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      09-20-2014, 10:55 AM   #1
dragonfire6
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06 Z4 3.0i with 186k... Thoughts?

So the latest possible car has a ton of miles. 06 Z4 3.0i 6spd with186,000 miles, on an 06 that must mean a lot of highway driving. The good thing about this car is that it is a one owner Z4, it is local and it is only $6700.

Thoughts? Should I run for the hills or run to the bank? The dealer says the car runs perfect, top motor works fine and the body is in good shape.

I plan to DD this car but I work from home so I won't be putting many miles on it.

Other cars I'm looking at:

03 2.5i 118k $7000
05 2.5i 132k $8000

Thanks,
Chris
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      09-20-2014, 03:16 PM   #2
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2006 BMW Z4M  [10.00]
2006 BMW Z4M  [8.50]
2003 BMW Z4 3.0i  [9.00]
I'm guessing you're looking at high mileage Z4's because you want a cool/fun car that falls into a certain price range. I wouldn't recommend buying a car without being fiscally prepared to own it, meaning you have thousands of dollars available if you need it to do the necessary repairs. That being said, the 2006+ non-M is pretty bulletproof. The likelihood of something major failing (engine or transmission) is slim before 200-250k miles, but the odds of something moderately expensive failing is high (clutch, alternator, shocks). Don't buy the car if you're living paycheck to paycheck, but you may get away with no major repairs for quite a while. There's nothing that's guaranteed to fail at those miles.

You will save a lot of money if you have the time and skill set to perform your own basic maintenance. If you're savvy, you can find most of the parts you need at junk yards. I would have at least a $3k slush fund dedicated to the car. If you're going to rely on a dealer or independent mechanic, you'll want to up that fund to $5-7k.

FYI when I first bought a Z4 8 years ago, I didn't set aside enough to repair it if something major failed. I was fortunate that nothing went wrong. Fast forward to the present, and I've spent $7-8k on maintenance over the past three months (4 flats, alternator, supercharger rebuild, battery, recoding, rod bearings, motor mounts, fuel pump and filter).
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      09-20-2014, 08:10 PM   #3
chickdr
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I think that is a much better car than what I checked out for you. It has the improved top motor and other upgrades such as fresh bumpers, etc. With one owner I suspect it will be easier to see its history (especially if it was seen at the same dealer through its life). i say check it out and go for it if it drives well. The price seems really good for an 06 and gives you a cushion for upgrades if desired. I would certainly pick it over the other two you have listed as they are 2.5's which are much less powerful than the 06 3.0i.
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      09-21-2014, 10:05 AM   #4
dragonfire6
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...

I am looking for a fun, zip around town, nice night out with my fiancé car. I do have money put aside for repairs and as I was looking to spend $10k, these options put more money aside for mods.

I was thinking the same thing regarding the 06 being one owner and being easier to track down maintenance records. I also got the dealer with the 06 to $7500 OTD.

I'm on my way right now to see the 03, I'll post an update in a little bit.

Tommy, again thanks for going to check out the car for me and I still need your PayPal address!

Also, is he 06 top motor different or was the water drainage issue fixed?
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      09-21-2014, 05:07 PM   #5
Huz-Z
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Guys, correct me if I am wrong bit for 2006 and on I believe that the top motor was improved to make it more resistant to failure from water related issues.
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      09-21-2014, 05:49 PM   #6
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Purchased a 2006 3.0i 6 months or so ago. 128k miles...carfax revealed an excellent maintenance history with no accidents. Car drove nice and tight, and the body(inside and out) showed signs of wear but you could tell the 2 previous owners took care of this car. Took it for a pre-purchase inspection and they found very little wrong....have had zero problems thus far. I've got a 6-speed that is a blast to drive as a daily driver....my .02
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      09-21-2014, 06:05 PM   #7
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I think with these cars, if they are maintained properly, they will run for a lot longer than 200k. The engine and transmission are pretty damned proven - and simple. Plus it's a lovely motor- liquid silk.

Of course at this mileage other stuff will need to be replaced, if they aren't done already- things like bushings, shocks, wheel bearings, other suspension parts + stuff like clutch/throw out bearings.

If the car has been taken care of, and it looks good, I would go for it. Just be prepped to do some necessary maintenance as porkie said.

-gc
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      09-21-2014, 08:17 PM   #8
dragonfire6
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...

