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hello from Berkshire

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2024 10:32 pm
by petrocelli
well I am about to take the plunge and get my first beemer after 60 years of driving.
Came very close to getting a 2002 back in the 70's but ended up putting the money towards a deposit on a house.
All things considered was probably a good move but have always regretted not having a 2002.
Now currently driving a Boxster as my 'Sunday afternoon' car but due to problems with my left knee need to swap to an automatic.
Thought about an automatic Cayman but decided it's time for a change so a Z4 coupe is the one.
Will keep you posted on how the search goes.
There are some rough ones out there thats for sure so don't expect to get one quickly.
Will keep you posted on progress

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2024 10:43 pm
by enuff_zed
petrocelli wrote: Fri Mar 29, 2024 10:32 pm after 60 years of driving.
Pull over and have a rest :rofl:


Sorry. Welcome aboard.

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2024 11:00 pm
by Mr Tidy
Hi and welcome to the forum from a serial Coupe owner just over the border in Surrey. :thumbsup:

The N52 engine in the 3.0Si Coupe is a great motor. I liked mine so much I've now got one in my 330i daily!

It looks like the UK only got 593 Automatic Coupes so good luck finding the right one. :thumbsup:

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2024 11:06 pm
by buzyg
Welcome from Cornwall. :thumbsup: Enjoy the forum and the hunt for your Z4. :)

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2024 11:25 pm
by petrocelli
Mr Tidy
only 593 !?
No wonder there are not many minters out there

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2024 11:40 pm
by Mr Tidy
petrocelli wrote: Fri Mar 29, 2024 11:25 pm Mr Tidy
only 593 !?
No wonder there are not many minters out there
That's based on a pretty detailed database a forum member compiled when free VIN checkers were still plentiful!

If you want to do some more detailed research (or just kill some time) here's a link to it:- http://perso.numericable.fr/tonyz4c/index30si.html

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2024 12:29 am
by MikeyH
Welcome to the forum, enjoy your search :thumbsup:

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2024 9:48 am
by paddy wright
:thumbsup: Welcome along- good luck with your search. Post any perspective cars in here for advice.

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2024 10:21 am
by 1536Z4
I have an auto coupe and love driving it . Good luck with your search :thumbsup:

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:15 pm
by petrocelli
Thanks for all the good wishes.
The coop will not be a daily driver and I have read (somewhere) the hydraulic valve lifters can drain out when car not used much.
Any truth in this ?
Apologies to moderator if I should have posted this question in another section

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2024 6:45 pm
by Zedebee
petrocelli wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2024 2:15 pm Thanks for all the good wishes.
The coop will not be a daily driver and I have read (somewhere) the hydraulic valve lifters can drain out when car not used much.
Any truth in this ?
Apologies to moderator if I should have posted this question in another section
Yes but it’s not a massive issue. You just get ticking lifters, which sorts itself out when you go for a decent drive.

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2024 7:10 pm
by petrocelli
Thanks .As far as I can see the 3 L engine in the coupe seems to be quite a reliable one .
I am not a fan of modern engines having cut my teeth on MGB,TR4,Ford Anglia and Ford Zodiac 6 cylinder stuff which all ran beautifully.
We now seem to be driving computers on 4 wheels.
Se la vie and thanks again

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2024 10:16 pm
by Mr Tidy
The N52 engine easily copes with 6 figure mileages, it's usually ancillary parts that don't!

All 4 of my N52s had the ticking lifters if they sat for more than a couple of days, but as someone already said it soon stops when you use the car and doesn't seem to do any damage - it's just a bit annoying. My current 330i is close to 125K miles now and still performs brilliantly.

Given their age now oil leaks from the cam-cover and oil filter housing gaskets are fairly common and electric water pumps do just die at some point causing overheating in less than a mile. Apart from the inconvenience new Pierburg pumps cost about £250 so long as you don't buy from BMW as they charge over £500 for them. :o

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2024 7:45 am
by firebobby
Welcome from an auto, roadster owner. Where about are you in Berks.
Hopefully see you at some meetings

hello from Berkshire

Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2024 10:00 am
by petrocelli
I am in Twyford.
Where is the inf on the meetings ?
I cannot remember the last time I saw a GT6 on the road.Good luck with it.