Would you buy a Z4 M with 90k miles?

fighting_fish · 03-10-2011, 02:22 PM

What the title says. There's a bronze m roadster in florida, pretty cheap too, but it has the most miles of any z4 I've seen listed.

My commute is so short (20 miles) that I might be better holding out for a lower mileage car, seeing as I only drive 5-7k a year even though I daily drive. But I wanted to see what you guys think.

BlackMoupe · 03-10-2011, 02:28 PM

If it's bronze, buy it to look at it.

ANUSTART · 03-10-2011, 02:34 PM

A few more factors would come into play. How many owners? How long as the current owner had it? Is this off a lot, dealer or private sale? What kind of feeling do you get form the seller? Will they let you take it for a reputable mechanic to look at it? What condition is it in? Does it feel like a car with 90k on it or nice and tight?

I always like to tell friends, be honest with yourself and it will pay you back in the end. Trust your gut if it doesn't feel right and don't be lured by price and status of that M badge alone.

Good luck!

Nikki · 03-10-2011, 02:41 PM

LOL I was just looking at that one like 2 minutes ago and wondering the same thing!

krnnerdboy · 03-10-2011, 02:51 PM

When I look at higher mileage cars I always calculate the cost of rebuild and the potential of aftermarket and oem parts availability. In the case of the e85m I would get it and budget about 5k on the side to rebuild/modify. Parts are plenty and the aftermarket supply is endless.

fighting_fish · 03-10-2011, 03:04 PM

@SSKE92: YES, bronze is so nice I should just buy it to put it in my living room, then get a second one for driving.

@hogzilla: One owner, private sale, has maintenance records. The car is on the other side of the country so I'd have to have someone check it out for me. The guy is an older businessman. Seems like he didn't push the car hardly: when I asked about high rev gear changes between 1st and 2nd, he said that he rarely revved it very high (for gas mileage), and that he puts on the sport button on once a month just to keep it working, haha

Anyone in Florida that can check it out (or know a great indy)?

esqu1re · 03-10-2011, 03:12 PM

90,000 miles is a bit high, but if properly maintained, not the worst thing that can happen to these engines. There is a whole thread over at m3post.com that has people going over 100,000 (now 150,000 I think) in their e46 M3s.

With that said, I don't have much history with BMWs and don't know how well the electronics will hold up with mileage / time.

ANUSTART · 03-10-2011, 03:33 PM

Sounds promising. Maybe see if there is a reputable BMW mechanic near him and pay them directly to do an inspection for you. Arrange a convenient time for him to bring it by and they can report what they find back to you. Maybe see if someone on here can meet them up at the shop to make sure everything is on the level. Sounds pretty decent though and the color is awesome. Hope it works out for you.

cmark8 · 03-10-2011, 03:40 PM

I would definitely check if inspection 1, inspection 2, and inspection 1 (again) was done (30k, 60k, 90k). If the car was properly maintained and oil was changed every 7.5k miles, just do a PPI with a reputable mechanic and you should be good to go. But remember, wear and tear will be extremely present. When you rack up miles, expect your bills to rack up too! If you eventually purchase this car, I would immediately do a valve adjustment, just to keep things safe.

HOG4DNR · 03-10-2011, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fighting_fish

Anyone in Florida that can check it out (or know a great indy)?

I'm in the Ft. Lauderdale area, if he's close I will be glad to take a look at it for you.

Scott

Jbs · 03-10-2011, 04:23 PM

There are a few more things to check out than just the number of miles.

Check to see that maint is up to par (what cmark said).
Figure out what kind of miles the car was driven, freeway miles are not that bad.
How many owners has the car had?
How/Why is the owner selling the car now?
Sepang is gorgeous.
PPI is a MUST!

pokeybritches · 03-10-2011, 04:46 PM

What's the price? I'd buy it for $1. $30k no way.

cmark8 · 03-10-2011, 06:24 PM

Hopefully it's around 15-17k MAX.

