BMW and M Power Owners

sports_brah said:
Thoughts on the Z4?

Was looking at the porsche boxster but it seems like they have shed loads of potentially extremely expensive issues.

Z4 looks pretty nice, and apparently you can get a BMW warranty which would take the hassle out of ownership (though the caveat at not replacing "worn" stuff does seem like a bit of a get out of jail free card for them....)

Would probably be looking at a 2005-2007 model and would save the additional cash for a properly nice car in the future.

Any particular things to note? Would be looking for the 2.0 or the 2.5 litre. Tax is a bit more 710 vs 1080 euros, but I've learnt my lesson about quibbling such things over a year.

Running costs and one of costs are my major concern, I've no appetite for a xxxx euro bill.
Click to expand...

If its not a Z4M don't bother, the electric steering ruins the car.
 
Having had two Z4s (a 2.5L pre-facelift roadster and a 3.0L coupe), I'd say the steering is actually fine - it's very accurate, and whilst there's very little if no feedback, you're sitting very low towards the back of a stiffly sprung FR car, if that doesn't provide plenty of feedback then your arse is numb. It's not as technically good as a Boxster, but many people have said it's more fun and feels more rear driven (weight distribution helps - the Boxster will be quicker). As you say, the engine issues in Boxsters are a bit scary, whereas, DISA valve aside (which can be easily modified to prevent it failing), the pre-facelift M54 is one of BMW's best engines ever, and the facelift N52 is not quite as strong (there have been scant reports of lifter issues requiring a new head from BMW to properly fix), but is otherwise an incredible engine. M54 is better for tuning if you're so inclined.

Either way, 3.0L is the way to go if the tax isn't too bad as it's the most powerful and is almost no more expensive to fuel than the 2.5L. If the tax is prohibitive on the 3.0L then 2.5L if you must (avoid the 2.2L). The 2.0L was the "interested in looks only" option and will feel and sound crap when compared with the sixes. It only has something like 140hp too which will be disappointing when compared with any of the Boxster options.

Edit: if you were to have to go 2.5L, the facelift 2.5Si (must be the "Si" - not the 2.5i) has basically the same power output as the pre-facelift 3.0L (~230hp), so that would be the way to go.
 
sports_brah said:
Not going to stretch to a Z4M. Tax is 1800+ a year...

Oh and literally no one would insure me, I'm only in mid twenties. Insurance here is punitive.


What is so bad about the steering? Would appreciate any tips.
Click to expand...

It is completely numb. It was BMW's first go at an electric steering rack iirc and its terrible. It makes 0 sense in a sports car. If you can't stretch to a Z4M (which is understandable) go for a 350Z or look lower down the sports car spectrum for a more entertaining drive, S2000/mx5 etc.
 
Marvin said:
Having had two Z4s (a 2.5L pre-facelift roadster and a 3.0L coupe), I'd say the steering is actually fine - it's very accurate, and whilst there's very little if no feedback, you're sitting very low towards the back of a stiffly sprung FR car, if that doesn't provide plenty of feedback then your arse is numb. It's not as technically good as a Boxster, but many people have said it's more fun and feels more rear driven (weight distribution helps - the Boxster will be quicker). As you say, the engine issues in Boxsters are a bit scary, whereas, DISA valve aside (which can be easily modified to prevent it failing), the pre-facelift M54 is one of BMW's best engines ever, and the facelift N52 is not quite as strong (there have been scant reports of lifter issues requiring a new head from BMW to properly fix), but is otherwise an incredible engine. M54 is better for tuning if you're so inclined.

Either way, 3.0L is the way to go if the tax isn't too bad as it's the most powerful and is almost no more expensive to fuel than the 2.5L. If the tax is prohibitive on the 3.0L then 2.5L if you must (avoid the 2.2L). The 2.0L was the "interested in looks only" option and will feel and sound crap when compared with the sixes. It only has something like 140hp too which will be disappointing when compared with any of the Boxster options.

Edit: if you were to have to go 2.5L, the facelift 2.5Si (must be the "Si" - not the 2.5i) has basically the same power output as the pre-facelift 3.0L (~230hp), so that would be the way to go.
Click to expand...

Great write up, thanks! That doesn't sound too bad to me. Will see if I can get an insurance quote for a 2.5si. :)



hurfdurf said:
It is completely numb. It was BMW's first go at an electric steering rack iirc and its terrible. It makes 0 sense in a sports car. If you can't stretch to a Z4M (which is understandable) go for a 350Z or look lower down the sports car spectrum for a more entertaining drive, S2000/mx5 etc.
Click to expand...

350z seems more of a GT. and again comes in at a mad 1800+ euro tax. Seems like a nice car, but I don't think it would be special enough to justify it. Also, seeing as everyone avoids them because of the tax, could make working on it problematic...

I can't get a quote on a S2000. I would love one would be happy paying 1.5-2k for insurance if I could, have wanted one for years but alas no luck. Seems like the bar gets pushed up every year. :(
 
Anyone in Stoke/Staffordshire using any specific garages for maintenance? I obviously have Knights on my doorstep and I've been speaking to the owner of PJ BMW who seems alright albeit not all that cheap really. Interested to hear other recommendations within North Staffordshire/Shropshire/South Cheshire etc. I want to take mine to a trustworthy specialist who will check it top to bottom and advise as neccessary for works required :)
 
Not heard good reports about PJ BMW, they couldn't have been less helpful when I was enquiring about my recent power loss issues, I'd avoid them tbh!

On the other hand, I've used Hilderstone Garage in the past and they have been superb, whilst not BMW specialists, they've worked on both my e39's, my e38 and e36's.
 
Stormster said:
Anyone in Stoke/Staffordshire using any specific garages for maintenance? I obviously have Knights on my doorstep and I've been speaking to the owner of PJ BMW who seems alright albeit not all that cheap really. Interested to hear other recommendations within North Staffordshire/Shropshire/South Cheshire etc. I want to take mine to a trustworthy specialist who will check it top to bottom and advise as neccessary for works required :)
Click to expand...

If Sandbach isn't too far, try Hind Heath BMW specialists. I've used them a few times on non urgent stuff and they were great. Very thorough and knew there stuff too. This was a few years ago but sure they've not changed hands or anything since then.

I used PJ's once too and won't go back. You pay a lot for nothing special, there prices were way too close to knights to make it not worth it.
 
hurfdurf said:
It is completely numb. It was BMW's first go at an electric steering rack iirc and its terrible. It makes 0 sense in a sports car. If you can't stretch to a Z4M (which is understandable) go for a 350Z or look lower down the sports car spectrum for a more entertaining drive, S2000/mx5 etc.
Click to expand...

I was a bit worried about this before driving mine as it's all anyone seemed to moan about. However I've never even noticed it as an issue.
 
Need my airbag recall done on my e46 and I need them to have a look at some bubbling which is covered under their warranty.

has anyone dealt with a decent dealership in london I can go to without getting fobbed off regarding the anti-corrosion warranty?
 
Thanks for the garage recommendations, I have sent Hind Hill an email, I'll call if I don't get a response but they look good. PJ didn't really answer my question when I asked how much a full on checkover would cost and are trying to upsell me to an "inspection service" but it's just had oil, air, microfilter done anyway. So just want brake, coolant, gear fluids checked, suspension components and make sure my engine is not one of these timing chain dud's :)
 
AtZ_X6S-mnE-MDqPGI7irgHthNilyYJdKcKddV_JKh00.jpg


How do you guys like my new steering wheel cover? Think it looks mint.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom