Questions before buying Z4 M!

[DrVolkl]

Originally Posted by blacksquid

I ran across this site when looking for my Z4M Coupe:

http://z4mcoupebuyersguide.com/

This is the site I used. VERY helpful.

[Mar48]

^ need to keep this thread near the top!

[ShakyDog]

My thoughts: The coupes are just beautiful, one of my top 10 cars ever. That said, unless you find an enthusiast, you will sit on a coupe longer than a roadster when you go to sell. Top down gets you another segment of buyers. Where a coupe is a more limited group. I have noticed many coupes for sale on this site that did not sell and were traded off to dealers.

If I had the extra cash I would have a coupe and a roadster. :-)

Steve

[SaltyNC]

Originally Posted by ShakyDog

If I had the extra cash I would have a coupe and a roadster. :-)

Steve

WHS ^

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by ShakyDog

My thoughts: The coupes are just beautiful, one of my top 10 cars ever. That said, unless you find an enthusiast, you will sit on a coupe longer than a roadster when you go to sell. Top down gets you another segment of buyers. Where a coupe is a more limited group. I have noticed many coupes for sale on this site that did not sell and were traded off to dealers.

If I had the extra cash I would have a coupe and a roadster. :-)

Steve

Hmmm...as soon as you've said that, all the ///M for sale right now in the forum are all roadsters

[The HACK]

Probably because winter. Coupes are more impervious to seasons, except nobody likes to buy car during the winter. But roadster owners often stare at the rag top during the cold winter month and wonder "what the hell am I doing with a car I can't drive with the top down for 3 months out of the year for" and attempt to dump it when the winter blues hit.

Meanwhile winter is just about the WORST possible time to try and sell the roadster. And when spring and summer rolls around, they take the roadster off the market because they know fun, sun kissed days are ahead.

[Chapman]

Hey guys, I'm reviving an old thread here. I was hoping to look for any additional feedback on buying a Z4MC, if any!

I'm new to BMWs and I'm looking at a Z4MC with 46k miles. This car is in Texas, so I probably won't see it in person before buying.

Are there anything else in particular I should ask the seller?

1. Has an inspection II been completed (valve adjustment)?
2. Do you have maintenance records?
3. Has the car been tracked?
4. Why are you selling?

I plan to order a pre-purchase inspection. Aside from that, I can't think of anything else.


Thanks in advance.

[David70]

Originally Posted by Chapman

Hey guys, I'm reviving an old thread here. I was hoping to look for any additional feedback on buying a Z4MC, if any!

I'm new to BMWs and I'm looking at a Z4MC with 46k miles. This car is in Texas, so I probably won't see it in person before buying.

Are there anything else in particular I should ask the seller?

1. Has an inspection II been completed (valve adjustment)?
2. Do you have maintenance records?
3. Has the car been tracked?
4. Why are you selling?

I plan to order a pre-purchase inspection. Aside from that, I can't think of anything else.


Thanks in advance.

For a 10 year old $25k-$35k car I would spend the extra money to fly down on a weekend and see it. Probably another $600? Too many issues with getting it and then not being happy with what I just bought.

If not I would ask for pictures of every scratch and wear area on the car.

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by Chapman

Are there anything else in particular I should ask the seller?

I plan to order a pre-purchase inspection. Aside from that, I can't think of anything else.

Pictures! Pictures Pictures! Interior surfaces. Exterior surfaces, has the paint been touched up or paint corrected at any point? Check under the front bump fangs for more than usual scratches (its low and far forward).

Check the carfax, speak with the owner over email or the phone and try to paint a picture of the cars history. Is this a diligent owner who performed the maintenance exactly as prescribed (or more) and left the car in tip-top shape? At 10 years old it likes needs replacement of lots of OEM pulleys, seals and bushings - get it done on his dime or split costs.

Get someone you trust to look at the car or hop a flight and see it yourself - no amount of pictures can substitute for that. Every used car I look at I have more and more questions, you too will add to that list soon

[WanaM]

Just like stated above, information is key. I would strongly fly out and see it in person. Check sites for comparable condition so that you know what to expect to pay.

https://www.autolist.com/bmw-z4+m#ma...e%3Aasc&page=1

Good luck with new toy and I would also strongly suggest a pre-purchase inspection at a third party shop before any money is exchanged.