Nate2046 · 03-10-2011, 09:21 PM

I hate to bag on anyones car for being high mileage as it really isn't the 'end-all be-all' of condition. However, these cars have gotten so cheap that I just don't see any reason to buy a high mileage example. I know my '07 is perfect with 40k on it, but if I were in the market, I'd be looking for a sub 20k example. In all honesty, I wouldn't even consider my own car given the mileage. Whether you plan on keeping the car 2 years or >10 years I think the low mile factor pays a high dividend.

fighting_fish · 03-10-2011, 09:43 PM

@cmark8: I'll ask about the inspections, good idea. The mileage does scare me a bit. I also suspect that the oil changes were done every 15k instead of 7.5k.

@HOG4DNR: Thanks so much, I really appreciate the offer. I'm not sure I'll end up making an offer on it, but if I do I'd REALLY appreciate another set of impartial eyes.

@jbs: Freeway miles (that's why the high mileage). One owner. Selling because he's getting a maserati.

@pokeybritches: the price is in that range, I wouldn't offer more than that.

@nate: you do make excellent points, thanks for your input. In fact if I wasn't so set on sepang, I could get an m roadster in silver, black, or white with half the mileage, for 3-5k more.

The main reason I'm considering it it's because it's sepang and with a low price like that I could afford a lot of custom projects (like custom extended leather). Then again, why spend a bunch of money doing custom magazineworthy mods on a car with a ton of miles

Z4Murder · 03-11-2011, 05:21 AM

i wouldnt be scared if proper maintenance was performed. if it's a good deal, and you wont be putting very many miles on it, i would say to go for it.

epbrown · 03-11-2011, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fighting_fish

What the title says. There's a bronze m roadster in florida, pretty cheap too, but it has the most miles of any z4 I've seen listed.

I buy more on condition and price than miles, and the S54 is a strong motor - if nothing were wrong with the car, yeah, I'd consider it, for the same reason a poster above wouldn't - I wouldn't be looking to ditch my own at that mileage. His asking price (19k) is at least sane - there are cars almost as high in miles asking the same mid-20s as low-mileage M Roadsters.

wrh3 · 03-11-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epbrown

I buy more on condition and price than miles....

This.

SHEEDI · 03-11-2011, 07:50 AM

Instead of saving extra$ to fix this 90k mile car. pay extra to buy low milage car. that will save you from all fixng costs and will give you piece of mind

bhoch · 03-11-2011, 08:52 AM

Personally, it would depend on what my plans were for the car. If I was going to keep it mostly stock and just drive it the way it is, then I would rather get a car with less then 90K miles. If, knowing up front, that I was going to do a lot of mods - and this probably includes engine/drive train areas, then I would not care about the mileage as much as most of the "wear items" are going to be replaced with new anyway.

Either way, if the previous owner(s) took decent care of the car you will probably be getting a pretty good car regardless of the current miles.

fighting_fish · 03-11-2011, 02:21 PM

I've decided to pass on this vehicle. My goal is to keep the car for as long as it takes for people to recognize it as a classic

Posting the ad here in case anyone wants to jump on it (he already has someone else interested, so act quick). Back to the search for a bronze m roadster, please let me know if you guys see one

<http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=295783151&dealer_id=66111597&c ar_year=2006&doors=&systime=&position=top&position =top&model=BMWROAD&search_lang=en&start_year=2006& body_style=CONVERT&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highl ightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&mi n_price=&drive=&rdm=1299749551325&marketZipError=f alse&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=8 6474&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2008&sho wZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&page_locatio n=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=1&transmis sion=&mod_bookmark_id=39956496&default_sort=priceA SC&max_mileage=&address=95032&color=&sort_type=mil eageDESC&max_price=&awsp=false&make=BMW&seller_typ e=b&num_records=100&cardist=2384&standard=false>

fighting_fish · 03-11-2011, 02:25 PM

I've decided to pass on this vehicle. My goal is to keep the car for as long as it takes for people to recognize it as a classic

Posting the ad here in case anyone wants to jump on it (he already has someone else interested, so act quick). Back to the search for a bronze m roadster, please let me know if you guys see one

