View Full Version : BMW Z4 - Issues / What to watch for
My father is looking at a two seat roadster to replace his '74 Roadrunner. Unfortunately the RR doesn't get much driving time and it won't fit in my garage so it is leaving the family. Hopefully this will result in them restoring / rebuilding my brothers Challenger.
Anyway, after looking at the Saturn Sky, Pontiac Solstice, and I hope not a Miata, it looks like he is targeting a used Z4. 2003 with 3x,000 miles. Carfax shows a minor accident from the first owner. Car was shipped to Germany by the second owner and then brought back. I think he said they (ie the dealer that owns the car now) are asking 13k or so for it.
Anyone ever own one of these? Anything to look out for? Years / features to avoid?
It's had basic maintenance done on it (oil, brakes, rotors, etc). He didn't mention much else, just that it looks good and drove nice.
smdubovsky
02-14-2011, 09:42 PM
Auto? If so prob has the zf 5hp19 trans. Known to break reverse gear killing trans (happened to wifes boxster - yes, same trans gear stack in fwd, rwd and rwd mid engine cars)
http://www.suntoyota.com/inventory/USED-2003-BMW-Z4-Z4-2DR-ROADSTER-2.5I-New-Port-Richey-FL-29972957.htm
That is the actual vehicle. Found some other things to look out for from some bmw/z forums. The top will break, problems with a/c, head / valve cover gasket leaks, overheating, . . . Mostly after 60k - 70k miles. I'm not sure of the price offered vs that link. It's a few grand below KBB.
Clarke
02-15-2011, 08:08 AM
Overheating issues ware probably due to all the wonderful plastic stuff in the cooling system. BMW has a long, well documented history of cooling system failures. Since this car is a manual, you don't have the trans issue to worry about. I have had to replace several light control modules in these things. The only problem with the tops that I personally have seen is the micro switch in the top frame.
As a whole, I don't feel that these cars have very good build quality, they feel cheap to me, compared to the rest of the BMW line. They are fun to drive. Not sure how tall your dad is, but at 6'4", I find the Z4 to be very cramped for interior space.
You mentioned the miata, they are GREAT cars. They are a bit under powered, but are a blast on the road. I wouldn't over look them.
Thanks for the input. I'm sure I'll be talking to him today about the purchase. He was surprised that there was a lot of leg room compared to my uncles Solstice. This will be a weekend car I imagine. The low miles are nice but I haven't found the maint schedule to know what is coming up in the next 10-15k miles.
I did tell him to get ready to pay extra to get things fixed. It sure won't be like the chevy or the mitsubishi. Unfortunately I can't find a pcar in that price range that would be as much fun and as reliable. Even the early 200x Boxsters are going for 20k.
cmartin
02-15-2011, 09:34 AM
early 200x Boxsters are going for 20k.
Keep looking.
2k for 12.5k, I'm sure you can get one for less. http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2187138123.html
Boxster issues are clear and pending but it's hard to find more car for the $$.
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