I saw the 03 today and it needs a little work... Radio doesn't work, driver side brake light is broken, one wiper is messed up but the body is in good shape and the car drove fine (it's a 2.5i BTW)... It's a possible for me but I have to see the 06 first, which I will tomorrow morning.

The 06 has a clean Carfax and looks clean from the pictures. The one owner lived in Jacksonville so I'll be calling the local BMW dealer to see if I can get any maintenance information before I get to the dealership.

Thanks for the reassurance, guys. I like the idea of having a newer car with a bigger engine and the 6spd is a plus. The only downside besides the miles is the interior color... Blue. I'm not sure if I like it yet so I'll make up my mind in person.

Updates in the morning...
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      09-21-2014, 08:43 PM   #9
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One note on the non working radio
The amps in the rag tops are susceptible to water damage due to lack of drainage in the battery well where the amp lives
If the system is the"top hifi" the amp new is over $1k

My .02 look for a 3.0 6 spd, manual top under 100k miles......can't go wrong

Quote:
Originally Posted by dragonfire6 View Post
I saw the 03 today and it needs a little work... Radio doesn't work, driver side brake light is broken, one wiper is messed up but the body is in good shape and the car drove fine (it's a 2.5i BTW)... It's a possible for me but I have to see the 06 first, which I will tomorrow morning.

The 06 has a clean Carfax and looks clean from the pictures. The one owner lived in Jacksonville so I'll be calling the local BMW dealer to see if I can get any maintenance information before I get to the dealership.

Thanks for the reassurance, guys. I like the idea of having a newer car with a bigger engine and the 6spd is a plus. The only downside besides the miles is the interior color... Blue. I'm not sure if I like it yet so I'll make up my mind in person.

Updates in the morning...
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      09-21-2014, 08:50 PM   #10
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The amp was actually in the trunk so you might be spot on with that assessment. I would redo the stereo before I paid $1000 for the amp... Also, a power top is a must...
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      09-21-2014, 10:08 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Huz-Z View Post
Guys, correct me if I am wrong bit for 2006 and on I believe that the top motor was improved to make it more resistant to failure from water related issues.
Correct- this is why I said an 06 would be a better bet. They still have some issues but the motor is sealed in a bag from what i understand so it is more resistant to water.

Good luck Dragonfire6 and I hope the 06 is to your liking. Like I told you- don't worry about my paypal. Save it for your new ride.
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      09-22-2014, 01:37 AM   #12
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easy mate, grab the one with more power to the wheels. and ofcourse condition, condition CONDITION.. you will be able to see if its been looked after in the first 10 seconds you see the car..
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      09-22-2014, 05:24 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dragonfire6 View Post
The amp was actually in the trunk so you might be spot on with that assessment. I would redo the stereo before I paid $1000 for the amp... Also, a power top is a must...
Good chance the amp is toast

I very rarely have my top up, only on cooler mornings.

It takes all of 5 seconds to do it and I will never have the costs and hassle of replacing the top motor not to mention the additional weight.
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      09-22-2014, 06:56 PM   #14
dragonfire6
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Soooo... I am the proud 2nd owner of a clean 06 Z4 3.0i (with a ton of miles)... Got to drop the top for almost half of the ride home before the Florida afternoon rain started. Hank for all of the advice and Tommy, thank you for going above and beyond for me... Here's to another 186k miles and no check engine lights *fingers crossed*
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      09-22-2014, 07:31 PM   #15
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Yaay! Congrats Dragon. Welcome to the club.

Post some pics when you get a chance!!

And remember to do the recommended preventive maintenance people mentioned- that goes a long way to keeping that check engine light away!

-gc
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      09-22-2014, 08:35 PM   #16
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Congratulations. I hope your grin was as big the whole way home as mine was a few years ago after I bought my 3.0si coupe.
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      09-22-2014, 10:43 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dragonfire6 View Post
Soooo... I am the proud 2nd owner of a clean 06 Z4 3.0i (with a ton of miles)... Got to drop the top for almost half of the ride home before the Florida afternoon rain started. Hank for all of the advice and Tommy, thank you for going above and beyond for me... Here's to another 186k miles and no check engine lights *fingers crossed*
Excellent. I am sure the 06 will be a better car for you. Just make sure all the services are up to date and the cooling system has been kept up. Have fun!
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      09-23-2014, 06:20 AM   #18
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Congrats

Enjoy
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      09-23-2014, 06:44 AM   #19
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Woo hoo!!! Congratulations!!! Post pics!!!
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