What year Z4 is best

[Vampire]

This spring or summer i am going to buy a Z4 and i would like to get the boards thoughts on What year is best and any issues i need to watch out for.

[soeharyo]

my 03 z4 is doing well!

they did it the first time round... at least for my car.

rocky

[pemco]

04 Z4 2.5i in fine condition

[vachss]

3.0si's from '06 and later have some more grunt, but fun per dollar may be higher with an older 2.5.

[bciDoc]

Personally I found the 06+ models had a slightly better build and material quality.i.e. doesn't have the "tin can" sound when you close the door. Then there are the upgraded tail lights, trim pieces and a couple added features such as keyless remote roof retraction, bluetooth option, clear turn signals and side markers and the halo or angel eyes. But most of all, the n52 motor of the 3.0si is hands down one of the best motors BMW has ever made. That said, as vachss pointed out, you pay extra for the difference.

[epbrown]

If I were shopping for a non-M now, I'd go for a 2005+. Though I've got a 2003, I'd skip that year because BMW didn't add the remote top control until mid-2004. In 2005, they added the insulation to the doors to improve the sound when they close, they dropped the yellow hockey-sticks in the headlights, which most people don't like, and they changed the tail lights to red with white centers. The 2006+ cars do have all that plus the new lights and engines, but the old 3.0i engine is tried and true and includes a dipstick.

My recommendation would be to look for a 2005 Z4 3.0i and budget for swapping in a 3.46 rear diff - that would be cheaper, and give you a car as fast as the 3.0si.

[Pontio]

06, facelifts started then and N generation engine was introduced. So prettier and faster ;-)

[JC5]

Aww, I like the pre-face lifted tail lights.

[Vampire]

I am thinking about a 06 3.0 but i dont know if i want an auto or a stick,but i do like the thought of the 6 speed. I dont think i want to pay the extra for the SI .Are there any common issues i need to watch for with a used Z with the stick.

[Pontio]

not really, 06's have most if not all gremlins ironed out. auto or manual both have 6 gears i think on 06? (the auto's def do and so do the SI's) neither have common problems i know of.

[Vampire]

As far as the 6 speed i am talking about the manual trans.
Does anyone know how much the M seats are to buy from the dealer?

[Starscream]

Originally Posted by Vampire

As far as the 6 speed i am talking about the manual trans.
Does anyone know how much the M seats are to buy from the dealer?

Yes they are $5000 each



seriously

[Dammmittt]

I would think 08 is best...but that's just me...

[Dammmittt]

Originally Posted by Starscream

Yes they are $5000 each



seriously

Depends on which one you get...Some of them are 4955.

[Reach]

Originally Posted by epbrown

My recommendation would be to look for a 2005 Z4 3.0i and budget for swapping in a 3.46 rear diff - that would be cheaper, and give you a car as fast as the 3.0si.

This is exactly the conclusion I came to when shopping. I got a nice used garage queen 2005 3.0i, and now I'm looking for an 3.46 or 3.63 LSD for it. After that, it will kick the butts of all the new 3.0si's you can find. As said before, the 05's also have most of the minor improvements that the 06's got, but without the "facelift" style. You can debate that one either way, but I LOVE the style of the 05. It really grew on me. The factory clear fronts/sides/tails helped a lot too! I like that look better than the facelifted lights.

I also preferred the known reliability of the M54 engine. The N52 might be lighter, but its lower density and mag build may introduce some long-term reliability and stress issues. All of that is to-be-seen (the engines are too young), and BMW does have a really nice track record on their engines lately. I wouldn't anticipate any problems, but you never know.

Also, the solid iron build of the M54 seems like it will deal better with the higher temps and stresses of a supercharger or turbo kit if you should choose to do that (and I one day hope to).

[GP20]

Reach

Don't you have SMG?

[JC5]

oooooooo, that whole SMG thing didn't go so hot.

[ianbiz]

Originally Posted by pemco

04 Z4 2.5i in perfect condition

fixed.

[runnerx]

It has to be 2006 model cuz I own one LOL

[pbdm4k]

Originally Posted by Starscream

Yes they are $5000 each



seriously

More of a reason for me to go buy a pair of Recaro Sportsters.

+1 for the 3.0i. The dipstick alone is worth it. :P

[MMMazing07]

dont waste your money on a Z4. just buy an M and call it a day

[Starscream]

Originally Posted by MMMazing07

dont waste your money on a Z4. just buy an M and call it a day

Man speaks the truth