What do you think about this Z4 M roadster deal?

[alfredoporro]

Hello,

My local Toyota dealer has this Z4 M Roadster:

http://www.toyotamarin.com/used/BMW/...d46d708a32.htm

The car only had one previous owner, Carfax showed It was serviced in the local BMW dealer all the way to September/October 2013.

It was the first time I drove an S54 powered car and I liked it. The M defenitely felt quicker and more responsive that my car but I didn't feel a huge difference (My Z4 is an 03 3.0 6 speed manual with a 3.64 upgraded differential). I liked the feeling of the steering. It would have been nice to drive in the nice backroads around here but it was only a test drive .

When I went to test the car, they wanted $ 16,900 and they only wanted to give me $ 9500 for my car. My car has 87,500 miles (10,000 miles less than this M) and within 1 year I did a whole cooling system overhaul, full suspension refresh, fresh battery, spark plugs an some more things. They called me yesterday telling me they lowered the price to $ 14,994 and were about to send it to an auto auction.

I liked the car and I want an M roadster (maybe coupe) in the future, but what they offered for my car was too low in my opinion(I bought my car cash, no car payments and a lot of maintenance done to it), the M has 10,000 more miles than my car, the color (I think this color suits better to M coupes) and the fact that I will have monthly payments just kept me away from this deal.

I still think is a good deal for an M, that is why this left me thinking.......

[vachss]

Seems really cheap and looks nice, but with almost 100K miles on the clock you'd want to be certain none of the S54 engine issues are creeping up...

[StickMon]

Why does the ad say:
"Comments: -CARFAX ONE OWNER- PRICED BELOW MARKET $10,916 ! THIS Z4 WILL SELL FAST!"

Ohhhh. They are claiming the price is $10 k less than it's worth. Had to read that a couple times.

That's the same mileage I have.
See if there are any records to indicate Vanos work. It'll need it, if it hasn't already.

[Walkurie]

At 100K, you would want a good understanding of the main bearings. They may be fine, depending on how the car was driven and serviced. At this mileage, you should expect a valve adjustment, perhaps plugs, maybe a fuel filter and possibly suspension component wear. Review the cooling system thoroughly and also the VANOS. Service records would tell you a lot if they are available.

[silverfishZ4M]

They also have this 2002 z3 3.0L for the same price with more miles...something is fishy here. Why so cheap.
http://iphone.toyotamarin.com/index....e7ac70_p_2Ehtm

[dubsesd]

I have a feeling something is wrong with it. Priced oddly cheap

[BruceJ]

Pretty Colors -
If you are a good wrench turner or good friends with one you can mitigate the used car risk by the amount of labor on repairs.

For peace of mind, if you are wiling to do some preventive maintenance I think you can have a pretty nice Z4M if you spend additional $4-9k:

My guess on some of the following:
Cooling system hoses/water pump/exp tank, etc 800-1K
Suspension parts: $1-3K
Connecting rod bearing replacement $250-1K depending on if you DIY or not
VANOS repair/replacement $1-3-4k again, depending of DIY or not. Upgraded components can get pricey.
CCV system parts:$300

Good luck with your decision.

[ZStig]

saddens me to see a Z4M so far below $20k

[dreamingat30fps]

Originally Posted by ZStig

saddens me to see a Z4M so far below $20k

Me too.

Not sure how to feel about having just got a beater to keep miles off the Z going to and from work. I only have 65k miles right now but it was creeping too fast for comfort. Plus that list of repairs up there is freaking me out.

OP personally too many miles for me, plus you say it's not THAT big of a difference over yours so. If it was me I would keep yours and pass on that car.

[KevinC]

Just ran this at the Russian site that decodes VINs...


