High mileage Z4mCs ok to buy?

frenzy757 · 05-30-2017, 08:36 PM

Would you consider a higher mileage (over 90k) Z4MC?

What issues are typical for a car this old for me to look out for?

I know it depends on the maintenance, but I'd like to hear more thoughts.

Thanks!

AriuSen · 05-31-2017, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frenzy757

Would you consider a higher mileage (over 90k) Z4MC?

What issues are typical for a car this old for me to look out for?

I know it depends on the maintenance, but I'd like to hear more thoughts.

Thanks!

If I buy a 90k Miles car, I would make sure I have an extra 5 grand to replace a ton of stuff.
Problem is having no idea how previous owners maintained the car

Vanne · 05-31-2017, 06:27 AM

I bought a high mile car, pretty much replaced everything, and love it to death.
As long as you can swing a wrench, go for it.

Boosted 1 · 05-31-2017, 06:42 AM

I bought mine late last year with 90k. I love it. AriuSen's $5k comment was right on. As soon as I purchased it I did full suspension, and service 2 plus some extra tid bits. But working on it has been loads of fun......so far

David70 · 05-31-2017, 07:17 AM

I would buy it for the right price. Past rod bearings and Vanos I don't see the rest of the car being more or less reliable than any other 10 year old car. If for some reason both of these had been fixed it might actually be a better buy than the car with less mileage that might need it relatively soon. Too much of this depends on the actual car and how it was taken care of to make a blanket statement only based on mileage.

dre99gsx · 05-31-2017, 09:13 AM

My 90k Z4 coupe was in horrible condition (not so much body, more so anything that is wearable). Needed new wheel bearings all around, all new brake components, all new suspension bushings, new shifter mechanism. All of these items seem to wear much quicker on these cars, or at least it did on mine. This doesn't include engine wear, which I'm not familiar with for N52s (nor S54s).

Agree with statement, have some extra cash on hand to get those items replaced.

3002 tii · 05-31-2017, 09:20 AM

As long as it's priced low enough to allow additional budgeting for maintenance (fluids, cooling, suspension/bushings, brakes and inspection 2 if not already done)

Problem is these cars are about 10 years old now so 90k isn't high mileage on a relative basis so finding anything "low mileage" will come at a premium.

KevinM · 05-31-2017, 10:29 PM

Agree with above. The S54 can certainly take 90K miles, but it needs appropriate regular maintenance including valve adjustments, etc. It is also difficult to know how the prior owner(s) drove it in terms of waiting for the oil temp to warm before redlining it, etc. IMO, a one-owner 90K Z4M coupe with all maintenance records is a world (universe?) apart from a 4-owner car without maintenance records. If this example leans towards the latter of these two extremes, the price needs to be low enough so that you can prophylactically change the rod bearings, etc., in addition to addressing all the things found on a standard PPI.

GL - these cars are worth it as they are like a time capsule for BMW M - manual only, normally aspirated, 8K redline, hydraulic steering, rear wheel drive, minimal electronic wizardry/safety nets...in short, everything you can't get any more!

ZAR4MC · 06-01-2017, 02:14 AM

nothing wrong with a high mileage M provided its not been abused... you will need to tackle some of the major maintenance items like Rod bearings/Vanos and Valve Clearances and maybe a few other wear and tear items on the suspension side and maybe Clutch too but if all that is done it will be tough as nails... Go for it, its an amazing machine...

Also to add, my brothers E46 M3 (same S54 engine as Z4M) has got 115000miles on it now and still runs like a dream... the Preventative maintenance was done within the last 30000miles (bearings/vanos seals and valve clearances as well as some suspension things like new Control arms and bushes) and its a pleasure to drive.. My Z4m is touching 70000miles now and running string as well but i've done the Rod bearings/vanos/valve clearances on mine as well..

W/// · 06-01-2017, 09:34 AM

Bought my 89k mile Z4MR for $16.5k back in Jan. It definitely needs work, but I don't mind as the car is super clean, and it's a long term project anyway.

It really depends on the price, and whether you are willing to DIY stuff or not.

elwesso · 06-06-2017, 06:19 AM

One thing to keep in mind is that having the rod bearings replaced on the S54 isn't that much different in cost than replacing the timing belt on many newer vehicles, and a timing belt is *required* maintenance, where the rod bearings and vanos issues are a little more ambiguous (depends on use, some engines have no issues, etc). I feel like it wouldn't be as big of a deal if people just would "pretend" this stuff was in the maintenance schedule and just do it.