<http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=295783151&dealer_id=66111597&c ar_year=2006&doors=&systime=&position=top&position =top&model=BMWROAD&search_lang=en&start_year=2006& body_style=CONVERT&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highl ightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&mi n_price=&drive=&rdm=1299749551325&marketZipError=f alse&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=8 6474&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2008&sho wZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&page_locatio n=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=1&transmis sion=&mod_bookmark_id=39956496&default_sort=priceA SC&max_mileage=&address=95032&color=&sort_type=mil eageDESC&max_price=&awsp=false&make=BMW&seller_typ e=b&num_records=100&cardist=2384&standard=false>

03-10-2011, 02:22 PM	#1
fighting_fish Private First Class 6 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2.5i Z4 2004 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Would you buy a Z4 M with 90k miles? What the title says. There's a bronze m roadster in florida, pretty cheap too, but it has the most miles of any z4 I've seen listed. My commute is so short (20 miles) that I might be better holding out for a lower mileage car, seeing as I only drive 5-7k a year even though I daily drive. But I wanted to see what you guys think.
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03-10-2011, 02:28 PM	#2
BlackMoupe Mouper 113 Rep 1,064 Posts Drives: _____ Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: _____ iTrader: (1)	If it's bronze, buy it to look at it.
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03-10-2011, 02:34 PM	#3
ANUSTART Captain 35 Rep 956 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	A few more factors would come into play. How many owners? How long as the current owner had it? Is this off a lot, dealer or private sale? What kind of feeling do you get form the seller? Will they let you take it for a reputable mechanic to look at it? What condition is it in? Does it feel like a car with 90k on it or nice and tight? I always like to tell friends, be honest with yourself and it will pay you back in the end. Trust your gut if it doesn't feel right and don't be lured by price and status of that M badge alone. Good luck!
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03-10-2011, 02:41 PM	#4
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	LOL I was just looking at that one like 2 minutes ago and wondering the same thing! __________________ Nikki
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03-10-2011, 02:51 PM	#5
krnnerdboy Colonel 190 Rep 2,431 Posts Drives: v10 m6 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: so cal iTrader: (10)	When I look at higher mileage cars I always calculate the cost of rebuild and the potential of aftermarket and oem parts availability. In the case of the e85m I would get it and budget about 5k on the side to rebuild/modify. Parts are plenty and the aftermarket supply is endless. __________________ F80 m3, 997 gt3, 14 ram ctd, f15 x5, drz400sm Gone:z4m, boss 302, c6 z06, m6,z3m
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03-10-2011, 03:04 PM	#6
fighting_fish Private First Class 6 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2.5i Z4 2004 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	@SSKE92: YES, bronze is so nice I should just buy it to put it in my living room, then get a second one for driving. @hogzilla: One owner, private sale, has maintenance records. The car is on the other side of the country so I'd have to have someone check it out for me. The guy is an older businessman. Seems like he didn't push the car hardly: when I asked about high rev gear changes between 1st and 2nd, he said that he rarely revved it very high (for gas mileage), and that he puts on the sport button on once a month just to keep it working, haha Anyone in Florida that can check it out (or know a great indy)?
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03-10-2011, 03:12 PM	#7
esqu1re Lieutenant Colonel 41 Rep 1,855 Posts Drives: M Coupe Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	90,000 miles is a bit high, but if properly maintained, not the worst thing that can happen to these engines. There is a whole thread over at m3post.com that has people going over 100,000 (now 150,000 I think) in their e46 M3s. With that said, I don't have much history with BMWs and don't know how well the electronics will hold up with mileage / time. __________________ ///M Coupe: RPI Scoop, OE Strut, CDV, Volk RE30, SS Brake Lines, Stromung Exhaust
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03-10-2011, 03:33 PM	#8
