ROAD TAX

[MUDMAN]

Hi, new here, thinking of a z4m, probably a roadster, can anyone confirm the road tax, and I've seen mentioned 'the cheaper tax' model, what year /model would this be. Looking for a wkend sports car and this has reached my shortlist. Any info regarding running costs would be a help,from insurance to servicing . i probably like many didn't realise an M Z4 was available, let alone with the lovely 3.2 .Thanks in advance.

[Mr Tidy]

Sorry OP, but I think it is bad news on the RFL front.

Band L and M cars paid the same rate as Band K if they were registered before 23 March 2006, but Z4M production reportedly began in "late 2006" so with both being in Band M for emissions it is looking like £515 a year for RFL - mind you that may be an insignificant cost compared with the M-Tax on consumables!

If you want RFL of £295 you need to go for a 3.0Si Z4, or an E46 M3 registered before 23 March 2006 if you have to have the S54 engine! (Just watch out for the boot-floor cracking issues if you go for an E46 M3).

FWIW the facelift Z4 3.0Si models are quoted as having 265bhp compared with M models having 338bhp.

Good luck anyway.

[LostBoy_84]

There's only around 500 of each, roadster/coupe UK cars and a very minute amount that are in the lower tax band, would've been very early cars.

The high tax is an extra running cost but quite minor in regard to other maintenance costs.

[srhutch]

As above, there are very few lower VED applicable ///M's available. If it's a fair weather car you could SORN over winter to reduce the overhead. I do this and say around £160 off the £515 or whatever it is now.

[buzyg]

Agree with the above. I have only ever heard of one Z4///M in the lower tax bracket, so very rare. Running costs will depend on the mileage you do. Typical low 20's mpg more on a steady run best around 33. Hard driven single figures. Brakes disks and pads £800 front. Less for the rears. Oil is also pricey compared to the 3ltr models? The good news. The vast majority are very reliable. Watch out for rear springs and tired roof motors. The later has been moved to he boot by many. An excellent mod. Have fun searching.

[srhutch]

Agree with the above. I have only ever heard of one Z4///M in the lower tax bracket, so very rare. Running costs will depend on the mileage you do. Typical low 20's mpg more on a steady run best around 33. Hard driven single figures. Brakes disks and pads £800 front. Less for the rears. Oil is also pricey compared to the 3ltr models? The good news. The vast majority are very reliable. Watch out for rear springs and tired roof motors. The later has been moved to he boot by many. An excellent mod. Have fun searching.

If you are happy doing brakes yourself then the fronts can be done for under 500 easily via ecp.

Is oil more expensive? Seems to be cheaper from what I can see. Main stealer is £199 for oil change service in either 3.0 or the ///M.

[MUDMAN]

Ok, so thats blown the road tax. It would only be a weekender, so whats insurance like?

[Darren Slone]

Ok, so thats blown the road tax. It would only be a weekender, so whats insurance like?

Many variations here, age, where you live etc that said I pay £235 for 5000 miles per year with Admiral on a multi are policy

[LostBoy_84]

Insurance is generally low from what I've seen people post.
Production numbers are low which generally means a lower claim ratio on the M's.
Insurance company's love to price on statistics.

[buzyg]

Ok, so thats blown the road tax. It would only be a weekender, so whats insurance like?

Many variations here, age, where you live etc that said I pay £235 for 5000 miles per year with Admiral on a multi are policy

Best jump on line and get quotes. £ 240 for me an old git living in Cornwall on 8000 miles per year, Admiral multi Car. The insurance company will probably insist on a tracker too, so budget for that.

[LostBoy_84]

Ok, so thats blown the road tax. It would only be a weekender, so whats insurance like?

Many variations here, age, where you live etc that said I pay £235 for 5000 miles per year with Admiral on a multi are policy

Best jump on line and get quotes. £ 240 for me an old git living in Cornwall on 8000 miles per year, Admiral multi Car. The insurance company will probably insist on a tracker too, so budget for that.

I've never had any insurance company mention a tracker?

[MUDMAN]

Whats running costs, compared to other performance cars, I had been eying a Cayman. Are they still depreciating or bottomed out yet, Im not looking for an investment, but I don't want to lose a load either, its bad enough with the daily transport.

[LostBoy_84]

I guess running costs will be pretty similar but I imagine servicing at a Porsche dealership would be slightly more expensive.
Prices bottomed out around 2012/2013 from what I've seen but I would say they are sensitive to mileage, correct servicing. As they get older I think the affect of this will reduce somewhat.

[Fishy Dave]

Ok, so thats blown the road tax. It would only be a weekender, so whats insurance like?

As mentioned above, there are a few Roadsters around that are very early 06 plates that just squeaked in before the tax change. I nearly bought one (black) and the dealer didn't know it was the cheaper tax date (pre 23rd March 2006). Type the reg. no. of a roadster you are looking for here: https://www.bmw-warranty.co.uk/BMW/Login/Index and it will bring up the exact date of registration.

This one says it was registered on exactly the 23rd? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-BMW-Z4M- ... Sw5cNYgyrm

I've checked all the other 06 plates on PH, Autotrader and Ebay and whilst some are very close none are in the lower bracket (having a nice quiet Saturday in the warm!). A member on here has recently posted he will be selling his Red M Roadster in the spring which is lower tax if that helps.

[VRSteve]

I have it on good authority that all the dealer demo cars were red.
That would put me off buying an early red roadster!