First foray into Z4 (08 Z4SI) - Questions

[WangTa]

Hi folks - been interested in the z4 for a long time and finally thinking about pulling the trigger on an 08 Z4 SI with about 84k on it for $12.5k.

I had a M Roadster and had issues with the subframe - so def looking foreeard to the Z4, which seems to have an incredibly high reliability factor (with a few quarks).

Things the current owner has done in 4 months of ownership and has invoices (I asked why he is selling it so soon - he said it was an impulse decision and it’s been tough since they have 3 kids):

- Power roof motor replaced and hydraulic system serviced.
- Oil changed.
- New battery.
- New front suspension bushings
- radiator reservoir replaced.
- Brand new set of sport tires.

Previous owner before selling did the following (current owner has invoices):

- Replaced all brakes, engine gaskets, oil filter gaskets, spark plugs

My question for forum - is there any other service I should be looking for, or is right around the corner (84k Miles). I don’t believe there are inspection I or II services for non-M vehicles, so no major (ie $$$) are due at 90k?

Also - while the interior is in good shape, the exterior has one notable thing - a run in with a trash can that clipped the front fender/light area. Does anyone know how bad this is or how much it’ll cost to address (see pic below)

And any thoughts on price given all of above? Seller is asking $12.5k. There are a couple other ones nearby - a 2006 3.0i with 45k miles for $12k (don’t much like the color and prefer the face lift but seems like a good price).

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[3002 tii]

I wonder if a dent guy can fix that for you...

Only thing to be on lookout for is water pump and T-stat

Def go for the 3.0si, the bump in power is noticeable and while you can upgrade the 3.0i yourself I’d prefer just getting it in factory form.

[WangTa]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

I wonder if a dent guy can fix that for you...

Only thing to be on lookout for is water pump and T-stat

Def go for the 3.0si, the bump in power is noticeable and while you can upgrade the 3.0i yourself I’d prefer just getting it in factory form.

Thanks 3002 tii. Yeah that's what I was thinking too, though I've had bad experience with paint-less body repair (meaning, they could never fix what I needed them to fix).

Didn't know you can upgrade a 3.0i to 3.0is. Really??? But yeah, generally agree - not sure that's something I want to take on myself!

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by WangTa

Thanks 3002 tii. Yeah that's what I was thinking too, though I've had bad experience with paint-less body repair (meaning, they could never fix what I needed them to fix).

Didn't know you can upgrade a 3.0i to 3.0is. Really??? But yeah, generally agree - not sure that's something I want to take on myself!

Yea just search 3 stage manifold unfold upgrade, basically taking the intake manifold and other hardware off an X3, 330i or Z4 with the high output n52 motor. Then purchase a tune to optimize the hardware OR download the free one offered by Hass (check e90post N/A thread).

To get the most power out of the n52 -> 3 stage + MILV + BPC tune

[Huz-Z]

Bear in mind though that a 3.0si will typically have more options than a 3.0i, if that is important. You may also find upgraded brakes etc

[gpraceman]

Originally Posted by WangTa

My question for forum - is there any other service I should be looking for, or is right around the corner (84k Miles). I don’t believe there are inspection I or II services for non-M vehicles, so no major (ie $$$) are due at 90k?

There is still Inspection I and II for non-M's, you just aren't having to do the valve adjustment, spark plug change, and tranny fluid and differential oil changes that are specified for an M. Though, "lifetime fluids" really do need to be changed at some point. As far as I know, BMW considers lifetime to be 100K miles. I'd be changing out spark plugs then as well. So, you are nearing the 90K mile point where you would be doing Inspection I.

Maintenance Checklist - https://www.zpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=109382&d=1193804024

[dc_wright]

Originally Posted by WangTa

Didn't know you can upgrade a 3.0i to 3.0is. Really??? But yeah, generally agree - not sure that's something I want to take on myself!

Has to be the later 3.0i with the N52 engine. Can't do it on the earlier 3.0 I with the M54.

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

Bear in mind though that a 3.0si will typically have more options than a 3.0i, if that is important. You may also find upgraded brakes etc

You will find upgraded front brakes. All the non-M Z4 use the same rear calipers and rotors, but the 3.0si gets the calipers on rotors from the E46 335i. It's a notable increase in both rotor diameter and pad area.

Originally Posted by WangTa

Thanks 3002 tii. Yeah that's what I was thinking too, though I've had bad experience with paint-less body repair (meaning, they could never fix what I needed them to fix).

Not really much to lose by giving it a try. Worst case you're buying a fender, and they're essentially bolt on so you could get the replacement sprayed by a shop and install it yourself to save a few $$. The fenders actually aren't too expensive for a major body part. https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...gaAlVwEALw_wcB

[Huz-Z]

My fave review of the 3.0si:

https://www.auto123.com/en/car-revie...ad-test/53868/

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

I wonder if a dent guy can fix that for you...

Only thing to be on lookout for is water pump and T-stat

Def go for the 3.0si, the bump in power is noticeable and while you can upgrade the 3.0i yourself I’d prefer just getting it in factory form.

I had a PDR guy take some seriously large and deep dents out from my left rear quarter panel and left rear door on my E90 (from a deer), so I'm a big believer in PDR. My Coupe had a slight crease in the right front fender above the headlight (similar location to the OP's prospective car), but not as severe. But my concern with the pictured car is the alignment of the front bumper and fender (and the headlight too). The panel gaps are not right and all close in on themselves near the site of impact (with a trashcan?). Strange that the paint looks unmarked, but the panels don't line up good.

The tabs that hook the fender to the bumper cover look to be broken as well, which may mean a new bumper cover is required to get the car back to correct panel alignment.

My 2 cents.

[dc_wright]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I had a PDR guy take some seriously large and deep dents out from my left rear quarter panel and left rear door on my E90 (from a deer), so I'm a big believer in PDR. My Coupe had a slight crease in the right front fender above the headlight (similar location to the OP's prospective car), but not as severe. But my concern with the pictured car is the alignment of the front bumper and fender (and the headlight too). The panel gaps are not right and all close in on themselves near the site of impact (with a trashcan?). Strange that the paint looks unmarked, but the panels don't line up good.

The tabs that hook the fender to the bumper cover look to be broken as well, which may mean a new bumper cover is required to get the car back to correct panel alignment.

My 2 cents.

The gap between the hood and the front bumper cover has some adjustment room. There's clearance around the bumper cover mounting holes and you can loosen up the fasteners along it's top edge and adjust it. I'm guessing the impact pushed that side back a bit.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by dc_wright

The gap between the hood and the front bumper cover has some adjustment room. There's clearance around the bumper cover mounting holes and you can loosen up the fasteners along it's top edge and adjust it. I'm guessing the impact pushed that side back a bit.

Understood, but a trashcan caused that level of damage? Pushed panels around enough to close panel gaps?

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

The tabs that hook the fender to the bumper cover look to be broken as well, which may mean a new bumper cover is required to get the car back to correct panel alignment.

My 2 cents.

Out of curiosity, how did you ascertain this from the photo?

[gpraceman]

Originally Posted by chickdr

Out of curiosity, how did you ascertain this from the photo?

Not sure how he determined that. However, the plastic bracket that holds the corner of the bumper does get quite brittle and easily breaks. So, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that the plastic bracket needs to be replaced. I had to replace mine after pulling my old bumper off, before putting on the new bumper.

[StickMon]

Gap between the upper left corner of the bumper cover and the 1/4 panel looks too big for an intact plastic tab.
Maybe just the rivet is torn out.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by chickdr

Out of curiosity, how did you ascertain this from the photo?

Clairvoyance.