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New Guy asking for help
Posted: Sat May 20, 2017 11:04 am
by Boris
Hi Guys,
This is my first post so please be gentle with me.
I am currently looking for a car for sunny days for my wife and I.
The car will probably only ever be used while the sun is shining we both have other cars as our daily car.
The good lady has taken a liking to he Z4, there is one in a local garage but its very rough so now looking a little wider afield.......I know nothing about the car hence this post.
It will probably be an older model we go for so I'm looking for some help with the history of the car from you experienced guys, lets say from the time it was launched I don't even know that.
What I mean is engine line up when this changed, ones to avoid, face lift models you know the stuff.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Nev
New Guy asking for help
Posted: Sat May 20, 2017 11:55 am
by paddy wright
The z4 was launched in 03 with 2.0, 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 engines- all but the 2.0 are the 6 cylinder M54 engine. The facelift came in 06 and this brought the N series of engines 2.0, 2.5, 2.5si and 3.0si. These are generally quicker cars but the engines have proved less leliable than the earlier cars (no major issues though). The facelift changed the shape of the front and rear bumpers as well as the rear lights along with a few other very minor changes. There was also the 3.2///M launched in 06. The e85 z4 ended production in 09. IMHO the pre-facelift is the better looking car. It as with all these things but on condition and history not age. Post any links to cars and I'm sure people will advise you accordingly on each one- also search out alanj's buyers guide on the forum. And lastly welcome and good luck with your search!
New Guy asking for help
Posted: Sat May 20, 2017 12:03 pm
by srhutch
paddy wright wrote: ↑Sat May 20, 2017 11:55 am
The z4 was launched in 03 with 2.0, 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 engines- all but the 2.0 are the 6 cylinder M54 engine. The facelift came in 06 and this brought the N series of engines 2.0, 2.5, 2.5si and 3.0si. These are generally quicker cars but the engines have proved less leliable than the earlier cars (no major issues though). The facelift changed the shape of the front and rear bumpers as well as the rear lights along with a few other very minor changes. There was also the 3.2///M launched in 06. The e85 z4 ended production in 09. IMHO the pre-facelift is the better looking car. It as with all these things but on condition and history not age. Post any links to cars and I'm sure people will advise you accordingly on each one- also search out alanj's buyers guide on the forum. And lastly welcome and good luck with your search!
Only thing I would add is the 2.0i seems to be the engine that causes the most issues. Normally with O2 sensors and can be hard to sort.
I would echo that the M54 6 cylinder is probably the most bullet proof engine out of the lot and eaiser to work on than the later N52 engines.
New Guy asking for help
Posted: Sat May 20, 2017 8:44 pm
by firebobby
Hi, where are you in the country, as you may be able to meet up with a local member, who could show you what these cars are like. There are sorted cars for sale on the forum, how much are you thinking of spending?
New Guy asking for help
Posted: Sun May 21, 2017 11:19 am
by Boris
Great stuff exactly what I was looking for thanks.
I have downloaded the buyers guide as well which is very helpful.
I have found a car for sale VERY close to me here in Durham, I've checked the history out online and its had a bit of work done most MOT's to get it through and its due a new one in June so that would be a must other than that it doesn't look too bad I may well go have a look later today if the guy is free,
its here
https://www.gumtree.com/p/bmw/2003-bmw- ... 1236845333
Can someone please tell me when the timing belt is due for change on this model?