Random E85 questions

[dizman7]

Hi, a buddy of mine is looking at getting an E85 and he had a few random questions.

1) The one he is looking at currently has wood grain trim, which he is not crazy about (nor am I), so how easy/hard is it to pop off the trim and replace it or repaint it?

2) Is there noticible driving difference between the 3.0i and 3.0si? is it noticibly faster, handle better, etc?

3) what exactly does the Sport button do in the 3.0si when it's on? the current M3 it increase throttle response, and can stiffen suspenion, tighten steering (if programmed), he was wondering if this is the same for the Z4.

I think that was all he wanted to ask for now.

Thanks!

[epbrown]

1) The trim is fairly straightforward to replace, but a bit pricey - almost a grand. 2) The difference in driving is right at the limit of what the typical person would notice, much less and you wouldn't think it's worth it; BMW's always been good at judging that.The reaction is more "Huh, this one is a bit quicker" rather than "Whoa!" 3) The sport button in all the non-M Z4s does 2 things: changes the throttle map to one much more aggressive, and reduces the assistance of the EPS (electric power steering) to increase steering resistance. It does nothing to the suspension.

Originally Posted by dizman7

Hi, a buddy of mine is looking at getting an E85 and he had a few random questions.

1) The one he is looking at currently has wood grain trim, which he is not crazy about (nor am I), so how easy/hard is it to pop off the trim and replace it or repaint it?

2) Is there noticible driving difference between the 3.0i and 3.0si? is it noticibly faster, handle better, etc?

3) what exactly does the Sport button do in the 3.0si when it's on? the current M3 it increase throttle response, and can stiffen suspenion, tighten steering (if programmed), he was wondering if this is the same for the Z4.

I think that was all he wanted to ask for now.

Thanks!

[psygnosis]

The sport button does 3 things when applicable.

-It changes the throttle mapping

-Reduces steering resistance

-Changes shift patterns on auto/SMG transmissions.

The M model only came with manual a transmission and ditched the assisted power steering so all the sport button does on those is the throttle map.

[crfine88]

I've got a brushed metal trim set he can pick up cheap and I am local.
Intall takes some patients and time.

[dizman7]

Thanks for the info guys!

The dash trim I meant in a DIY fashion was it easy or hard, he's looked into the cost from a dealer which is pricey.

So I guess him and myself aren't familar with Z4, how are they holding up? The one he is looking at now I believe is a 07 3.0si with 4,600 miles on it. It's from a private seller and he's really leery because it's not Certified Pre-Owned and doesn't know at what mileage he might have to start paying for expensive repairs.

What are your guys thoughts on that?

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by dizman7

The one he is looking at now I believe is a 07 3.0si with 4,600 miles on it. It's from a private seller and he's really leery because it's not Certified Pre-Owned and doesn't know at what mileage he might have to start paying for expensive repairs.

What are your guys thoughts on that?

My M Coupe is my second Z4, my 3rd BMW, and none have ever given me any trouble. The cars are essentially 2-seater 3-series, so the typical caveats apply, though the cost are spread out because people don't pile the miles on Z4s for the most part. There are a couple of Z4 owners whose cars are close to 200k or more, and they seem happy enough.

[Huz-Z]

Well, with respect to the Sport button, there's absolutely nothing wrong with any Z4 that does not have that.

But, if you have a car with it, when you use it you sure do get the above-mentioned "Whoa" effect!!! I have affectionately re-named mine the "Jekyll and Hyde" button.

Think of it as your car's G-Spot!!!

[zee4mike]

The Sport button is definitely a "whoo hoo". Its what sold me on my 3.0i. My wife will occasionally turn it on without me knowing and its immediate and wow! She likes it too, even when she's not driving.

[Virginia Bill]

No major problems with the Z4. The drain holes in the top's storage compartment can get blocked by debris, but that's about it. The drive train is very durable as long as you're diligent about routine service. An 07 still has a lot of warranty left, and 4600 is very low mileage. He should go for it.

[dizman7]

Originally Posted by Virginia Bill

No major problems with the Z4. The drain holes in the top's storage compartment can get blocked by debris, but that's about it. The drive train is very durable as long as you're diligent about routine service. An 07 still has a lot of warranty left, and 4600 is very low mileage. He should go for it.

Does the normal 4yr/50,000 mile warranty carry over from the original owner to the new one if it's still under 4yrs and 50,000 miles? I always assumed "NO" but never actually looked into it.