Close Vehicle information
Type
Value
VIN 5UMBT93556LY52715
Type code BT93
Type M-ROADST (USA)
E series E85 (M)
Series Z
Type ROADST
Steering LL
Doors 2
Engine S54
Displacement 3.20
Power 246
Drive HECK
Transmission MECH
Colour INTERLAGOS BLAU METALLIC (A30)
Upholstery LEDERAUS. WALKNAPPA / SEPANG BRONZE H (LSA8)
Prod.date 2006-08-12
Close Options
Code
Description (interface)
Description (EPC)
S1CAA SELEKTION COP RELEVANTER FAHRZEUGE Selection of COP-relevant vehicles
S354A GRUENKEIL-FRONTSCHEIBE Windscreen, green-tinted upper strip
S399A VERDECKBETAETIGUNG VOLLAUTOMATISCH Softtop, electromech. all-autom.
S430A INNEN-/AUSSENSPIEGEL AUT.ABBLENDEND Interior / outside mirror with auto dip
S441A RAUCHERPAKET Smoker package
S459A SITZVERSTELLUNG, ELEKTR.MIT MEMORY Seat adjustment, electric, with memory
S493A ABLAGENPAKET Storage compartment package
S494A SITZHEIZUNG FUER FAHRER / BEIFAHRER Seat heating driver / passenger
S4ADA INTERIEURL. ALU. LAENGSSCHLIFF FEIN Interior trim strips, brushed aluminium
S521A REGENSENSOR Rain sensor
S540A GESCHWINDIGKEITSREGELUNG Cruise control
S5GAA ALARMANLAGENVORBEREITUNG Preparation alarm system
S609A NAVIGATIONSSYSTEM PROFESSIONAL Navigation system Professional
S639A KOMPLETTVORB. HANDY USA / CDN Preparation f mobile phone cpl. USA / CDN
S645A RADIO-STEUERUNG US BMW US Radio
Code
Description (interface)
Description (EPC)
S677A HIFI SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL HiFi system Professional DSP
S692A CD WECHSLER I-BUS VORBEREITUNG Preparation, BMW 6-CD changer I-bus
S8SPA COP STEUERUNG Control unit COP
Close Standard equipment
Code
Description (interface)
Description (EPC)
S249A MULTIFUNKTION FUER LENKRAD Multifunction f steering wheel
S470A KINDERSITZBEFESTIGUNG ISOFIX Isofix-System
S502A SCHEINWERFER-WASCHANLAGE Headlight cleaning system
S522A XENON-LICHT Xenon Light
S534A KLIMAAUTOMATIK Automatic air conditioning
S5DSA KOFFERRAUMNOTENTRIEGELUNG Emergency release, luggage compartment
S710A M LEDERLENKRAD M leather steering wheel
S711A M SPORTSITZE FUER FAHRER / BEIFAHRER M Sports seats
S785A WEISSE BLINKLEUCHTEN White direction indicator lights
S845A AKUSTISCHE GURTWARNUNG Acoustic fasten seat belt reminder
S853A SPRACHVERSION ENGLISCH Language version, English
S876A FUNKFREQUENZ 315 MHZ Radio frequency 315 MHz

[KevinC]

$15k? One owner? Yeah the miles are high, but if that car is as clean as it looks, and has been as well-cared for as it seems, that's a screaming deal IMHO. DO IT!

[StickMon]

I'm with Bruce on this.
It looks to be about $5k less than it should be, but that'll buy a lot of parts.
I think it would be worth the risk, if you can do your own work.
That said, you would have to do the same work sooner or later anyway if you buy an ///M, regardless of the miles.

I have 96,596 on mine, and it's mechanically pristine (knock wood).
Of course, I've replaced the camshaft bolts and exhaust hub, but that's par.

[AmmarYasirA]

That's actually a really really good deal. But I would look deep into it before buying. Looks kinda fishy.

[Vanne]

top tip! you NEVER get any money back for mods that youve put on or parts youve replaced.

oh and the cheap(ish) price will be easily negated with the cash you will be spending to refurb some parts, ask me how i know.

[Nate4641]

Great color combo, but I'm a little bias. Car looks good in pictures, but for that price take what you're saving from a regularly priced Z4M and have BMW do a thorough inspection. Thats less than half what I walked out the door for with my M roadster!

[Huz-Z]

this comment is not really relevant to the buy / no buy decision - but the car is not Montego Blue; that color was used on the non M cars like mine. I think this Z4M is Interlagos Blue.

Good luck with your decision!

[jdoublehcubed]

Your prettty much guaranteed to drop $5k into that car in the first year. For $20 you can buy a much nicer M that hasn't been driven into the ground.

Its not just about how many miles a car has, but how fast they were accumulated. A 5 year old car with 40k miles is going to be much, much nicer that a 2 year old car with 40k miles. I would stay away.

[jdoublehcubed]

The other thing is, if you think you can just barely afford that car, but can't afford to spend any more to get a newer one, than you can't afford an M, period.

You should always be prepared to pay for the most expensive repair a car might reasonably need, with an M thats $7-$8k. If you can afford that, you can afford to spend a bit more now and buy a newer one.

[Huz-Z]

Interesting.

What would you expect to get in an M for say, $25,000?

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

this comment is not really relevant to the buy / no buy decision - but the car is not Montego Blue; that color was used on the non M cars like mine. I think this Z4M is Interlagos Blue.

Good luck with your decision!

Montego was offered in 2007-2008 if memory serves. Not a common color on MZ4s but "common" on non-Ms.

In my opinion, if it's too good to be true...Even high mileage MZ4 roadsters go for low 20s due to the relative scarcity and high MSRP. Heck at $15K you're looking at 2002-2005 E46 M3 prices at over 100K miles in good mechanical condition. Something does not compute here.

[Huz-Z]

Hey Hack!

I didn't think you could get Montego blue on the Z4M; I thought that the M's had their own unique paint colors. Its certainly a minor point in the grand scheme of things.

Cheers!

[jdoublehcubed]

For $25k you should be able to get a roadster with 50-60k miles on it, in near mint exterior condition, with 2 owners. Better deals have been available on cars for sale on here, but only if you're willing to buy in the winter and travel to pick it up. coupe value is usually $3-$4k higher than an equivalent roadster.