I will gladly defend myself by making this statement, but I believe every car (especially performance cars) has some sort of major maintenance item that is costly that needs to be dealt with. Some are horrifying (timing chain guides on the rear of audi V8s), some aren't so bad (rod bearings on S54), and some are considered normal maintenance (timing belt replacements).

I've had my M coupe for about 5 years now (put on about 20k, including a few track days), and overall it's a fantastic car. By todays standards it's definitely not the fastest, but there's something unique about it that still makes it very thrilling to drive. Compared to todays vehicles and even of similar year, it's remarkably simple. The engine is a masterpiece, but that doesn't mean it's insides will last forever. Of anything that needs to be replaced inside the engine, rod bearings are about as simple as you could ask for.

Patrick Gent · 06-06-2017, 08:45 PM

My M Coupe is over 120,000, daily driver. Vanos was done under CPO waranty, so I don't know much about that--still learning the car back then. Rod bearings are simple--send your oil to Blackstone, and when the copper starts showing up you have worn through the lead layer and need to do the bearings. Letting the car warm up, even part way, has significantly reduced my lead wear.It was interesting to me that when the warranty ran out and I started working with a highly recommended indy shop, the guy there said he just treats them as ordinary maintenance and replaces them at 60K--kind of like Elwesso said above. So long as I am watching my Blackstone, I won't replace them until needed. One other issue that seems to show up a lot is motor mount bolts. Again, done through CPO early so I haven't read up a lot here, but I gather that the way to do them is to replace them with harder bolts.

