Thoughts/Opinions on the Z4?

[blackhawkimpact]

I currently have a '02 325i sedan. I'm thinking of trading it in for a 2003 Z4 3.0i, convertible, 6 speed. Question is how reliable are these cars and what kind of problems do they usually have? I know the e46 had problems with the window regulators always breaking and other small stuff.. Anything I should look out for? I was interested in trading my car for an e46 M3 or a 335 but with the price of these cars, and knowing how hard it is to find a 6 speed M3 with low miles in my area, I decided to go a different route, but still the BMW way. I glance at this Z4 and am very excited to own it. Any R3v member's with Z4's? Thoughts? Good/bad idea?


Here are some pics. What you guys think?

[Dozyproductions]

its no e30.

[StereoInstaller1]

What? Why? NO!

WTF?

[Ray Smoodiver]

No.

[Pantless Spency]

if you want to have the bmw equivalent of a mazda miata, in terms of looks and sexual preference, then by all means get a z4 ;P

[BoxDriver86]

My fiancee wanted one of these for the longest time in a coupe form. We test drove a few of them and were really impressed with the performance. Bang for the buck, you really can't go wrong especially if you can pick up the 3.0si version. The coupe is downright sexy to look at and a blast to drive and the 'vert is very refined and quiet even with the top down.
The only reason we didn't get one is throughout the time we were test driving, we saw them everywhere and our neighbor bought a Z4M Coupe. She wanted something a little different so we ended up deciding on a 135.
The engine bay is spacious so it would be easy to work on, the fit and finish is exceptional and in stock form the car is a lot of fun so it wouldn't require much tinkering to enjoy the drive. The only thing to keep in mind is you can pick up an S54 powered Z3M 'vert for less money and in the long run you'll get a decent return for resale vs. the Z4 which is relatively common and has been hit hard by the deppreciation curve. I say go for it if you like it though as they can be had for decent money even in certified pre-owned status.

[Emre]

The only thing to keep in mind is you can pick up an S54 powered Z3M 'vert for less money and in the long run you'll get a decent return for resale vs. the Z4 which is relatively common and has been hit hard by the deppreciation curve.

My thoughts exactly. A Z3 handles more like an E30 than the Z4. I'd much rather have an M-version of the Z3 (especially if you can find an S54-powered example) than any Z4, especially if it's a non-M model.

Locally, there is someone I know who might be considering selling their S54 Z3 M-roadster in a very rare color: Laguna Seca Blue. If I were in the market for such a car, I would snap it up in a heartbeat.

[Fast325i]

Well, the Z4 performes pretty good imo but looks like sh**. If you like the design you will have a lot of fun with this car.

[Charlie]

The engine bay is spacious so it would be easy to work on, the fit and finish is exceptional and in stock form the car is a lot of fun so it wouldn't require much tinkering to enjoy the drive.

Bingo. This is the first "modern" BMW I've dealt with with isn't a huge pain in the ass to work in the engine bay. Everything is wide open and accessable.

The only thing to keep in mind is you can pick up an S54 powered Z3M 'vert for less money

Where? S54 cars go for a pretty high premium, they're not that common. Most I've seen are still in the 20-25k range. Early year Z4s are going from 12-17 now depending on mileage.

and in the long run you'll get a decent return for resale vs. the Z4 which is relatively common and has been hit hard by the deppreciation curve. I say go for it if you like it though as they can be had for decent money even in certified pre-owned status.

He's buying used, the depreciation curve works for him.

Well, the Z4 performes pretty good imo but looks like sh**. If you like the design you will have a lot of fun with this car.

Dude, you're driving one of the most boring BMW designs they've ever put out, it's practically a vanilla jellybean.


As for the car itself? The E85/E86 platform is the best thing that BMW has done since the E30 M3. Seriously, these things are a blast to drive. It's basically a bunch of E46 bits, so all the usual mechanical niggles those cars have apply. Watch your cooling system, hoses, etc. I think the "si" 3 litres had some valvetrain issues, so watch out. Early year cars have had some issues with the power steering, there's sort of a silent recall out on the rack, it seems to not want to center itself properly. It may have already been replaced on the car.

Run flat tires suck ass, btw.

It's a driver's car. Great for long distance crusing, but still has a nice short wheelbase and a sub 3k curb weight, excellent for when you actually wanna go nuts with the car. With all the DSC crap turned off it's surprisingly tail happy, I figured it would have more neutral understeer like the E46s do.

-Charlie

[BoxDriver86]

Where? S54 cars go for a pretty high premium, they're not that common. Most I've seen are still in the 20-25k range. Early year Z4s are going from 12-17 now depending on mileage.

I was comparing the 3.0si we looked at to an Imola Z3M on the same lot. The Z3M was $22.5K where the 3.0si coupe was $27K. It is true that you can pick up a 2.5 for around $12-17K but the 3.0s we looked at were mostly in the $20K range. I'm sure there are better prices out there, this is just what we saw when we were looking about a year ago.

[warmseth]

Aesthetically the z4 is only SLIGHTLY more masculine than the z3. But in my opinion the coupe on either is great looking, especially the z4 coupe.

[jeffSDguy]

Huh?
What?
Did you say something?
My Personal Opinion: Road Trip across the country and back. But really I think all 2 seat-er convertibles are chick cars. just saying.
Thought: Buy it if you have a girl by your side. Or if you like rolling by yourself.

[Simon S]

Thoughts/Opinions on the Z4?

the Z4 is less phallic-looking than a Z3

(that's all I got)