Z4 experts required please.

[Grumps]

A very good friend of mine has had a Z4 drop into his lap through work. He's really keen on buying it although it is a total of the cuff thing. It's a 53 3.0se manual done 89k with a massive service history.
It appears to have good extras by way of satnav, Harmon karden, areo kit and m sport alloys tho I haven't seen a pic yet.
He has asked what he needs to be checking for before taking the plunge. I have said about the roof pump getting water in but I don't no know much else about the Z4 so I'm asking my forum buddy's for any assistance to pass back. @t-tony @GazHyde @Lee and anyone else in the know.
Thanks guys.

 

[GazHyde]

Roof motor & roof drains worth checking. Springs if they haven't already been changed, will likely snap (£150 for a set of replacement Eibach Pros). Suspension bushes. It will be the same M54 3.0 as the Z3, so pretty bullet proof, check the air intake hoses and the coolant system hoses too.

Just the usual you would expect with a car that age...

They didn't do a HK system, if it's the upgraded one it's a Carver system. Had it in my first Zed and it's pretty damned good too! The sat nav is an expensive potato even with the updated maps. Will obviously know more when you know more, so more details when you know

 

[Grumps]

Roof motor & roof drains worth checking. Springs if they haven't already been changed, will likely snap (£150 for a set of replacement Eibach Pros). Suspension bushes. It will be the same M54 3.0 as the Z3, so pretty bullet proof, check the air intake hoses and the coolant system hoses too.

Just the usual you would expect with a car that age...

They didn't do a HK system, if it's the upgraded one it's a Carver system. Had it in my first Zed and it's pretty damned good too! The sat nav is an expensive potato even with the updated maps. Will obviously know more when you know more, so more details when you know

Arghh he did say he couldn't see the a name for the stereo but i assumed i would be, he was told it had an additional amp? Says it sounds very nice. I'll Pass the info on Gaz thanks.

 

[GazHyde]

Yeah, it has a Carver DSP (digital sound processor) in the boot, sits in the battery box. Good news if it's working because they are bloody expensive if the battery box fills with water...

 

[t-tony]

Rear springs may be an issue, may have been done, never had a front BMW Spring break at work. They could be ready, again depends on how the 89,000 miles have been accumulated. If mainly motorway miles then the suspension isn't worked as hard as on local A and B roads. Rubber components, suspension and under bonnet need some extra inspection but if there's a decent service history, especially dealer stamps I wouldn't be too worried. A good long test drive a good idea and pay particular attention to any stiffness in the steering as some early models had an issue with the electric power steering system, but by no means all.
Check for good clutch operation and any slippage, brake judder and steering pulling either way.. Check for water ingress in the cabin (wet carpets) and in the boot. On road test listen for any water sloshing about in the side panels and sills.

Tony

ps. If I think of anything else I'll come back to this.

 

[Grumps]

Rear springs may be an issue, may have been done, never had a front BMW Spring break at work. They could be ready, again depends on how the 89,000 miles have been accumulated. If mainly motorway miles then the suspension isn't worked as hard as on local A and B roads. Rubber components, suspension and under bonnet need some extra inspection but if there's a decent service history, especially dealer stamps I wouldn't be too worried. A good long test drive a good idea and pay particular attention to any stiffness in the steering as some early models had an issue with the electric power steering system, but by no means all.
Check for good clutch operation and any slippage, brake judder and steering pulling either way.. Check for water ingress in the cabin (wet carpets) and in the boot. On road test listen for any water sloshing about in the side panels and sills.

Tony

ps. If I think of anything else I'll come back to this.

Coor blimey! Thanks Tony!

 

[Grumps]

OK he's just sent me a pic. It looks scarily like somebodys car not so far away. Spoiler and all!

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Your friends name isn't 'Dave' is it Dave!

 

[ppavuk]

I've bought 2004reg m54b25 car last april. Pretty neglected, 4 owners, part service history, 86k miles. Pretty bulletproof car. What I've done is a brakes overhaul (new disks and pads) and two pressure sensors on master brake cylinder failed. And a wire broke in softtop loom. Apart of these - no faults whatsoever. Suspension maybe a bit tired, but still good, no nasty sounds, m54 engine is damn bulletproof! Mine not ever consuming any oil! Ah, alternator bearing little noisy, need to address. So about £250-300 on fixes for half a year and 10k miles. Not that bad!

of course there is a place for improvements, and here i think about grand gone so far. But these wasn't crucial, it was more about making it bettet rather fixing.

