Secondhand Z4 2.5 - A Good Buy?
Discussion
Thinking of trading my MX-5 for something new, comment on the Z4 2.0 thread suggests looking at a nearly new Z4 2.5. If you can get past the "intriguing" looks (and less face it if you are driving you don't see it anyway!) has any one got any opinions based on their experience of driving/ownership? what did you drive before a Z4 and how does it compare?
Finally, can anyone recommend a decent franchised or non-franchised source of BMWs? (whilst I'm based in the Bristol area, I'm prepared to travel some distance to find a good car from a reputable dealer).
Thanks all for your advice!
Finally, can anyone recommend a decent franchised or non-franchised source of BMWs? (whilst I'm based in the Bristol area, I'm prepared to travel some distance to find a good car from a reputable dealer).
Thanks all for your advice!
Good cars, but you need to look at the S2000 and Boxster as well and decide which is best. I guess your budget is in the low to mid twenties(?), so you will be looking at a 1-2 year old S2000/Z4 or a 4 year old Boxster). You could get a mint 3 year old S2000 like mine for £18K, which is good value for money.
I like the Z4, looks and all. I've been fortunate enough to drive a couple of examples, but not the 2.5, so regarding this particular model I can't really comment. The 3.0 however, had bags of performance but the ride was very hard and the car tramlined too much for my liking. I put it down to the run-flat tyres the car was running on.
I'd go for the Boxster personally as it's a much better resolved piece of kit. And let's face it, it's a Porsche as well.
I'd go for the Boxster personally as it's a much better resolved piece of kit. And let's face it, it's a Porsche as well.
I'm a MX-5 owner and test drove a 3.0 Z4 late last year, on a mixture of country roads and dual carriageway. I was really impressed by the fit and finish of the interior (far nicer than I'd anticipated) and the hood is a very nice bit of engineering. The engine had masses of torque and was happy to rev, but wasn't as loud or rorty as I would have liked - possibly too refined! The steering was very direct and accurate, but wanted for feedback. As mentioned by anniesdad, the ride isn't the best - I think it's a combination of 18" run-flats and the sports suspension that the 3.0 runs (optional on 2.5? not sure). The upshot is that the roadholding and body control were exceptional. As for the looks, I think it's great, but best in black or dark grey, with pale leather interior.
That's only my (very) limited experience, but I hope it helps. My local BMW dealership were very obliging with arranging a test drive, so might be worth trying that with yours.
That's only my (very) limited experience, but I hope it helps. My local BMW dealership were very obliging with arranging a test drive, so might be worth trying that with yours.
Slightly bizarre coincidence here. I sold my MX5 last yera and have been waiting for a porsche 928GT to come back from the bodyshop. However, I have finally got hacked off with waiting and decided to get a Z4 2.5.
I've got a feb 04 with 6000 miles, quite a bit of kit including 17" alloys, leather, 6cd, heated seats. The car will be mine in about 7 days time. Ex BMW management car but supposed to be as new.
The price was under 25K so I saved about 7000 on the new price. BMW main agent in liverpool. On the whole 3 dealers were very helpful but these guys had the car on their list.
I agree that the ride on 18" wheels is pretty rough but hopefully without the sports suspension and the big wheels, my car should be much better.
I'm not expecting it to be as much fun handling wise as the MX5 but the power delivery is SOOOO much better. That 2.5 straight six is just so smooth and powerful. Fom a standing start they are amazingly quick. I didn't even redline the car as I was test driving it and he looked a bit nervous in the passenger seat.
I've got a feb 04 with 6000 miles, quite a bit of kit including 17" alloys, leather, 6cd, heated seats. The car will be mine in about 7 days time. Ex BMW management car but supposed to be as new.
The price was under 25K so I saved about 7000 on the new price. BMW main agent in liverpool. On the whole 3 dealers were very helpful but these guys had the car on their list.
I agree that the ride on 18" wheels is pretty rough but hopefully without the sports suspension and the big wheels, my car should be much better.
I'm not expecting it to be as much fun handling wise as the MX5 but the power delivery is SOOOO much better. That 2.5 straight six is just so smooth and powerful. Fom a standing start they are amazingly quick. I didn't even redline the car as I was test driving it and he looked a bit nervous in the passenger seat.
I went from a Chimaera 4.0 having owned many previous Tvrs to a 2.5 Z4 and Im really happy with it. Ultimately its not as fast as the Chim, but it does everything else very well. I would agree however on the commnets about the ride ( I have the 18" split rim alloys) and the steering is a little vague at times as its electric. but its so well screwed together I have no other cause for complaint.
I considered S2000 and Boxster but ultimately went with the Z4 and been happy so far. ( At least it should be until I step into a 550 at some point!)
I considered S2000 and Boxster but ultimately went with the Z4 and been happy so far. ( At least it should be until I step into a 550 at some point!)
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