New member here from the Seattle area.
When I was married 13 years ago, we rented a Z4 convertible for the weekend.
I've never forgotten about that car and I can see myself getting to a point financially that I could buy one in the next couple of years. I would only consider buying the coupe with a manual transmission (E86). I am here to research the car to see if they are as great as I remember and to learn if there are any common problems I need to be aware of.
Thanks,
Larry
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DPG
- Lifer
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Welcome Larry
The E86 is a great car. Good luck in your search
The E86 is a great car. Good luck in your search
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metal licker
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Welcome aboard 
718 4.0 GTS Boxster in YELLOW 
718 Guards Red Boxster .........Gone!
A35 AMG saloon .........Gone!
JCW ...........Gone !
E89 35i Msport VO ................Gone !
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Hello to Jason Isaacs
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buzyg
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DMC63
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Welcome! Nothing better than research and forward planning
BMW Z4 2003 2.5i and lots of bits and pieces - 2016 - 2020 Sold
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firebobby
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Welcome to the Forum
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
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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Mr Tidy
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Hi and welcome to the forum OP.
They really are great - I'm on my second one now!
The one you rented 13 years ago would have been a pre-facelift model with the M54 engine, but E86s all have the newer N52 engine so you get a bit more power.
Here is a buying guide; although it does include a few things specific to the UK (like MOT history) it should be helpful:-
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281
The N52 engines seem to cope OK with high mileages, but don't have a dipstick - you check oil level with a button on the dash! They also have an electric water pump which has a tendency to fail at the sort of age they are all reaching now! (The part is £500 from BMW, but can be sourced cheaper from other places).
Coupes sometimes suffer from rust on the bottom of the tailgate, so check for that.
Z4s can be prone to tramlining - a refresh of suspension bushes and an alignment help no end, although many on here also recommend ditching the run-flat tyres as well.
Not sure about US models, but here in the UK the standard spec was pretty basic so if you must have Xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, heated seats, multi-function steering wheel and cruise control you may have to wait a while to find one with the options you want.
Oh, and look for a Sport model - the standard seats in an SE have no place in a sporting car!
Anyway, good luck with your search and let us have some photos when you find one.
They really are great - I'm on my second one now!
The one you rented 13 years ago would have been a pre-facelift model with the M54 engine, but E86s all have the newer N52 engine so you get a bit more power.
Here is a buying guide; although it does include a few things specific to the UK (like MOT history) it should be helpful:-
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21281
The N52 engines seem to cope OK with high mileages, but don't have a dipstick - you check oil level with a button on the dash! They also have an electric water pump which has a tendency to fail at the sort of age they are all reaching now! (The part is £500 from BMW, but can be sourced cheaper from other places).
Coupes sometimes suffer from rust on the bottom of the tailgate, so check for that.
Z4s can be prone to tramlining - a refresh of suspension bushes and an alignment help no end, although many on here also recommend ditching the run-flat tyres as well.
Not sure about US models, but here in the UK the standard spec was pretty basic so if you must have Xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, heated seats, multi-function steering wheel and cruise control you may have to wait a while to find one with the options you want.
Oh, and look for a Sport model - the standard seats in an SE have no place in a sporting car!
Anyway, good luck with your search and let us have some photos when you find one.
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black