To everyone else responses about the Sport button, I thought it was only on the si, is it on every model? It sounds like the Sport button there is a difference in using it vs not using it, but there isn't "much" of a difference from a 3.0i vs 3.0si. Is that correct? Want to make sure I got it right before I tell him.

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by dizman7

Does the normal 4yr/50,000 mile warranty carry over from the original owner to the new one if it's still under 4yrs and 50,000 miles? I always assumed "NO" but never actually looked into it.

The warranty follows the car, not the owner. He can even upgrade to the extended warranty at the dealer if he wants. The Sport button is included in the Sport Package, regardless of model.

[dizman7]

Originally Posted by epbrown

The warranty follows the car, not the owner. He can even upgrade to the extended warranty at the dealer if he wants. The Sport button is included in the Sport Package, regardless of model.

Really? Is there any sort of fee or paper work to fill out for that? WOW, I had no idea it followed the vehicle, so the one he is looking at would still have 2yrs or so left of the original 4yr/50,000mile warranty? And my friend can upgrade it to the 6yr/100,000 mile one, or does the original owner have to do that first before selling the car?

Thanks for all the info guys, I knew this was the place to ask.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by epbrown

The warranty follows the car, not the owner. He can even upgrade to the extended warranty at the dealer if he wants. The Sport button is included in the Sport Package, regardless of model.

Yes, that's true. In fact, the warranty is internationally portable. I imported my car from the US into Canada. I am the second owner. So far, I've had a couple of small things addressed under the original warranty.

With respect to the diference between a 3.0i and a 3.0 Si, I have only driven my 3,0 Si so I can't comment on the difference between the two version sof the car.

On my 3.0 Si however, the Sport makes a very pronounced difference in the car. Now, my car is an automatic. The Sport button causes the car to stay in the gear longer, meaning that it only shifts up at a higher rpm point. If you are looking at a 3.0Si with a manual transmission but no Sport button, the only thing you would have gotten from the Sport feature is the more aggressive throtte response. And you can create much of that yourself by stomping the pedal harder.

[VitaminT]

In regards to upgrading the warranty. To purchase a BMW extended warranty only the original owner can do this. A second owner has the ability to buy an assortment of 3rd party warranties. If he wants the warranty, you might see if you can work something out where the original owner buys it and you pay him. Note while there is no charge to transfer the original warranty, I believe there is a $50 charge to transfer the extended warranty.

Also, any owner (original or second hand) can purchase the extended maintenance plan that covers regular services/inspections, brakes, etc. There is no fee to transfer this.

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by VitaminT

In regards to upgrading the warranty. To purchase a BMW extended warranty only the original owner can do this.

Hmm. It's always been my understanding that any owner can pay for the upgrade to a 6 year/100k warranty as long as the manufacturer's warranty is still in effect. I was offered the option on both my previous BMWs, purchased used but still under warranty.

[VitaminT]

I am not sure then. I was told by my local dealer that only the original owner could purchase it and believe I have previously seen the same on the bmwusa.com site. I just looked over it again and it looks like they might have changed the site some.

I swear the extended warranty used to be called "The BMW Original Owner Protection Program". Now it looks like it is called " BMW Ultimate Protection Program". I looked over the PDF and don't see where they mention the original owner thing anymore.

Not to get us off topic, but the original owner of my car bought the extended maintenance but not the extended warranty. I might have to call my dealer tomorrow and check on the warranty.

[Hawkeye]

I have an 07 3.0si with right over 42K miles and haven't had any major issues. I had a small suspension issue, but it was fixed under warranty by the shop. I find the car very funa nd very reliable

[lnc2bldr]

Things must have changed. I am the second owner and the dealer asked me to think about extending the factory warranty 2 additional years when the 4 year is up for $1800.

[Hawkeye]

that would be a great deal for you inc2bldr, I think the Inspection 2 which is right after 50K miles (for non-M) is about $1.5K alone.

[epbrown]

No, it wouldn't - he doesn't have an M. I was quoted $2800 for this when I bought my M Coupe (I passed).

[VitaminT]

Called my dealer today about the extended warranty. Apparently they have changed the program and now any owner can purchase an extended warranty on the car. A 7yr, 70k (from in service) for my 06 M with 23k miles was like $3600. Not sure that is worth it for the additional 3 years of coverage, but still thinking about it.

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by epbrown

No, it wouldn't - he doesn't have an M. I was quoted $2800 for this when I bought my M Coupe (I passed).

So 3.0si inspection 2 cost significantly less?