Z4 buying advice

IvanDobskey

IvanDobskey

IvanDobskey

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I've finally given up on Mazda sorting out my RX8's engine issues after being fobbed off once again so it's time to trade it in. Decided on getting a Z4 roadster. Seen one I may go and have a look at. It's a 2.5L 03 plate with 69k on the clock for 8k. What should I be looking out for? Is 69k too many miles?
 
69k is fine on one of these overall condition is far more important if it looks shabby just walk away

it's worth streching to the 3.0 as it will cost the same to run as the 2.5 but offers a nice performance upgrade
 
Is 69k too many miles?
Nope, fine for the engine and quality of the car. Still good examples around with higher mileage.

What should I be looking out for?
Roof motor: test the roof, make sure it opens/closes nice and fast.. about 7-10 seconds is the norm I think.
Corrosion on the alloys
Rear central brake light cracked
Air con working..... :(
The usual second hand car stuff..
 
69k is just below average

I know nothing about BMW's but seems a generic response is "might as well get a 3.0 the running costs are the same or something something"

I'm sure the BMW heads will be along soon
 
The 2.5's tend to be a useful amount cheaper than the 3.0's in Z4 form, though, but the spec isn't as good as hardly any of them are fitted with extras like the nice wheels or the bodykit, so can look a bit plain.

Performance is still a very respectable 6.something seconds to 60.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. Would indeed like the 3.0 litre but they seem a little rarer and more expensive. I'm guessing higher tax bracket and more expensive servicing costs too.
 
Yeh, I do like the S2K if that's what you're angling at :D But I guess I have my heart set on the Z4 at the moment :p
Think i'm going to have problems offloading the RX8 though, Just had one guy tell me he won't take them as part ex as the engines are junk :(
 
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Found an 03 plate 2.5 litre in supposedly pristine condition with 58k on the clock. I've spoken to the dealer and they actually will take my rx8 off me in part ex! Only problem is they are only offering me 4k and want 9k for the z4. Seems a bit much I think? Plus points are that it's in the colour I want and has the wheels I want too.
 
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It's entirely up to you. We can't judge on the convenience of trading in your car, nor the desire for the right colour/alloys combo.

How much are they worth to you?
 
Hmm, think i'll have to go and have a look and find out if it really is in pristine condition. Hour and three quarter drive though.
I'm guessing this Mr Fox character is the resident BMW expert then?
 
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IvanDobskey said:
Hmm, think i'll have to go and have a look and find out if it really is in pristine condition. Hour and three quarter drive though.
I'm guessing this Mr Fox character is the resident BMW expert then?
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Nah, if you ask him he'd rather have a Golf - massive VAG fan boy :rolleyes:
 
IvanDobskey said:
Hmm, think i'll have to go and have a look and find out if it really is in pristine condition. Hour and three quarter drive though.
I'm guessing this Mr Fox character is the resident BMW expert then?
Click to expand...

The right car is well worth a long drive to look at, that said, be prepared to make a few trips.

Golden rule re BM's and indeed most cars, buy on condition not age / miles.

As for Fox, you could well describe him as such. :)
 
[TW]Fox;17096782 said:
I'm no expert, but I am slightly obsessed with BMW's.
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Put it this way, you seem to know a lot more than many so called experts found in the Motoring press for example, obsessed ? Certainly! :D
 
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