Looking to buy my first z4 this Fri Sat, need thoughts!

[robert16]

So Im driving a ways to buy this 07 z4 SI 255HP, low miles. I guess my biggest concern is the condition. Looks mint in the pics. I'm worried about the transmission shifting and how it sounds. Salesman says it shift smooth no issues, but all salesmen can lie. Other than that I think Im gonna get it. So much fun. I have driven three 3.0 215 hp models but want more, can't afford the M.

I want all advice please.

[86Zed]

See if the salesman will allow an independent mechanic to do a PPI inspection (at your cost) or at the very least look at the car on a lift. Poke around all the linkages, check the car for odd wear n tear, inspect the exhaust etc.

Try to get a look at the paint in good lighting and inspect for any issues - generally a good starting point for a price reduction Do a thorough test drive in both casual and more aggressive driving styles.

[robert16]

The salesman said I can put it up on the lift and my mechanic is a buddy and between the two of us we will look at it. He is sell it as is 90 days. I guess my concern is it's an 8 hour drive. Under 40K, what if I drive all this way and it drives bad argggg. My main concern is the tranny and engine, I can fix almost anything.

[Diesel_d66]

I had a 07 SI. Loved it. Took a train from MD to CT only based on pics and service history to test drive it. Yeah it was risky but it was low miles at a good price. The car actually had some minor cosmetic issues that I wasn’t aware of but mechancily it was fine and after 3 years it had no surprise issues. The 1 to 2 gears did grind some of the time but if you did a half a second pause it usually was smooth. There’s threads about it. Take your mechanic friend with you and buy it and don’t look back.

[robert16]

In comes with full maintenance records from BMW, the vehicle was in California and Texas for a few years. I called the dealer that did all the work for 95 % of the miles on it, and they said it never had any repairs of any type, just service for fluids and filters all done at BMW. I would think if it had a tranny issue BMW would jump at the chance to make money and tell the owner.

[Huz-Z]

Make sure that the power top opens and close quickly and smoothly. Get them to show you that the roof drains are not blocked - this will ensure your power top motor stays operating.

Using the remote key fob, if you unlock the driver door, then the passenger door, and then hold down on the door open button on the key, the windows should drop down and the roof should lower. Its important to keep the door open button pressed on the key throughout or the roof will stop half way and you'll have to get inside and use the button on the dash to finish the process.

You can also lower the roof using the key in the driver door. Turn the key to unlock the doors. Turn the key in the same direction and hold and the roof will lower. You can raise the roof by turning the key in the other direction and holding.

When lowering the roof with either the key or the dash button, keep the button pressed until the red LED on the dash button goes out, signifying that the roof is fully lowered.

for some early versions of the N52 engine, the valves were noisy on cold start. This was supposedly harmless and many cars had this fixed under warranty, but you can check for it by starting the engine when cold to see if it makes a tapping noise that goes away when the engine warms.

Check for condensation in the fog lights - a common problem.

By the way, for around town driving and under 60 mph, you will find this car every bit as quick as an M. Above 60 mph, the SI is still a fierce performer, but the M will shine at those speeds.

[robert16]

I wrote everything down and will check everything.

I'm gonna ask them to lower the top with the remote in a few minutes.

Would it be rude of me to ask them to send a video of the engine sound and shifting?

Can your guys talk to me about this transmission and how rough it should shift.

[Huz-Z]

My car is an auto so I can't specifically comment on the manual in the Z4. But I did have a VW Golf with a manual transmission for 8 years and it seems that notchy shifting from first to second gear is a common thing with German cars.

Other than that, I understand that the Z4 manual gearbox is pretty nice.

[ShakyDog]

I would do the inspection prior to driving the car. I fell in love with mine on the drive and I am not sure what I would have done if I had it inspected and it was a disaster

Steve

[Diesel_d66]

FAQ

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=377102

[wdb]

3.0si is a GEM. Is it an automatic, is that why all the hand wringing? Because if it's a 6MT please stop worrying about the gears.

[robert16]

Yes it’s an automatic, I don’t want stick. I’ve test driven 3 z4’s but all of them were the 215 horse power and I want more power but can’t afford the M. So si should be perfect. Si is 255hp.

How should it shift, what shouldn’t it do?

[Huz-Z]

This video is tailor-made for you:

[Huz-Z]

The automatic in the Z4 SI is a very nice unit that shifts smoothly. In Sport mode (the button is on the center console in front of the shifter), the steering is stiffer and the gearbox shifts more quickly at a higher RPM. If the car has paddle shifters, make sure that they work to shift up and down; the dash display will indicate the gear when you do that.

[chickdr]

To me the auto 3.0si is a real charmer. Nice firm shifts and the tranny is quite robust. Not a lot of issues. As long as it has been well maintained, I wouldn't worry.

[Huz-Z]

We only ask TWO things in return for the comments here.

1. Post pics of the new car when you get her so we can share in the thrill.
2. keep posting - the more the merrier!

[robert16]

Im leaving Friday at 1 to pick up the one way rental with a buddy. We are going to get it, drive home Saturday noon, arrive home early sat night.

I think the first thing I'm gonna do is remove the dealer stickers with the free dealer logo, two of them.

Mine is Mantego Blue with dark tan/brown seats automatic. Tan top but gonna switch it to black.

[robert16]

Guys and gals this is my first sports car.

Im 44.

Had a poop brown chevette at 16
then a Hyundi Excel hatchback.
then a red honda civic hatch back
then a dark green jeep for the last 17 years.

I get such a rush driving this vehicle like its cocaine!

Im very excited.

[Huz-Z]

Montego Blue? You sir have excellent taste!

[PicklebergMcMuffin]

You had me worried for a while with this post. Ive been watching a few different sites for 07 and 08 3.0si, then i started reading this and had to make sure it wasnt one of the ones i am more seriously considering. Now that i know its blue, we are good. Good luck with it, hopefully it works out

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by robert16

Guys and gals this is my first sports car.

Im 44.

Had a poop brown chevette at 16
then a Hyundi Excel hatchback.
then a red honda civic hatch back
then a dark green jeep for the last 17 years.

I get such a rush driving this vehicle like its cocaine!

Im very excited.

Okay, wait a second. You were driving a Chevette in 1990? Holy shit were you brave. I hope it was at least a late 80's vintage.

[robert16]

Ok I put a deposit down, $500. This will hold the z4 for me while a buddy and I drive to get it.

Actually the color is the deep dark Monaco blue.

Rented a one way rental, booked the hotel, printed off insurance card for it, bringing some extra cash, Fico score of 833 preapproved.

All excited.

I will post pics when I get back, promise.

That chevette was a total rust bucket. I learned how to fix cars all by myself and I’m pretty good at it.