Future Z4 owner?

cookie munsta · 09-10-2013, 09:49 PM

Hey z4 owners!
Im in the market for a new vehicle

and i keep going back and forth between an e46 330 and a Z4 convertible. I need a lot of info on the Z4's as i know nothing on them. Im coming from an e90 N52 if that helps. I did some reading on them but i rather have some input from some real experience Z4 drivers.
My concerns are: Z4, Z4 roadster, or Z4M?, what year of production is better? what are the must have options? How do they handle in the rain and snow? hows the gas mileage? Which car will i get the most hp out off after modding? how reliable are they? hows the maintenance?
Looking at older Z4's from 03-06/7. My budget is less than $15k. Thanks guys!

StickMon · 09-10-2013, 11:32 PM

An ///M will probably put you off your budget, unless you get a "fixer-upper".
Check the classifieds.

Here's some fun things to do to a 3.0i.

WAMz4 · 09-11-2013, 12:35 AM

For less than 15k an M will be hard to find.

I've never had any handling problems in the rain, just remember the tires are wide so hydroplaning is an issue at highway speeds, but that's an issue for almost any small car nowadays.

As for snow? I live in Denver and can tell you with first hand experience, Snow and Z4's do not mix. Even with traction control and snow tires (and they do make them) the most snow you can handle is a groomed, flat snow packed road. Its just too light and has too much power to handle hills and ruts, even at minimal grades. And of course there's the clearance, its useless in 3 or more inches of tire ruts and snow. Trust me, people will look at you like "Whats that guy doing with that car in this weather?"

If you live in a northern area where snow does not melt in a day or two. Dont get this as a daily driver. IMHO.

imom · 09-11-2013, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cookie munsta

Hey z4 owners!
Im in the market for a new vehicle

and i keep going back and forth between an e46 330 and a Z4 convertible. I need a lot of info on the Z4's as i know nothing on them. Im coming from an e90 N52 if that helps. I did some reading on them but i rather have some input from some real experience Z4 drivers.
My concerns are: Z4, Z4 roadster, or Z4M?, what year of production is better? what are the must have options? How do they handle in the rain and snow? hows the gas mileage? Which car will i get the most hp out off after modding? how reliable are they? hows the maintenance?
Looking at older Z4's from 03-06/7. My budget is less than $15k. Thanks guys!

Given your budget...I recommend you stay away from the M. About every 15 to 30K valve adjustment... much higher maintenance (brake parts are $1200) and SI to me was more reliable and better daily driver. Personally unless you like the top down a lot... go with the coupe...it's more rare and stiffer frame. I had leased 07 SI and didn't have any problems.

Huz-Z · 09-11-2013, 06:32 AM

The additional frame stiffness of the coupe is, I understand, very advantageous on the track. But if you are not tracking the car, the choice between coupe and roadster comes down to which car looks the best to your eye and whether you want a convertible.

From a daily driving perspective, an SI with sport package will feel every bit as gutsy as an M, maybe more so. But at the higher RPMs, the M will pull away. The SI is better on gas too for daily driving.

If you are driving where it will be very hot, try to get a late 2006 or later build car. The earlier SI cars can exhibit a problem with sticky steering in hot weather - that was corrected on cars built after late June 2006 I believe. Z4Ms have a different steering assembly and do not have that issue.

cookie munsta · 09-11-2013, 10:09 PM

Thanks for the info guys! im still hunting for one but i might just settle for a Z4 3.0 roadster. What do you guys think about an 04 Z4 3.0 roadster with 80-100k miles for about $13k? how much of a difference is it from an 04 z4 2.5 roadster? which one would you prefer?

Huz-Z · 09-12-2013, 06:34 AM

There is nothing at all wrong with the 189 hp 2.5i, and a nicely optioned one in good shape could easily be a fine car. Many folks here have them and love them. Typically though, the 3.0i version came with a more extensive list of options and 18 inch rims (I LOVE the ellipsoid rim). And if you like to "give 'er" every now and then, you will certainly enjoy the extra guts of the 225 HP in the 3.0i.

Hamsta · 09-12-2013, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imom

Given your budget...I recommend you stay away from the M. About every 15 to 30K valve adjustment... much higher maintenance (brake parts are $1200) and SI to me was more reliable and better daily driver

Ta / am also looking for a z4, and while the M sounds more fun, it does sound from the threads that it can be prone to bigger engine issues.

boehm330 · 09-12-2013, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamsta

Ta / am also looking for a z4, and while the M sounds more fun, it does sound from the threads that it can be prone to bigger engine issues.

I wouldn't say bigger engine issues... but when the issues do occur they're more costly.

If your looking at keeping it under 15K, I'd get a 330Ci. I've had mine for 7 years now, 154K and still running like a champ! Plus, I get 4-6 MPG better than my M coupe.

You can get a good 330Ci under 10K, leaving you room in the budget for some of those mods your talking about.

We threw a AA supercharger on my friends 330i ZHP and that thing screamed!

