Looking at a z4

[darrenminime]

Hi all.
I love a z3 . I've had 4 previously and I wouldn't want any other summer car.
Never had a z4 . So I'm looking. Any advice greatly accepted.
Darren

 

[t-tony]

I've had a Z3, an E85 Z4 and currently own an E89 Z4. I wouldn't go back to a Z3 personally. Where are you located Darren? , If you're local and want a test drive give me a shout. Welcome from me near Lincoln.

Tony.

 

[colb]

Have both a 1.9 Z3 and a 2.5 E85 Z4.
Go for a 2.5 or 3.0l Z4, personally I prefer the Z3 but love the power in the Z4.
When looking for a Z4 check the roof works, has the roof motor been relocated to the boot, that's a good move to prevent it getting drowned in the original position. Check it has no warning lights lit on the dash, bad airbag modules are a common issue. Always best to take a scanner with you and scan the car for faults, if the seller refuses, walk away. Rusty brake pipes are also a common problem front and back, pay particular attention to where the rear lines emerge into the rear nearside wheel well where they get hit by spray from the wheel. Underside is well protected with undertrays but do take a look at the rear subframe area for excessive corrosion.

 

[Paul Rice]

If you just want a short blast on a Sunday afternoon the Z3 is a great car but as an allround high days and holidays car the Z4 has it for me.

 

[Shelly]

 

[Z Victor 1]

Like Tony, I've had Z3 s, an E85 and an E89. The Z3 is the best looking(love them) , E85 best 'sportscar' and E89 most versatile. Just my opinion of course. @colb has given all the things to look for so after that it's the usual, history and condition.

 

[Nodzed]

Had several Z3, one Z4 e85 and one Z4 e89.
Z3 is more fun to drive quite old school but they are getting harder to maintain,
e85 didn't like it always something going wrong with it, but lots on here would give you better advice on them.
e89 is a good looking roadster and has been super reliable, great for euro hols and touring, comfy etc but not really that engaging, but I'm getting old so it suits.

 

[Mint]

... I'm getting old...

You wait till your my age

 

[Mint]

I have two Z3s and did have an E85 Z4. Could never get on with the Z4, seats gave me back ache after an hour or so, no room for stuff in the cabin, bland interior and as Niall says about his E89 it did not engage me as a driver as much as my Z3. A very capable car but wasn't for me. Haven't driven an E89 so can't comment on that version.
Also as Ken @Z Victor 1 says the Z3 is a much better looking car

 

[Ianmc]

Have had a Z3 (4 cars) for 27 years now. Never liked the Z4 at all, sorry!

 

[RickyBobby]

Hi all.
I love a z3 . I've had 4 previously and I wouldn't want any other summer car.
Never had a z4 . So I'm looking. Any advice greatly accepted.
Darren

Can't beat the Z3 (had 10) as a summer roadster and with the pre and post-facelift body styles and multiple engine variants there's something for everyone.

Same can be said of the E85 (had 6) but I always thought it made me look like i was trying to hard and for that reason I never smiled as much in the E85 as I did in the Z3.

The E89 (had 5) always made me feel happy - it looked good, sounded good (N20 excluded) and was easy to live with but unfortunately I never seemed to smile as much when I drove it.

I'm currently in an E86 (had 5) trying to convince myself that I don't need another Z3 - replying to your post has not helped