2005 or 2006 bmw Z4

[BA_Z4]

Greetings BMW Vets!

I'm new to this site and it's been really insightful the past week reading personal opinions from those experienced with Z4s. I'm saving to purchase one a year from now, but I'm torn because I hear so much about BMW maintenance factors but am very capable of DIY projects.

Should I go for a 2005 or 2006 (exactly like the one below)?? I'm not a mechanic I just want a vehicle that I WANT & will be proud of! I like them both but (even the 04 models). Since I plan to buy used, what mile mark should I concern myself with-I was thinking my cap would be around 50-55K (never knew how fast z4 depreciate).

I have A LOT more to say and ask but this post would be way too long and I doubt you all would care to read more but I can't wait to read feedback!

Thanks Much!
Z4 wannabe

[esqu1re]

2006. I think that's the year they had the mid cycle refresh. I think they look better, and came with more powerful engines. Price difference should not be too much between a 05 and a 06.

Yeah the depreciation is epic. Luxury items.

Good luck on your search.

[jra]

If you are going to heavily mod the car get an 03-05 if you have no plans to do that go 06

[kirkpart2]

Originally Posted by jra

If you are going to heavily mod the car get an 03-05 if you have no plans to do that go 06

+1

[Huz-Z]

For 2003, 2004 and 2005 you had a choice of:

2.5 litre with 189 horsepower (2.5i), or
3.0 litre with 225 horsepower (3.0i).

For 2006, 2007 and 2008 you had a choice of:

3.0 litre with 215 horsepower (3.0i);
3.0 litre with 255 horsepower (3.0si); or
3.2 litre with 330 horsepower (Z4-M).

The 2004 and later cars all have a multi-function steering wheel with controls for the radio and cell phone (if equipped with bluetooth).

The 2006 and later cars also have an updated look - front bumper, tail lights. I think the suspension and sound insulation was improved in the 2006 and later cars too.

So, in looking at the numbers above, if it comes down to a 3.0i - and a 3.0si or M is not within your budget, I would consider the 2005 3.0i. At 225 hp, it has more ponies than the 2006 3.0i which had 215 hp. Assuming other variables like condition and mileage are rougly equal.

[tlrominger]

I had the same decision and went with a 2005 3.0i. My deal breaker was the interior color in the 2005 was a contrasting color and the the 2006 was black on black. I guess the extra 10 horsepower makes a very small difference. But to me they both felt the same when I drove them...I would make sure to get the sport package option. It makes driving alot of fun..

[Z4dugh]

The 2006 is more updated and technically sound, lean towards the SI, if you plan on doing modifications, 2005 and earlier has more options for engine upgrades (Supercharger)

[BA_Z4]

Originally Posted by tlrominger

I had the same decision and went with a 2005 3.0i. My deal breaker was the interior color in the 2005 was a contrasting color and the the 2006 was black on black. I guess the extra 10 horsepower makes a very small difference. But to me they both felt the same when I drove them...I would make sure to get the sport package option. It makes driving alot of fun..

What exactly is so special about the sports pkg? Does it make the Z4 faster? (I am a Z4 virgin) but I'm an expert manual driver :-)

[BA_Z4]

ALSO! WTF happened to the Maldives Blue?? #Awesomeness

[beta]

The sport button makes the accelerator top out quicker and toughens up the steering by assisting less electrically. When I had my 2.5i I always drove with it on. You also get shorter and stiffer springs.

It's entirely up to you if these are goods things or not, you may want a softer more comfortable ride, you may want to supercharge.

Edit: oh yeah, my 2.5i was maldives, beautiful color

[chickdr]

I would go with the 2006 just for the updates. Engines are very different between 05 and 06. The 06 3.0i only has 10 less hp but much less torque than a 3.0i 05 model. The 3.0si is what you really want. What is your budget?

[ANUSTART]

I went with a 2005 2.5 only because it was a deal I couldn't pass up. It is pokey, but still a lot of fun to drive. Will probably get a 2008 in a couple years I'd guess. Don't like the new design of the Z4 one bit. I really like my 2005.

[BA_Z4]

chickdr, My budget will be about $23thous...but I'm buying Mar 2012 so I'm sure that price will give me way more options than a 05 & 06 [especially down South]. Mother has even gotten in my ear about La La La LEASING

We plan to have a 1M org by Jun.'12 so my salary will be able to cover-either way credit is BMW acceptable

A 128 convertible has started to chip at the surface on me...just cannot fight off the Z4 host in me - nor do I want to .

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by BA_Z4wannabe

chickdr, My budget will be about $23thous...but I'm buying Mar 2012 so I'm sure that price will give me way more options than a 05 & 06 [especially down South]. Mother has even gotten in my ear about La La La LEASING

We plan to have a 1M org by Jun.'12 so my salary will be able to cover-either way credit is BMW acceptable

A 128 convertible has started to chip at the surface on me...just cannot fight off the Z4 host in me - nor do I want to .

For $23K you should most certainly be able to get a 2006 3.0si. You may be able to get an 07 for that price too if you look hard. There have actually been higher mileage(70K or so) 06 M Roadsters selling that low. Autotrader with an unlimited search distance will show LOTS of cars.

Check this one: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

[ANUSTART]

^ Holy $----! Wish that was around when I got mine.

[BA_Z4]

So, what's a rough estimate of what I should DEFINITELY expect to pay for tax(dependent on the state) & fees? I will have $6k for down pymnt but I will try to walk away with at least $500 of that for the road :-)

[ANUSTART]

Not sure how NJ works but it definitely pays go buy from a private party in Illinois. My tax, title and license came to just over $200. Through a dealer it would have been closer to $1700. Check your state's DMV website to find out. Otherwise call the dealer to see what costs run.