Z4 - moving on from a S2000

[kalsonc]

moving on from a Honda S2000

Im currently in the market for a Z4
What kind of problems should i be looking at before purchasing one?
Most likely to get Manual6speed Transmission or if i could find one would be SMG as well

Common problems for the Z4 ?
Is there a huge difference between 2.5L and 3.0L ?
Looking at an 03-05 Z4

Thanks

[goldguilexx]

From what ive heard and when i test drove, DONT GET an SMG!! on the M3 it was good, on the Z its horrid, i test drove one a while back when i was in the market for mine and they where anxious as hell to get it out of the lot. After driving it i knew why they where anxious to get it off their hands. Im told that after a while you get used to it but seeing since BMW did not make anymore i figure they where not to happy with it as well.

[kalsonc]

^
thanks for the heads up, going to stay away from the SMG then
6MT is the way to go

[GP20]

Originally Posted by goldguilexx

From what ive heard and when i test drove, DONT GET an SMG!! on the M3 it was good, on the Z its horrid, i test drove one a while back when i was in the market for mine and they where anxious as hell to get it out of the lot. After driving it i knew why they where anxious to get it off their hands. Im told that after a while you get used to it but seeing since BMW did not make anymore i figure they where not to happy with it as well.

For someone who has never owned a Z4 SMG/SSG and has only experienced it through test-drives, please refrain from giving potential buyers any advice on the SMG. You couldn't have been more wrong with what you said.

[goldguilexx]

like i said in my post "from what ive heard and when i test drove" so like i said its my opinion and nothing more, im sure you have to agree that BMW did not make anymore for a reason right? so other than just saying "your wrong" post why you think im wrong, maybe i am. If you read my whole post you will also see where it says "Im told that after a while you get used to it" it kinda hints to the fact that the car is driveable in the right hands later on once you get used to using it.

[goldguilexx]

oh, and i noticed your z4 SMG was a lemon, not saying it has anything to do with this at all what so ever but maybe you could tell us what experience you had with that?

[GP20]

Originally Posted by goldguilexx

oh, and i noticed your z4 SMG was a lemon, not saying it has anything to do with this at all what so ever but maybe you could tell us what experience you had with that?

The fact that it was a lemon had absolutely nothing to do with SMG or anything directly related its components. The car had various problems here and there and what got BMW to buy the car back eventually were issues with the fuel pump and cold engine starting - this was before BMW or everyone else found out about ethanol and the effects it has on BMW's.

There was zero problem with the transmission or TCM.

[BlackSapphireZ]

so you have S2k now or is it gone and ur just looking for a replacement?

[ATX750i]

I would suggest going for a late 2004 or 2005 3.0. Dont get the 2003 model year, lots of problems and the 2003 was the year that had the most recalls. It also dosen't have some of the luxury features such as the remote top, that is with the factory setup. You can get addon modules that allow for such features, but that can get costly for such a minute feature. Just my opinion.

[kalsonc]

i sold the s2000 already, so im currently car-less
looking to get myself into a Z4 soon

I have 2 options atm, considering price

an '05 Black on Black, 3.0L with premium and sports package
but downside is its an auto
for $25,000

or i can get a '03 Black on Black, 3.0L with premium and sports package
with extended warranty till 2011, with aftermarket ASA rims
for $27,000

Im only looking at black for exterior and for here in Vancouver, not much is under for $30,000

Also: what significant difference can i feel from the 2.5L and 3.0L ?

[ATX750i]

Personal Exp: Grab a rental car for a week or so and find the one that you really want. I rushed into an 03' auto, dont get me wrong, I love the car but I wish I had waited and got'n an manual. I was in the same boat as you, sold vehicle and was in need of one real quick. Best advice is to wait. Be sure its the one that YOU want.

[BlackSapphireZ]

oh ur in Canada-Land , i thought u were in Richmond VA lol

must have imo,
manual, sport pack, heated seats, power top(usually is)

[ATX750i]

Originally Posted by BlackSapphireZ

manual, sport pack, heated seats, power top(usually is)

+1

[kalsonc]

^
really sucks at the moment with no car
hows the AT n e ways?

[DuaneC]

x1kc,

There is an 05 here in Victoria. 33k km, Sterling Grey 6 speed. Sadly, the asking price isn't listed. Might be worth a long distance call. Ask for Evan.

Hope this link works

http://************/5waa6m

[ATX750i]

I like it for cruising, and its great for the area that I am in, a lot of hills and stuff. But I wouldn't hesitate a moment if I could get my hands on a 2004 6MT. Its decent I guess, its been acting wierd lately, I'll have it looked at when I have my next service done. But on a better note, shifts are really smooth, rides well, no noticeable shift shock, and is pretty quick.

[BlackSapphireZ]

auto is not bad until it starts to self destruct at around 100k lol

read up on auto trans failures at E46fanatics.com

[ATX750i]

BlackSapphire, Link please?!?! I def need to read this.

[Graham M]

Originally Posted by x1kc

^
thanks for the heads up, going to stay away from the SMG then
6MT is the way to go

I have an '04 with the SMG. It does have a very small quirk, but all in all, I absolutely love it, and would VERY much recommend it. Its a manual when you want it to be, and a automatic when you dont. Anybody can operate it when a very short "Crash course", and you can enjoy the merits of it when you want to push the car in full manual & sport mode. its great in that regard.
It operates the clutch completely, so you dont have to.
When you down shift, it rev matches for you... which is just awesome at pulling up at intersections/corners. It takes all the guess work and confussion at operating a manual. basically its like a lazy mans "manual".

I just love it. At first, I wanted a true 6 speed, but in time I've grown to absolutely enjoy the SMG, along with its paddle shifters.
The SMG tranny is remarkibly well refined, and operates beautifully.
I just absolutely love it. I honestly dont know why or how you guys can bash it the way you do.

[rworrell]

I had an '04 330i SMG which I mostly enjoyed, but I couldn't recommend because of an irritating quirk--let me know if you want more info.

As far as coming from an S2K, I came from a supercharged '99 (10th Anniversary) Miata, so fairly similar--I bought an '04 2.5i MT and I really love it. Manual tranny, heated seats, power top--not much more--highly recommended! The inline 6 is so smooth, I find it preferable to a high-strung 4 (SC in my Miata, VTECH in your Stook)--you might also want to take a look at a 2.5--surprising power in a reasonably affordable car.

[bananana]

cool, another guy from richmond

id sell you mine, if only autowest would take 20k off their M coupe

[kalsonc]

^
sell me it! i need a car soon!

im really thinking about the 2.5L as the price is pretty attractive but hard to find one
6MT/and black
prefer 05 as well