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Looking to buy first Z4

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Ama79
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Looking to buy first Z4

Post by Ama79 » Sun May 21, 2017 7:08 pm

Hi all,

I'm currently driving a MR2 Roadster which although has been a dream its coming to the end of its life, I've always loved the look of the Z4. I have a budget of £5000 and hoping to buy a 2005 maybe 2006 I don't really want the standard spec, I do a lot of driving for work so only after the 2.0 for the MPG. Any help with what to look out for would be gratefully received. I know you can check a cars 10 year MOT history online which seems helpful but any advice would be great. Thanks guys. Amy :D

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philbo909
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Looking to buy first Z4

Post by philbo909 » Sun May 21, 2017 7:59 pm

having just made the swap from a 2 litre to a coupe I've noticed that mpg wise, the 2 litre gets 34 and the 3 litre gets 30. So it really isn't much of a difference as you're revving the tits off the 4 pot to get any power out. Also coming from an mr2 you might be disappointed with the 2L as it's slower. probably worth going pre-facelift and getting a 2.2 just to get the six cylinders
common problem on the z4 are the rear coils going, so worth checking that they've been replaced
Sapphire black z4 coupe 135,000miles young

firebobby
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Looking to buy first Z4

Post by firebobby » Sun May 21, 2017 8:12 pm

Welcome to the forum Amy, where are you based in the country, see if you can get a ride in a couple of Z4's, with different engines, then you will have a better idea of what you want.
Most issues with these cars are now catered for and you will get plenty of good advice here
BMW Z4 30i 2003 auto 107's Whippy Toledo Blue
Beige M sport seats, wood dash
Toyota MR2 NA 1995
Triumph GT6 1972 (project)
Land Rover Discovery 1994 TDI (Tow car)
Mini 1000 1981

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metal licker
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Looking to buy first Z4

Post by metal licker » Sun May 21, 2017 8:13 pm

Hi and welcome aboard :thumbsup:
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718 Guards Red Boxster .........Gone!
A35 AMG saloon .........Gone!
JCW ...........Gone !
E89 35i Msport VO ................Gone !
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Ama79
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Looking to buy first Z4

Post by Ama79 » Sun May 21, 2017 8:37 pm

Thanks all for the replies and the welcome. I'm based in Southend, Essex. Am hoping to test drive one next week. I was reluctant to go for the 2.2 as I thought it would drink my petrol, I average on 120 miles a week. I have enjoyed the MR2 Roadster but I do fancy some comfort which the Zed appears to have and they are lovely looking. Parts wise when they go wrong are they expensive? Thanks in advance.

firebobby
Lifer
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Looking to buy first Z4

Post by firebobby » Sun May 21, 2017 10:19 pm

I'm sure there are quite a few forum members around your neck of the woods
Depending on what model you go for, will depend on parts prices. There are some on here that say the 2.0 is not the best engine for reliability, I don't know anything about that engine, so can't comment.
The roof motor can and will die as it was placed in a stupid location, this can be revived and moved to the boot for not much money now. If you get a car which still has runflat tyres, most owners bin these and fit non runflats, it makes the car drive sooo much nicer.
BMW Z4 30i 2003 auto 107's Whippy Toledo Blue
Beige M sport seats, wood dash
Toyota MR2 NA 1995
Triumph GT6 1972 (project)
Land Rover Discovery 1994 TDI (Tow car)
Mini 1000 1981

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buzyg
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Looking to buy first Z4

Post by buzyg » Sun May 21, 2017 11:38 pm

Welcome to the forum. Definitely test drive a few different Zeds. :thumbsup:
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elevensies
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Looking to buy first Z4

Post by elevensies » Mon May 22, 2017 5:20 am

howdee

get a bigger engine as the mpg will be better due to no stresses through the rev range :thumbsup:
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kis
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Looking to buy first Z4

Post by kis » Mon May 22, 2017 8:17 pm

Welcome!

I generally do 100 in a day! But mpg will always be journey dependant. If you're looking at a pre facelift then I'd recommend the 2.2 2.5 or 3.0 that's the m54 engine which is all round regarded as a better engine than the m52 which is in the 2.0

Take a few test drives and build up a spec that you want. It's far easier to buy rather than retrofit. An example is heated seats.

Good luck with the search!
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG

BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
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