ANUSTART Captain 35 Rep 956 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	Sounds promising. Maybe see if there is a reputable BMW mechanic near him and pay them directly to do an inspection for you. Arrange a convenient time for him to bring it by and they can report what they find back to you. Maybe see if someone on here can meet them up at the shop to make sure everything is on the level. Sounds pretty decent though and the color is awesome. Hope it works out for you.
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03-10-2011, 03:40 PM	#9
cmark8 M52, M62TU, S50US, S54, S65 75 Rep 569 Posts Drives: E90 M3 6MT, E36 Touring MT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: +5511 iTrader: (11)	I would definitely check if inspection 1, inspection 2, and inspection 1 (again) was done (30k, 60k, 90k). If the car was properly maintained and oil was changed every 7.5k miles, just do a PPI with a reputable mechanic and you should be good to go. But remember, wear and tear will be extremely present. When you rack up miles, expect your bills to rack up too! If you eventually purchase this car, I would immediately do a valve adjustment, just to keep things safe. __________________ 1995 E36 M3 USA / 2002 E46 M3 SMG / 2008 E90 M3 6MT 1996 E36 328i Touring 5MT / 1998 E36 323Ti M Sport 5MT 2002 E39 540i Protection
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03-10-2011, 04:23 PM	#11
Jbs The Photographer 76 Rep 628 Posts Drives: 07 Z4MC BSM/Black extended Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	There are a few more things to check out than just the number of miles. Check to see that maint is up to par (what cmark said). Figure out what kind of miles the car was driven, freeway miles are not that bad. How many owners has the car had? How/Why is the owner selling the car now? Sepang is gorgeous. PPI is a MUST! __________________ John Batte Photography / Flickr / Facebook 2007 ///M Coupe BSM/Black Extended/Loaded \| RPi GT Exhaust w/custom gloss black tips \| KW V3 \| Michelin PSS 245/265 \| Pinnacle F1 Tint 35% \| ZHP Shift Knob
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03-10-2011, 04:46 PM	#12
pokeybritches Colonel 479 Rep 2,782 Posts Drives: ESS/G-Power Z4M, VF Z4, 996tt Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4M [10.00] 2006 BMW Z4M [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i [9.00]	What's the price? I'd buy it for $1. $30k no way. __________________ VF Engineering Z4 3.0i, ESS Z4M, G-Power Z4M, 996 Turbo
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03-10-2011, 06:24 PM	#13
cmark8 M52, M62TU, S50US, S54, S65 75 Rep 569 Posts Drives: E90 M3 6MT, E36 Touring MT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: +5511 iTrader: (11)	Hopefully it's around 15-17k MAX. __________________ 1995 E36 M3 USA / 2002 E46 M3 SMG / 2008 E90 M3 6MT 1996 E36 328i Touring 5MT / 1998 E36 323Ti M Sport 5MT 2002 E39 540i Protection
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03-10-2011, 09:21 PM	#14
Nate2046 Lieutenant 16 Rep 421 Posts Drives: '11 e92M Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Indianapolis, In iTrader: (2)	I hate to bag on anyones car for being high mileage as it really isn't the 'end-all be-all' of condition. However, these cars have gotten so cheap that I just don't see any reason to buy a high mileage example. I know my '07 is perfect with 40k on it, but if I were in the market, I'd be looking for a sub 20k example. In all honesty, I wouldn't even consider my own car given the mileage. Whether you plan on keeping the car 2 years or >10 years I think the low mile factor pays a high dividend.
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03-10-2011, 09:43 PM	#15
fighting_fish Private First Class 6 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2.5i Z4 2004 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	@cmark8: I'll ask about the inspections, good idea. The mileage does scare me a bit. I also suspect that the oil changes were done every 15k instead of 7.5k. @HOG4DNR: Thanks so much, I really appreciate the offer. I'm not sure I'll end up making an offer on it, but if I do I'd REALLY appreciate another set of impartial eyes. @jbs: Freeway miles (that's why the high mileage). One owner. Selling because he's getting a maserati. @pokeybritches: the price is in that range, I wouldn't offer more than that. @nate: you do make excellent points, thanks for your input. In fact if I wasn't so set on sepang, I could get an m roadster in silver, black, or white with half the mileage, for 3-5k more. The main reason I'm considering it it's because it's sepang and with a low price like that I could afford a lot of custom projects (like custom extended leather). Then again, why spend a bunch of money doing custom magazineworthy mods on a car with a ton of miles Last edited by fighting_fish; 03-10-2011 at 09:49 PM..
