Z43.0si advice needed

[jumpthewire]

hey all,
first time poster.

i am in the market for a 07 z43.0si.
had one inspected by BMW, they came back and said
"Engine lower cover has broken mounting points"
also had lower battery, power window not working.

it was a 07 lease with 17k on it.
the carfax, autocheck came back clean.

does it sound like the owner beat it?
not sure how you break mounts or why a new
car would have electrical issues....

any feedback/thoughts would be awesome!

thanks
shawn

[wildag]

Sounds like the engine cover got dinged up and subsequently the little screw mount tabs for the cover were broken off.

The battery can simply be replaced.

The power window might be a regulator, motor or switch. Fairly common stuff on BMWs.


You're better off checking for the major things, like water damage and maintenance history.

[jumpthewire]

Thanks for that. I'm still waiting to speak with the mechanic who checked it out.
Im not to savy with cars, so thank you again.

He also said that 2 wheels are "slightly bent" as well as the steering wheel being off
center to the right.

Just seems like alot for a 07 with 17k, unless your really beating it.

oh, btw
this Z43.0si is selling for 26k which is why i was suspicions.
seems lower than most that ive come across.

shawn

[wildag]

Yea, bent wheels is never good. There has to be a pretty big impact to make that happen.

The steering wheel being off center is just an alignment issue, that can be fixed.

Definitely not a garage queen. But cars are meant to be used. Stuff happens.

And 26k isn't a "great steal". You can get a M for just a few thousand more.

[jumpthewire]

are electrical problems are common on BMWs?

one of the power windows does not work.
right blinker does not work.

just hope this isn't a sign of a bigger issue.

thanks again for your replies!

[dekaliber]

Originally Posted by jumpthewire

are electrical problems are common on BMWs?

one of the power windows does not work.
right blinker does not work.

just hope this isn't a sign of a bigger issue.

thanks again for your replies!

This all sounds like a car you want to avoid. Lease returns are a gamble sometimes.

Too bad I just traded in my car :\

[jumpthewire]

why a gamble?
i thought they are always serviced by BMW & owners have
to return in good condition?

just talked to the mechanic.

said the mounting points for the hood isnt a big deal.
pretty much said overall nothing major.

the warranty will cover the blinker/battery.
said the "slightly bent" rim is very slight and common with flatruns.
said the window is a "program" fix.

im not purchasing from him, this was a 3rd party inspection, so im
leaning towards purchase.

the only thing that will need fixed is the flat run tire in front.
has a bubble.

[AWM3]

Unless it's an auto and that's what you want, I would spend a few thousand more and get a Z4M. This car sounds like it was beat on and poorly cared for, and for the dollar, the Z4M is a better value.

[jumpthewire]

when you replace FRTs, can you replace just one?
or do you need to do sets?

[dekaliber]

Originally Posted by jumpthewire

why a gamble?
i thought they are always serviced by BMW & owners have
to return in good condition?

I guess it's a gamble as much as any other used car. Some people just aren't careful and don't take care of their shit. Some people are super anal and park at the farthest curb away from everyone else in order to minimize the chances of getting a door ding. Even if the financial incentive is there to return the car in good condition, people are probably less inclined to be OCD about dings and scratches or drive the car responsibly if it's a lease, knowing that they'll return it in a couple of years. Seeing a few condition reports from Manheim auctions, it's a little alarming how much damage can be present on a car that's only a few years old. For example, this is something that rates in "average" condition:

http://mmsc400.manheim.com/MABEL/ECR...8&locale=en_US

Most if not all of these issues are fixed by the dealer before the next person buys it as part of the reconditioning process. For many people that's not a big deal, but the quality of the work can certainly vary. Personally, I'd like to find a used car with as much factory paint intact as possible.

Originally Posted by car62

Unless it's an auto and that's what you want, I would spend a few thousand more and get a Z4M. This car sounds like it was beat on and poorly cared for, and for the dollar, the Z4M is a better value.

The price difference between the Z4 and Z4M is now pretty slim, but it really depends on what the OP wants in a car. The 3.0si is an excellent touring car with terrific low-end torque, better gas mileage, and cheaper maintenance. The M is a beast that really demands the attention and involvement and delivers commeasurate satisfaction to those who provide it. I made the mistake of not going the M route at first (picking up the new M coupe tomorrow!), whereas others will find the 3.0si not only perfectly adequate, but more enjoyable as well.

Regardless, the 6-speed manual is a must.

[jumpthewire]

thanks guys. in the end im going to pass on this since my gut tells me the last
owner didn't really take care of it.

i love the M, but think the 3.0si is more suited for what im looking for.

curious if anyone has opinion about buying CPO?

thanks again
shawn

[ramp]

I picked up a 2007 Z4 3.0 coupe with 5800 mi for $23500. One owner, pretty mint. The battery issue happened to me over the winter. Put it on a trickle charge and dealer fixed the transport mode. A/C would not work until this was corrected. Take your time and enjoy looking for the right car. To me that is all part of the hunt. As far as an M or 3.0si. It is purely personal. Good luck.