05-30-2017, 08:36 PM	#1
frenzy757 Second Lieutenant 78 Rep 204 Posts Drives: MB M2cs, 2022 X5e, 2008 T4R Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	High mileage Z4mCs ok to buy? Would you consider a higher mileage (over 90k) Z4MC? What issues are typical for a car this old for me to look out for? I know it depends on the maintenance, but I'd like to hear more thoughts. Thanks! __________________ Current: 2020 MB M2cs, 2022 G50 X5e, 2008 4Runner Past: a91 ref blue Zupra, 86 Starion, 350z, Supra TT Auto, Supra TT 6 spd, IM/IM E46 M3, BMW 1m Coupe x2, S2000, 987.2 CS, ND2 MX5, LSB e46 M3 x2, 993 911
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05-31-2017, 06:27 AM	#3
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	I bought a high mile car, pretty much replaced everything, and love it to death. As long as you can swing a wrench, go for it.
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05-31-2017, 06:42 AM	#4
Boosted 1 Where Does He Get Those Wonderful Toys? 94 Rep 290 Posts Drives: 07 M coupe, Gx470, M2 PE Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Pel’lum iTrader: (5)	I bought mine late last year with 90k. I love it. AriuSen's $5k comment was right on. As soon as I purchased it I did full suspension, and service 2 plus some extra tid bits. But working on it has been loads of fun......so far
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05-31-2017, 07:17 AM	#5
David70 Colonel 1567 Rep 2,665 Posts Drives: 06 Z4M Coupe - 13 Cadillac ATS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (1)	I would buy it for the right price. Past rod bearings and Vanos I don't see the rest of the car being more or less reliable than any other 10 year old car. If for some reason both of these had been fixed it might actually be a better buy than the car with less mileage that might need it relatively soon. Too much of this depends on the actual car and how it was taken care of to make a blanket statement only based on mileage. __________________ 2006 Z4M Coupe - Stromung exhaust, ZHP knob, stubby antenna, clutch delay delete
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05-31-2017, 09:13 AM	#6
dre99gsx Captain 508 Rep 911 Posts Drives: 1994 Toyota Supra Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (2)	My 90k Z4 coupe was in horrible condition (not so much body, more so anything that is wearable). Needed new wheel bearings all around, all new brake components, all new suspension bushings, new shifter mechanism. All of these items seem to wear much quicker on these cars, or at least it did on mine. This doesn't include engine wear, which I'm not familiar with for N52s (nor S54s). Agree with statement, have some extra cash on hand to get those items replaced. __________________ Andre - 2J into a Z4 Coupe!
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05-31-2017, 09:20 AM	#7
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2280 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.20]	As long as it's priced low enough to allow additional budgeting for maintenance (fluids, cooling, suspension/bushings, brakes and inspection 2 if not already done) Problem is these cars are about 10 years old now so 90k isn't high mileage on a relative basis so finding anything "low mileage" will come at a premium. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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05-31-2017, 10:29 PM	#8
KevinM Brigadier General 2936 Rep 3,285 Posts Drives: 2002 M5;2007 M Coupe;2020 M2C Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tucson iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 M2 Competition [10.00] 2007 E86 M coupe [8.38] 2002 E39 M5 [9.00]	Agree with above. The S54 can certainly take 90K miles, but it needs appropriate regular maintenance including valve adjustments, etc. It is also difficult to know how the prior owner(s) drove it in terms of waiting for the oil temp to warm before redlining it, etc. IMO, a one-owner 90K Z4M coupe with all maintenance records is a world (universe?) apart from a 4-owner car without maintenance records. If this example leans towards the latter of these two extremes, the price needs to be low enough so that you can prophylactically change the rod bearings, etc., in addition to addressing all the things found on a standard PPI. GL - these cars are worth it as they are like a time capsule for BMW M - manual only, normally aspirated, 8K redline, hydraulic steering, rear wheel drive, minimal electronic wizardry/safety nets...in short, everything you can't get any more! __________________ 2020 F87 M2C Hockenheim Silver/MT 2002 E39 M5 Sterling Gray/Caramel 2007 E86 Z4M Coupe Silver Gray/Black 2021 Kia Telluride (hauler)
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06-01-2017, 02:14 AM	#9
ZAR4MC Private First Class 93 Rep 133 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: RSA iTrader: (0)	nothing wrong with a high mileage M provided its not been abused... you will need to tackle some of the major maintenance items like Rod bearings/Vanos and Valve Clearances and maybe a few other wear and tear items on the suspension side and maybe Clutch too but if all that is done it will be tough as nails... Go for it, its an amazing machine... Also to add, my brothers E46 M3 (same S54 engine as Z4M) has got 115000miles on it now and still runs like a dream... the Preventative maintenance was done within the last 30000miles (bearings/vanos seals and valve clearances as well as some suspension things like new Control arms and bushes) and its a pleasure to drive.. My Z4m is touching 70000miles now and running string as well but i've done the Rod bearings/vanos/valve clearances on mine as well.. __________________ 07 Z4 ///M Coupe - Sapphire Black / Imola Red My S54 Journal Last edited by ZAR4MC; 06-01-2017 at 02:31 AM..
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06-01-2017, 09:34 AM	#10
W/// Lieutenant General 7484 Rep 12,305 Posts Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SC iTrader: (13)	Bought my 89k mile Z4MR for $16.5k back in Jan. It definitely needs work, but I don't mind as the car is super clean, and it's a long term project anyway. It really depends on the price, and whether you are willing to DIY stuff or not. __________________ Current: 16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT 08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT 07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT 99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
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06-06-2017, 06:19 AM	#11
elwesso Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 299 Posts Drives: Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Indiana iTrader: (1)	One thing to keep in mind is that having the rod bearings replaced on the S54 isn't that much different in cost than replacing the timing belt on many newer vehicles, and a timing belt is required maintenance, where the rod bearings and vanos issues are a little more ambiguous (depends on use, some engines have no issues, etc). I feel like it wouldn't be as big of a deal if people just would "pretend" this stuff was in the maintenance schedule and just do it. I will gladly defend myself by making this statement, but I believe every car (especially performance cars) has some sort of major maintenance item that is costly that needs to be dealt with. Some are horrifying (timing chain guides on the rear of audi V8s), some aren't so bad (rod bearings on S54), and some are considered normal maintenance (timing belt replacements). I've had my M coupe for about 5 years now (put on about 20k, including a few track days), and overall it's a fantastic car. By todays standards it's definitely not the fastest, but there's something unique about it that still makes it very thrilling to drive. Compared to todays vehicles and even of similar year, it's remarkably simple. The engine is a masterpiece, but that doesn't mean it's insides will last forever. Of anything that needs to be replaced inside the engine, rod bearings are about as simple as you could ask for. __________________ - Wes 2007 BMW M Coupe 2016 VW GTI
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06-06-2017, 08:45 PM	#12
Patrick Gent Private 11 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Fort Lauderdale iTrader: (0)	My M Coupe is over 120,000, daily driver. Vanos was done under CPO waranty, so I don't know much about that--still learning the car back then. Rod bearings are simple--send your oil to Blackstone, and when the copper starts showing up you have worn through the lead layer and need to do the bearings. Letting the car warm up, even part way, has significantly reduced my lead wear.It was interesting to me that when the warranty ran out and I started working with a highly recommended indy shop, the guy there said he just treats them as ordinary maintenance and replaces them at 60K--kind of like Elwesso said above. So long as I am watching my Blackstone, I won't replace them until needed. One other issue that seems to show up a lot is motor mount bolts. Again, done through CPO early so I haven't read up a lot here, but I gather that the way to do them is to replace them with harder bolts.
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