GriffBrew · 09-12-2013, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

There is nothing at all wrong with the 189 hp 2.5i, and a nicely optioned one in good shape could easily be a fine car. Many folks here have them and love them. Typically though, the 3.0i version came with a more extensive list of options and 18 inch rims (I LOVE the ellipsoid rim). And if you like to "give 'er" every now and then, you will certainly enjoy the extra guts of the 225 HP in the 3.0i.

Keep in mind the 03-05 3.0i became the 06-08 3.0si. The 2.5i became the 3.0i for the later years.

OP, where are you located? How often would you see snow vs convertible weather? Those should help you decide between coupe and convertible. I also think a 330 would be as bad in adverse weather, unless you had all wheel drive.

The si is a very quick car. I assume the older 3.0i is too.

Huz-Z · 09-12-2013, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GriffBrew

Keep in mind the 03-05 3.0i became the 06-08 3.0si. The 2.5i became the 3.0i for the later years.

OP, where are you located? How often would you see snow vs convertible weather? Those should help you decide between coupe and convertible. I also think a 330 would be as bad in adverse weather, unless you had all wheel drive.

The si is a very quick car. I assume the older 3.0i is too.

Very true!

The 2003 to 2005 2.5i and 3.0i had 189 and 225 hp respectively but the later 3.0 I and 3.0 SI had 215 and 255 hp respectively. of note, the later cars had the N52 engine which is lighter than the earlier cars, so the steering should be a bit more nimble. Just the same, nice cars all.

KL2DC · 09-13-2013, 08:28 AM

I was in the same boat as you coincidentally. My other car is an N52 E90 LCI (my second N52 E90). I looked at several E85s and E46 cabs but settled on an LCI '06 E85 3.0 roadster. At $15k, I think it'd be wise to just ante up a little bit more to get an N52 engined LCI E85 roadster (most likely a 3.0i) with decent miles. From what I gathered, the LCI models have less inherent and potential running problems (compare to the M54) and that N52 mill (with proper scheduled maintenance) is quite rock solid.

Take your time and look. I finally found a clean local private E85 Z4 3.0 roadster a few months ago, with 48k miles on the clock for under $17k. Car was well equipped and even had the navi option (questionable value). My only disappointment was that it was a step but hey at least the wife can drive the car so...

In the first few months of ownership I spent about $1.5k just to catch up on some TLC (pads/rotors/oil change/tires/bearings) but otherwise it has been trouble free motoring. But as always YMMV. GL with your search.

Huz-Z · 09-13-2013, 09:20 AM

Here is a nice review of the N52 equipped 3.0si:

http://www.auto123.com/en/bmw/z4/200...00&artid=90628

cookie munsta · 09-13-2013, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KL2DC

I was in the same boat as you coincidentally. My other car is an N52 E90 LCI (my second N52 E90). I looked at several E85s and E46 cabs but settled on an LCI '06 E85 3.0 roadster. At $15k, I think it'd be wise to just ante up a little bit more to get an N52 engined LCI E85 roadster (most likely a 3.0i) with decent miles. From what I gathered, the LCI models have less inherent and potential running problems (compare to the M54) and that N52 mill (with proper scheduled maintenance) is quite rock solid.

Take your time and look. I finally found a clean local private E85 Z4 3.0 roadster a few months ago, with 48k miles on the clock for under $17k. Car was well equipped and even had the navi option (questionable value). My only disappointment was that it was a step but hey at least the wife can drive the car so...

In the first few months of ownership I spent about $1.5k just to catch up on some TLC (pads/rotors/oil change/tires/bearings) but otherwise it has been trouble free motoring. But as always YMMV. GL with your search.

Thanks for your response! actually i don't even know what i want lol i keep going back and forth between BMW's there are days where i even consider getting an older car for $5k and then buy something nice when the car finds me lol

cookie munsta · 09-13-2013, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

Here is a nice review of the N52 equipped 3.0si:

http://www.auto123.com/en/bmw/z4/200...00&artid=90628

Review was decent, thanks. Maybe you're right, i should get an 07 or newer models.

Jstic · 09-14-2013, 10:03 AM

There's a 2003 Z4 convertible in E. Setauket NY with 12,000 miles on it for sale by owner. Asking price is $14,800. This is not my car and I know nothing about it.

cookie munsta · 09-15-2013, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jstic

There's a 2003 Z4 convertible in E. Setauket NY with 12,000 miles on it for sale by owner. Asking price is $14,800. This is not my car and I know nothing about it.

seems to good to be true. Got a link?

Jstic · 09-17-2013, 10:03 AM

http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/4058241075.html

cookie munsta · 09-17-2013, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jstic

http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/4058241075.html

too bad it has beige interior

Jstic · 09-18-2013, 09:26 AM

If you've never owned a convertible with a black interior, you will be surprised at how hot the black will get after driving for an hour or so on a clear, hot sunny day. We had a Miata with black leather a few years ago and my wife had to put towels on the interior just to drive in the hot summer months. I'll never buy another ragtop with a black interior. Good luck with your search.

