• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Thoughts on used '03-08 BMW Z4's?

P

PCMarine

Diamond Member
So I've been driving practical cars ever since I got my license (I'm 24 currently), and now that I'm out of college and have decent cash flows every month, I figured it's time to get something I want.

I've had my eye on the 2003-08 generation BMW Z4s for quite some time. I love the classic roadster design, and the "simplicity" of the vehicle. I also have a practical 4 door commuter (a taurus), so 2 seats for a fun car is actually a plus in my book.

Anyway, so I think I'm going to purchase one within the next few months. Looking at probably 04-07s, preferably 06 or later, 3.0 or 3.0si for under $20k (the si may be a stretch...)

Anyone have any feedback on reliability, cost of ownership, known issues, etc? Also, for those that have driven this car, are the upgraded engines (3.0 vs 2.5, and 3.0si vs 3.0) worth the extra cost - or are the base engines quick enough? Also is the ride quality with the sport package really as rough as I've heard?

Thanks
 
Not enough speed in the 3.0 imo for the £££...I got an S2000 instead. Stump up for the M coupe if you can then your talking. The Z4M wasn't out when I got the S2000 and it would have been well out of my price range anyway.

S2000 is a lot of fun, even more basic then the Z4 lol. But a great car to drive and handles SWEET.

Koing
 
I have an '03 Z4 with about 105k on it now (bought it CPO a bit under 5 years ago). I have had zero issues with it maintenance-wise (other than the routine service, which can be a bit pricey). Had some early problems with the power top solenoid crapping out 3 years in a row, but it was replaced for free under the CPO warranty. I have a 2.5, and it seemed plenty quick for me coming from driving a Maxima SE.

The ride on the sport package is pretty rough if the roads you're on are as shitty as the highways around Cincinnati. Still, it's a lot of fun whipping it around corners.

Edit - PS: Don't drive it in the snow. I grew up in Massachusetts, and my first car was an '86 Mustang. I know how to drive in the snow. The Z4 is absolute shit in the snow with the normal tires (and in Cincinnati we get 2, maybe 3 real snowfalls a year, so winter tires are a bit overkill).

Speaking of tires, the biggest routine expense I have is the run-flats. I get 12-15k out of a set of tires (and all I do is commute)...and the relatively inexpensive Kumho run-flats I get from Tire Discounters run about $850 a set.
 
Last edited:
A certain forum member drives one and annoys the hell out of me so I recommend against it.

The body style is horrid, it's pretty much a miata.
 
I drove a 08 Z4 and while it was very refined and MUCH quieter than my S2000, it was nowhere near as fun to drive. The transmission was clunky/vauge in comparison and the engine lacked excitement, although it had plenty of thrust. It was definitely more luxurious and had better ride quality, but I don't value either of those when I buy a fun car.

It's a nice car, but you have to decide if you want luxury/refinement or fun.
 
thepd7 said:
A certain forum member drives one and annoys the hell out of me so I recommend against it.

The body style is horrid, it's pretty much a miata.
Click to expand...

Ahem. I have one, and I'm actually not the biggest fan of the body style, but I think it's fun as hell to drive. It's a safe car too.
 
PCMarine said:
So I've been driving practical cars ever since I got my license (I'm 24 currently), and now that I'm out of college and have decent cash flows every month, I figured it's time to get something I want.
Click to expand...

Something about the way this is written makes me think you need to think about what you want and what you can honestly afford. I'm not saying you can't afford it and you shouldn't buy a nice car. I do think you should think about it for a few more days (or months) before making a decision. That's a lot of money that you don't need to spend right now, that much money could earn a lot of interest, or it could save you a lot of interest if you put it toward paying off other loans.
 
My only feedback is make sure you can fit in one comfortably. I'm 6' and I found the Z4 to be very uncomfortable.
 
ExarKun333 said:
The Z4 was a car designed by women for women. Get the Miata. 🙂
Click to expand...

I would disagree. I think it is absolutely gorgeous. My only gripe is the weight is 3 series when it should be more like 1 series... wait... that is still 3 series weight. DOH!
 
KIAman said:
I would disagree. I think it is absolutely gorgeous. My only gripe is the weight is 3 series when it should be more like 1 series... wait... that is still 3 series weight. DOH!
Click to expand...

I think it looks ok...

My quote wasn't my opinion, that is fact (I can't link the articles right now though...google "z4 designed for women"...there is a lot of info here).

BMW designed this car for the female consumer, and IIRC, ~80% are driven by women (not the M version). That doesn't make the car good or bad, but I know the car doesn't have the best image. Thats normally not a big deal, but since most people buy a roadster for the image/looks, I think its applicable here. Definitely not a apples to apples comparison to buying a minivan for example. Who cares about image there, if that is what you need? 🙂
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top