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03-11-2011, 05:21 AM	#16
Z4Murder Major 28 Rep 1,110 Posts Drives: > speed limit Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Buffalo, NY iTrader: (1)	i wouldnt be scared if proper maintenance was performed. if it's a good deal, and you wont be putting very many miles on it, i would say to go for it. __________________ 2007 TiAg ///MCoupe * Dinan strut bars * ZHP knob * RPI scoop * Ultimate Pedals * RE Diablo * 3.91 TMS gears * Apex PS7 * Eventuri intake* Nitto NT05 * TMS pullies * Zeck CDV * RE tranny mounts * Tekarbon * Mstache 2 * '14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi... No more snow for the M!
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03-11-2011, 07:50 AM	#19
SHEEDI Banned 601 Rep 2,703 Posts Drives: 2009 335i - Sport PKG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i [8.50]	Instead of saving extra$ to fix this 90k mile car. pay extra to buy low milage car. that will save you from all fixng costs and will give you piece of mind
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03-11-2011, 08:52 AM	#20
bhoch SSGT USMC - '78 - '86 13 Rep 487 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Liberty Hill, Tx iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 [7.33]	Personally, it would depend on what my plans were for the car. If I was going to keep it mostly stock and just drive it the way it is, then I would rather get a car with less then 90K miles. If, knowing up front, that I was going to do a lot of mods - and this probably includes engine/drive train areas, then I would not care about the mileage as much as most of the "wear items" are going to be replaced with new anyway. Either way, if the previous owner(s) took decent care of the car you will probably be getting a pretty good car regardless of the current miles. __________________ Thanks, Bill 2007 3.0si Roadster Black/Red, sport, Piano Black F14 Forgestar's
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03-11-2011, 02:21 PM	#21
fighting_fish Private First Class 6 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2.5i Z4 2004 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	I've decided to pass on this vehicle. My goal is to keep the car for as long as it takes for people to recognize it as a classic Posting the ad here in case anyone wants to jump on it (he already has someone else interested, so act quick). Back to the search for a bronze m roadster, please let me know if you guys see one <http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=295783151&dealer_id=66111597&c ar_year=2006&doors=&systime=&position=top&position =top&model=BMWROAD&search_lang=en&start_year=2006& body_style=CONVERT&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highl ightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&mi n_price=&drive=&rdm=1299749551325&marketZipError=f alse&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=8 6474&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2008&sho wZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&page_locatio n=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=1&transmis sion=&mod_bookmark_id=39956496&default_sort=priceA SC&max_mileage=&address=95032&color=&sort_type=mil eageDESC&max_price=&awsp=false&make=BMW&seller_typ e=b&num_records=100&cardist=2384&standard=false>
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03-11-2011, 02:25 PM	#22
fighting_fish Private First Class 6 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2.5i Z4 2004 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	I've decided to pass on this vehicle. My goal is to keep the car for as long as it takes for people to recognize it as a classic Posting the ad here in case anyone wants to jump on it (he already has someone else interested, so act quick). Back to the search for a bronze m roadster, please let me know if you guys see one <http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=295783151&dealer_id=66111597&c ar_year=2006&doors=&systime=&position=top&position =top&model=BMWROAD&search_lang=en&start_year=2006& body_style=CONVERT&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highl ightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&mi n_price=&drive=&rdm=1299749551325&marketZipError=f alse&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=8 6474&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2008&sho wZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&page_locatio n=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=1&transmis sion=&mod_bookmark_id=39956496&default_sort=priceA SC&max_mileage=&address=95032&color=&sort_type=mil eageDESC&max_price=&awsp=false&make=BMW&seller_typ e=b&num_records=100&cardist=2384&standard=false>
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