09-10-2013, 09:49 PM	#1
cookie munsta Private First Class 5 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 07 E90 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Future Z4 owner? Hey z4 owners! Im in the market for a new vehicle and i keep going back and forth between an e46 330 and a Z4 convertible. I need a lot of info on the Z4's as i know nothing on them. Im coming from an e90 N52 if that helps. I did some reading on them but i rather have some input from some real experience Z4 drivers. My concerns are: Z4, Z4 roadster, or Z4M?, what year of production is better? what are the must have options? How do they handle in the rain and snow? hows the gas mileage? Which car will i get the most hp out off after modding? how reliable are they? hows the maintenance? Looking at older Z4's from 03-06/7. My budget is less than $15k. Thanks guys!
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09-10-2013, 11:32 PM	#2
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	An ///M will probably put you off your budget, unless you get a "fixer-upper". Check the classifieds. Here's some fun things to do to a 3.0i. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
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09-11-2013, 12:35 AM	#3
WAMz4 First Lieutenant 45 Rep 384 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0si Roady Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Denver CO iTrader: (0)	For less than 15k an M will be hard to find. I've never had any handling problems in the rain, just remember the tires are wide so hydroplaning is an issue at highway speeds, but that's an issue for almost any small car nowadays. As for snow? I live in Denver and can tell you with first hand experience, Snow and Z4's do not mix. Even with traction control and snow tires (and they do make them) the most snow you can handle is a groomed, flat snow packed road. Its just too light and has too much power to handle hills and ruts, even at minimal grades. And of course there's the clearance, its useless in 3 or more inches of tire ruts and snow. Trust me, people will look at you like "Whats that guy doing with that car in this weather?" If you live in a northern area where snow does not melt in a day or two. Dont get this as a daily driver. IMHO. __________________ The Internet said it. I believe it. That settles it! Last edited by WAMz4; 09-11-2013 at 12:41 AM..
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09-11-2013, 06:32 AM	#5
Huz-Z Brigadier General 851 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	The additional frame stiffness of the coupe is, I understand, very advantageous on the track. But if you are not tracking the car, the choice between coupe and roadster comes down to which car looks the best to your eye and whether you want a convertible. From a daily driving perspective, an SI with sport package will feel every bit as gutsy as an M, maybe more so. But at the higher RPMs, the M will pull away. The SI is better on gas too for daily driving. If you are driving where it will be very hot, try to get a late 2006 or later build car. The earlier SI cars can exhibit a problem with sticky steering in hot weather - that was corrected on cars built after late June 2006 I believe. Z4Ms have a different steering assembly and do not have that issue. __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
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09-11-2013, 10:09 PM	#6
cookie munsta Private First Class 5 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 07 E90 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info guys! im still hunting for one but i might just settle for a Z4 3.0 roadster. What do you guys think about an 04 Z4 3.0 roadster with 80-100k miles for about $13k? how much of a difference is it from an 04 z4 2.5 roadster? which one would you prefer?
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09-12-2013, 06:34 AM	#7
Huz-Z Brigadier General 851 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	There is nothing at all wrong with the 189 hp 2.5i, and a nicely optioned one in good shape could easily be a fine car. Many folks here have them and love them. Typically though, the 3.0i version came with a more extensive list of options and 18 inch rims (I LOVE the ellipsoid rim). And if you like to "give 'er" every now and then, you will certainly enjoy the extra guts of the 225 HP in the 3.0i. __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
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09-13-2013, 08:28 AM	#12
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	I was in the same boat as you coincidentally. My other car is an N52 E90 LCI (my second N52 E90). I looked at several E85s and E46 cabs but settled on an LCI '06 E85 3.0 roadster. At $15k, I think it'd be wise to just ante up a little bit more to get an N52 engined LCI E85 roadster (most likely a 3.0i) with decent miles. From what I gathered, the LCI models have less inherent and potential running problems (compare to the M54) and that N52 mill (with proper scheduled maintenance) is quite rock solid. Take your time and look. I finally found a clean local private E85 Z4 3.0 roadster a few months ago, with 48k miles on the clock for under $17k. Car was well equipped and even had the navi option (questionable value). My only disappointment was that it was a step but hey at least the wife can drive the car so... In the first few months of ownership I spent about $1.5k just to catch up on some TLC (pads/rotors/oil change/tires/bearings) but otherwise it has been trouble free motoring. But as always YMMV. GL with your search. __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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09-13-2013, 09:20 AM	#13
Huz-Z Brigadier General 851 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Here is a nice review of the N52 equipped 3.0si: http://www.auto123.com/en/bmw/z4/200...00&artid=90628 __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
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09-14-2013, 10:03 AM	#16
Jstic Private First Class 5 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 06 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	There's a 2003 Z4 convertible in E. Setauket NY with 12,000 miles on it for sale by owner. Asking price is $14,800. This is not my car and I know nothing about it.
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09-17-2013, 10:03 AM	#18
Jstic Private First Class 5 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 06 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/4058241075.html
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09-18-2013, 09:26 AM	#20
Jstic Private First Class 5 Rep 135 Posts Drives: 06 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	If you've never owned a convertible with a black interior, you will be surprised at how hot the black will get after driving for an hour or so on a clear, hot sunny day. We had a Miata with black leather a few years ago and my wife had to put towels on the interior just to drive in the hot summer months. I'll never buy another ragtop with a black interior. Good luck with your search.
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