Z4 questions from a complete newbie

C

clausiam

Member
Hi there.
The subject says it all, I'm a complete newbie in relation to the Z4 or convertible sports cars in general and need a little help.
Our kids are moving out to college so we just sold our nice and very practical VW Passat W8 and are considering getting a 2-seater convertible instead.

We're currently comparing a 2007 Z4 3.0si with Premium and Sport package and a 2006 MB 280SLK.

Some questions I hope someone can help me with.

1. Why should I pick the Z4 over the SLK? This being a Z4 forum I bet you'll have some comments on this :D
2. Z4 is soft top, SLK is hard top. How durable is the Z4 soft top (this being an '07 it's already 5 years old) and what does care and maintenance of the top involve? How much is a replacement top when the time comes?
3. I'm 6'2" - will I fit in this car? It will primarily be my wife driving it but I would want to be able to fit both as a driver or a passenger. Will it be too snug?
4. [Maybe a stupid question] Are automated car-wash places a no-no with a soft top convertible? Hand wash only?
5. This will be my wife's only car. Any problems with driving in hard rains occasionally in terms of the soft top, or in 95F temps in the summer and ~30F in the winter? We're in the Atlanta, GA area.

Any other things I should know.

I appreciate your answers and help!!
 
Better post a pic of the car we're looking at so I don't get the "TTIWWP" comment :D
z4.jpg
 
2. If properly cared for, top will last many many years. Garaging helps a lot. Occasional cleaning with a soft top shampoo is all that's required. Do not leave the top down if it's wet. Water repellent treatment is recommended by many.
3. Same height, not exactly roomy, but adequate.
4. Some are OK, some are not, you have to look at the equipment. The detergent will remove the water repellent treatment. Never use any sealant or wax options. Guide rails will damage your rims.
5. -30? -10 I'd believe. Cold not a problem, except you shouldn't lower the top if colder than 15. I've had no problems in heavy downpours at interstate speeds, ymmv. No experience with hot humid weather, fortunately. Dry 95 not a problem.
 
clausiam - welcome to the forum :thumbsup:

1. A Mercedez will break down. The Z4 looks far better. The Merc will break down. The Z4 straight six is nicer and smoother than the V6 Merc. Did I mention that the Merc will break down? The 3.0 Z4 is a little quicker, which is always nice.

Finally, and most importantly, if you buy the Z4 you will become a bona fide member of this forum and community, which is by far one of the most rewarding things about owning a zed :thumbsup:

2. The roof generally ages well. Some Renovo roof restorer can bring back the 'new' look even if the the roof starts to fade. I use Auto Glym roof cleaner on mine, and it does a really good job.
3. I'm 5ft 8 so can't really comment.
4. I would only ever hand wash my car. Too scared of nasty things happening in car washes, like scratched paint etc.
5. I work in Celsuis, and didnt have any problems in the winter using the roof at -3'C (which is approx 27F, or so Google is telling me). As mentioned above, the roof can work in some pretty low temps.
Dont think it's ever reached 95F in Scotland :lol:
 
1. The Z4 is a sports car, the merc is just pretending. :D

2. The soft top is VERY durable and as long as you keep the drain holes clear (I check mine twice a year) then your roof motor should remain dry and trouble free. A new roof motor can be got for a couple hundred Pounds so guessing maybe $250-$300. as above keep it clean, and water reppelent agent once a year (half an hour to do) some will advise dont open if the roof is wet. but living in Scotland IF the sun comes out then my roof is down whether its wet or not :lol:

3. at 6/2 you should be fine, you soon get used to the knack of entering and egressing :thumbsup:

4. I wouldn't take any car through an automated car wash, Unless you like the spider web swirl scratches on your paint work.

5. No problems in hard rain, or high temps, in -30 though I dont know but would def advise winter tyres.

Good luck with which ever car you go for :thumbsup:
 
I could just copy what everyone else has said, so I'll just say the Z4 is a great car, I've had mine for 8 years and still love it.