 

[ppavuk]

but imho if you looking for daily runner - be prepared to spend a lot at any given moment. You never know with such an old car.

but, pleasure to drive! I like e85 more than e89. Thought upgrading to e89, but decided if ever upgrade to get descent low mileage e85 instead, regardless of costs.

 

[Grumps]

Your friends name isn't 'Dave' is it Dave!

Nope it's Andy!

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Nope it's Andy!

And my name is Eddie!

 

[Grumps]

And my name is Eddie!

You have a point but sadly not!

 

[Grumps]

The car in question. Think they are normal alloys, sure someone will let me know

 

[GazHyde]

The wheels are standard Z4 - style 103 usually called "Daisy Wheels" (cos they look a bit like a daisy!)

 

[Redline]

but imho if you looking for daily runner - be prepared to spend a lot at any given moment. You never know with such an old car.

but, pleasure to drive! I like e85 more than e89. Thought upgrading to e89, but decided if ever upgrade to get descent low mileage e85 instead, regardless of costs.

Fortunate between the two of us we have both. The E89 is a daily use car doing a 50 mile round trip down unlit country roads - for that it has to cope with everything - bad weather, darkness for much of the year etc. It has to be safe and reliable. I wouldn't use the E85 for that without run flats and HIDs neither of which it has.

The E85 is great as a soft-top sports car especially for summer and fine weather use. The E89 is a much more accomplished all round all year car - it is much quieter with the roof up and feels much more civilised in foul weather. The toys and switchgear are far better. I thought about hanging on to find an E85 with satnav but am pleased I didn't. It is very dated and limited.
Ok - the E89 is heavier and slower, but is still no slouch although, being only a 2.0 there are many diesels around that are as quick - but, they don't have that button that puts the roof down (albeit slower than the soft top to operate).

If your looking for an out and out sports car, then the E85. I do love the shape of the E89 - it grows on you, especially when you see it from 20-40 yards away. It has lovely flowing curves reminiscent of the E-type. The lines on the E85 are a lot harsher.
If I had to have just one as a daily use it would be the E89 (but a 35 not a 20). As a fun car it has to be my 3.0si E85.
Pays your money - takes your choice.

 

[Redline]

The car in question. Think they are normal alloys, sure someone will let me know
View attachment 42737
View attachment 42738

That looks a nice car - it's the spoiler
Well worth serious consideration.

 

[Grumps]

Think it's done deal Ian. To cheap to turn down.

 

[ppavuk]

Fortunate between the two of us we have both. The E89 is a daily use car doing a 50 mile round trip down unlit country roads - for that it has to cope with everything - bad weather, darkness for much of the year etc. It has to be safe and reliable. I wouldn't use the E85 for that without run flats and HIDs neither of which it has.

The E85 is great as a soft-top sports car especially for summer and fine weather use. The E89 is a much more accomplished all round all year car - it is much quieter with the roof up and feels much more civilised in foul weather. The toys and switchgear are far better. I thought about hanging on to find an E85 with satnav but am pleased I didn't. It is very dated and limited.
Ok - the E89 is heavier and slower, but is still no slouch although, being only a 2.0 there are many diesels around that are as quick - but, they don't have that button that puts the roof down (albeit slower than the soft top to operate).

If your looking for an out and out sports car, then the E85. I do love the shape of the E89 - it grows on you, especially when you see it from 20-40 yards away. It has lovely flowing curves reminiscent of the E-type. The lines on the E85 are a lot harsher.
If I had to have just one as a daily use it would be the E89 (but a 35 not a 20). As a fun car it has to be my 3.0si E85.
Pays your money - takes your choice.

well, i agree e89 is great car, but just not to my taste. Clearly for daily use e89 is better as it newer and more advanced. But it does not give me this emotions, as simple as that surely many people enjoy this great piece of german engineering, but just not me i do like oldstyled cars, in my view they maybe not perfect, but this imperfections just add to character!

 

[Grumps]

Thanks for input peeps. Hes bought the car and is a very happy bunny! New member coming soon!