Paulr]

Just got myself a 2.5 Auto. Lovely smooth box. Someone will be along to say get a 3.0l, but I would not get that het up about it. The 2.5 for me is fast enough, and it may very well be for you too.

Drive it first, see what you think. 2007 will be a facelift model so might be the 177bhp one or the 218bhp one. Mine is the earlier 196bhp. Ideally the one you want is the 218bhp as it has more poke. Again, someone here will tell you how to tell the diffference.

What colour?

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi Jon welcome to the forum, and to another potential Z4 owner.

I'm not an expert on the Roadster models (E85) as I have only had Coupes (E86), but have picked a bit up from being on here!

There was a facelift in early 2006 so the one you are looking at will be a facelift model.

Pre-facelift 2.5s all came with the M54 engine (same as the E46 3 Series) and had 192 bhp. Post facelift came with the N52 engine (same as early E9* 3 Series) but in 2 states of tune. SE models had 177 bhp but Sport models had 218 bhp so you really need to find out whether it is an SE or a Sport.

The Sport also had lower, stiffer suspension and much better seats with side bolsters.

Once you know which model it is then you need to decide whether it suits what you are looking for, but for me 177 bhp doesn't seem like enough in what is after all a sports car!

Anyway, they all came as standard on Run-Flat tyres which most on here get rid off as it helps avoid the problems they have with tramlining (especially on worn-out roads like the inside lane of the M6 North of Birmingham) and general steering twitchiness when changing lanes, etc. although worn suspension joints are another factor.

Roof motors are badly positioned and tend to fill with water, but if still working can usually be cleaned and there are people on here who will relocate them into the boot.

The N52 engine is good, but does have an electric water pump which can (but may not) fail at the sort of age you are looking at - mine went last year at 9 years and 60K miles. The OEM part is £500!

If you want to learn more I'm sure there is a buying guide - just go to the E85/E86 General area of the Forum and search for E85 buying guide.

Hope you find one you like - then you can post up photos of it!

I don't have a photo of SE seats, but have put one here of the Sport seats in my first Coupe.

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. Good luck with your Zed hunting.