I'm a little over 6'2" and have never had any comfort problems including drives of upto 6hrs without stopping.

Do it you won't regret it.

Just don't get the modding bug which lurks around every corner on this forum, there is currently known cure and is known within these pages as Z4-itis an ailment designed to empty your wallet.
 
RichardG said:
there is currently known cure and is known within these pages as Z4-itis an ailment designed to empty your wallet.
Click to expand...

THERE'S A CURE :o :o :o do tell. :P
 
Nosa said:
RichardG said:
there is currently known cure and is known within these pages as Z4-itis an ailment designed to empty your wallet.
Click to expand...

THERE'S A CURE :o :o :o do tell. :P
Click to expand...
It's called an empty wallet which mine will be in June, failing that you are quite right my mistake the is NO known cure.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone.

The temperature was a misread of what I wrote. Not -30F but ~30F as in somewhere in that range (around freezing). It rarely gets much colder than that here in the South.

And Adamski, yes you did mention that "A Mercedez will break down" I believe. And with you driving a Z4 in Scotland I don't need to ask any more questions about rain issues for sure :D
 
Oh btw, what about the HVA issue (under-lubricated lifter clatter) I've been reading about on the N52 engines?

Since this vehicle is out of warranty (2007 model) but has only 19,000 miles I bet this hasn't shown yet but may in the future.

Most say new head is only option, but I've read something about a redesigned lifter design that would make this a smaller issue.

Any info?
 
As everyone else here will tell you, Z4 all the way! However, if it's (mainly) the wife's car, let her drive both and make up your mind for you. I mean make up her mind. :)
 
Ok - just test drove a Z4 and an SLK320. What a no-brainer. SLK is a nice looking car and all (I probably prefer its styling over the Z4) but it feels like a mini-van or school-bus compared to the Z4. Not sure where it puts those 268 horses, they're not put to the road that's for sure.

Bad news - the car I was looking at and which was put up for sale on Feb 14 according to Carfax apparently sold today. What a major bummer since after this test ride I would probably have jumped on it. Oh well, time to start browsing ads again!
 
clausiam said:
Oh btw, what about the HVA issue (under-lubricated lifter clatter) I've been reading about on the N52 engines?

Since this vehicle is out of warranty (2007 model) but has only 19,000 miles I bet this hasn't shown yet but may in the future.

Most say new head is only option, but I've read something about a redesigned lifter design that would make this a smaller issue.

Any info?
Click to expand...
HI modified lifters first fix , if unsuccessful then head .Some engines never have a problem.mileage seems irrelevant.more likely to occur on a little used car with only short journeys. Chris
 
So, since the vehicle I was looking at sold I'm trying to expand my search for the right one.

Having never had a convertible or a Z4 before I'm coming back here for advise:

1. I've been looking only at the 3.0si model but there are a lot of 3.0i vehicles out there. 'i' is ~215hp and 'si' is 255hp. Seems like a big difference but how much of a difference does it make when driving? Is the 'i' as fun as the 'si'?
2. Living in a hot climate with summer temps in the 95F/35F degree range with lots of sun (sorry to the brits and scots on here, didn't mean to rub it in, but on the flip side our gas/petrol is much cheaper - oh, wait :D ) would I regret getting the black seats? I could imagine parking with the top down and after 5 minutes of the sun beating down on the black leather you'd get burned when sitting down again. I'm not really too fond of the beige interior (wife likes the red of course, and my favorite is the saddle brown, but hard to find those), but that may be the best choice for hot, sunny conditions. Any opinions on that?
 
The MB is a fine car and has a lovely engine. Comfortable, safe. But its heavy and not really sporty at all. its just as snug as the Z if not more.

I'm 6'3 and have no problems fitting in either coupé or rag top. THe only thing is visibility is not as good as the MB (parking etc so get radars as option).

You'll definately enjoy driving the Z a lot more though. Its a much much better car in terms of feedback and the 3.0 is a real gem of an engine.
 
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