Where have all the decent Z4 3.0i gone?

E85 Sport · 09-21-2012, 10:37 PM

Checking back in kind of late. Car is treating me very well - except for the sticky steering issue which is a much bigger problem than I realized.

I've been fighting with BMWNA to replace the rack at their expense. They insist I pay labor -- which I think is absurd. They want me to sign a non-disclosure agreement and send me an updated rack. The whole situation is really lame.

Anyway, the car is great fun when the steering works. I've picked up some new detailing supplies to keep the soft top looking good. I never actually use the Sport button.

Tonight I noticed some condensation insight the headlight assemblies. It rained a couple days ago. I'm going to search the forum to see if there's a common DIY to fix.

bbiess · 09-22-2012, 07:39 AM

I spent about 3 hours last weekend with a clay bar, meguire's polish, wolfgang paint sealant and my Porter Cable polisher and my paint looks like new. Hell, maybe even better than new. The shine is like nothing I've ever experienced before and the entire surface of the car is silky smooth.

It's well worth the investment of both time and money.

fdagen · 09-22-2012, 02:58 PM

I just traded mine in to Jim Burke automotive in Birmingham AL. Should be able to get it for a decent price and it was mint inside and out. Just came off the maintinance and warranty plan.

Yeggman · 09-23-2012, 04:56 AM

I just bought mine a couple of weeks ago. 2003, Maldives Blue, 3.0, 6speed, Sport Package, 45,000mi, clean carfox, full service records from local dealer, perfect condition, (well, will need vc gasket and a little underbody shielding)garage kept, no accidents, private party purchase, $14k. It is the best $14k I've ever spent.

Tomorrow, the valve cover gasket will be done as well as the repair/replacement of parking damaged underbody shielding.

I found it on cargurus.com, saved a couple of thousand over anything close that local dealers might have had, and bought it from a pilot, gearhead, who lives in his garage.

bucko521 · 09-23-2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E85 Sport

Checking back in kind of late. Car is treating me very well....

Lets us see what you bought!

E85 Sport · 09-23-2012, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucko521

Lets us see what you bought!

Here's a cell phone snapshot from the park this afternoon.

E85 Sport · 10-13-2013, 03:38 PM

Update: Waited all summer to make this post. Happy to report, no more sticky steering! Why? Because he got a replacement (and updated) steering rack from BMW! They gouged him on the labor fees to install it (

) but the steering works properly now! (

)

Also, we remedied the headlight condensation with fresh backing plates. While the assemblies were open, I used my hair dryer to make sure everything was dry.

These are fun little cars when they work properly!

Signed,
E85 Sport's girlfriend who did not sign any NDA

09-21-2012, 10:37 PM	#45
E85 Sport who is this noob 40 Rep 194 Posts Drives: from Spartanburg Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: The Evergreen State iTrader: (0)	Checking back in kind of late. Car is treating me very well - except for the sticky steering issue which is a much bigger problem than I realized. I've been fighting with BMWNA to replace the rack at their expense. They insist I pay labor -- which I think is absurd. They want me to sign a non-disclosure agreement and send me an updated rack. The whole situation is really lame. Anyway, the car is great fun when the steering works. I've picked up some new detailing supplies to keep the soft top looking good. I never actually use the Sport button. Tonight I noticed some condensation insight the headlight assemblies. It rained a couple days ago. I'm going to search the forum to see if there's a common DIY to fix.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-22-2012, 07:39 AM	#46
bbiess Private 10 Rep 74 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI iTrader: (0)	I spent about 3 hours last weekend with a clay bar, meguire's polish, wolfgang paint sealant and my Porter Cable polisher and my paint looks like new. Hell, maybe even better than new. The shine is like nothing I've ever experienced before and the entire surface of the car is silky smooth. It's well worth the investment of both time and money.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-22-2012, 02:58 PM	#47
fdagen First Lieutenant 25 Rep 350 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4M Roadster Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	3.0i I just traded mine in to Jim Burke automotive in Birmingham AL. Should be able to get it for a decent price and it was mint inside and out. Just came off the maintinance and warranty plan.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2012, 04:56 AM	#48
Yeggman Private First Class 5 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 s3.0i 6MT Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I just bought mine a couple of weeks ago. 2003, Maldives Blue, 3.0, 6speed, Sport Package, 45,000mi, clean carfox, full service records from local dealer, perfect condition, (well, will need vc gasket and a little underbody shielding)garage kept, no accidents, private party purchase, $14k. It is the best $14k I've ever spent. Tomorrow, the valve cover gasket will be done as well as the repair/replacement of parking damaged underbody shielding. I found it on cargurus.com, saved a couple of thousand over anything close that local dealers might have had, and bought it from a pilot, gearhead, who lives in his garage.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-13-2013, 03:38 PM	#51
E85 Sport who is this noob 40 Rep 194 Posts Drives: from Spartanburg Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: The Evergreen State iTrader: (0)	Update: Waited all summer to make this post. Happy to report, no more sticky steering! Why? Because he got a replacement (and updated) steering rack from BMW! They gouged him on the labor fees to install it () but the steering works properly now! () Also, we remedied the headlight condensation with fresh backing plates. While the assemblies were open, I used my hair dryer to make sure everything was dry. These are fun little cars when they work properly! Signed, E85 Sport's girlfriend who did not sign any NDA
	Appreciate 0 Quote