Cheap MX5 or Z4?
Discussion
Am currently off work with a shoulder injury and have spent a lot of time watching YouTube videos etc and it occurred to me that some cheap, Summer fun, might cheer me up when I’m better.
I had seven mk1 MX5s before the prices went mad and despite suggesting I would never want a mk3 / 3.5 (NC) I have warmed to them rather a lot! This also lead to suggestions of Z4s as there seems to be a lot around.
I know nothing about the BMWs and all I seem to find are conflicting reports about the reliability of the various engine types and the associated niggles. I honestly had no idea they used so many different engines!
Some moan about and advise you avoid the 2.0, others say they are great, some prefer the 6 pots, others the four cylinder models; the 3.0 is the ultimate? Not if you love the 2.5! But the 2.2 has the best of everything….. and on and on it goes.
The Mazda choices are simply a 1.8 or 2.0. I don’t fancy a mk1 again and have never liked the Mk2.
Not bothered about speed, not bothered if auto or manual (don’t laugh) not worried which is the quickest around Brands.
Budget is only around 5k max but that offers up a lot of choice!
Some in both camps are well under budget, too, because they may need some tidying or odd jobs and I’m ok with that as I don’t mind getting my hands dirty.
Sooo, anyone else been in the same boat?
I had seven mk1 MX5s before the prices went mad and despite suggesting I would never want a mk3 / 3.5 (NC) I have warmed to them rather a lot! This also lead to suggestions of Z4s as there seems to be a lot around.
I know nothing about the BMWs and all I seem to find are conflicting reports about the reliability of the various engine types and the associated niggles. I honestly had no idea they used so many different engines!
Some moan about and advise you avoid the 2.0, others say they are great, some prefer the 6 pots, others the four cylinder models; the 3.0 is the ultimate? Not if you love the 2.5! But the 2.2 has the best of everything….. and on and on it goes.
The Mazda choices are simply a 1.8 or 2.0. I don’t fancy a mk1 again and have never liked the Mk2.
Not bothered about speed, not bothered if auto or manual (don’t laugh) not worried which is the quickest around Brands.
Budget is only around 5k max but that offers up a lot of choice!
Some in both camps are well under budget, too, because they may need some tidying or odd jobs and I’m ok with that as I don’t mind getting my hands dirty.
Sooo, anyone else been in the same boat?
Edited by Digby on Monday 24th June 19:54
Well, it sounds like you want to try the Z4 if you've had 7 MX5s!
I had the Z4 2.5 (original Z4 back in the early 2000s) as a loan car when my CLK55 was in the accident garage and I was quietly impressed by it. Dunno about the reliability but as a car for a driver to have fun, it certainly felt like a good car to drive. The engine sounded a bit too smooth and uninteresting, though.
I had the Z4 2.5 (original Z4 back in the early 2000s) as a loan car when my CLK55 was in the accident garage and I was quietly impressed by it. Dunno about the reliability but as a car for a driver to have fun, it certainly felt like a good car to drive. The engine sounded a bit too smooth and uninteresting, though.
I have a 3.0i Z4 and came from a couple of Mk1 MX-5s.
The Z4 is far more refined, faster and sounds great if you get a 6 cylinder. The downside is that they have electric steering and so don't feel quite on par with an MX5 in terms of dynamics, but it's still a great drivers car imo.
Mine's for sale at the moment, on 150k miles but it's mechanically sound and converted to hydraulic steering for more reliability and feel - the Z4 stock steering can be a bit unreliable.
I'm only selling the 3.0i as I've gone to a Z4M instead
The Z4 is far more refined, faster and sounds great if you get a 6 cylinder. The downside is that they have electric steering and so don't feel quite on par with an MX5 in terms of dynamics, but it's still a great drivers car imo.
Mine's for sale at the moment, on 150k miles but it's mechanically sound and converted to hydraulic steering for more reliability and feel - the Z4 stock steering can be a bit unreliable.
I'm only selling the 3.0i as I've gone to a Z4M instead
Hey Digby,
Had a 2003 3.0L Z4 for nearly two years now and it's been absolutely brilliant. The engine is smooth as you like and with some exhaust tweaks the straight six yowl is immensely enjoyable, proper smile on your face with the top down.
It's not amazing at handling but the looks, theatre and decent turn of speed more than makes up for it.
It's needed a few things doing as expected with the age but even a complete amateur like me has been able to work on it, partly thanks to the car being straightforward to work on but more due to the amazing community out there such as the Z4-forum.com.
In terms of reliability, the M54 (2.2, 2.5 and 3.0) is pretty much seen as bulletproof and general consensus is that the 3.0L engine is the one to go for - the 2.5L price is not far off the 3.0L anyway so you may as go all the way and get the full fat 3.0L. Too many nightmare stories with the 2.0L so I'd avoid that one. I'd also get the manual too if you can.
Manual, 3.0L - make some noise and enjoy the interaction whilst we can before things go electric!
Happy to answer any questions you might have.
Cheers
Had a 2003 3.0L Z4 for nearly two years now and it's been absolutely brilliant. The engine is smooth as you like and with some exhaust tweaks the straight six yowl is immensely enjoyable, proper smile on your face with the top down.
It's not amazing at handling but the looks, theatre and decent turn of speed more than makes up for it.
It's needed a few things doing as expected with the age but even a complete amateur like me has been able to work on it, partly thanks to the car being straightforward to work on but more due to the amazing community out there such as the Z4-forum.com.
In terms of reliability, the M54 (2.2, 2.5 and 3.0) is pretty much seen as bulletproof and general consensus is that the 3.0L engine is the one to go for - the 2.5L price is not far off the 3.0L anyway so you may as go all the way and get the full fat 3.0L. Too many nightmare stories with the 2.0L so I'd avoid that one. I'd also get the manual too if you can.
Manual, 3.0L - make some noise and enjoy the interaction whilst we can before things go electric!
Happy to answer any questions you might have.
Cheers
Z4 and I'd strongly recommend the 3.0
Having experienced a 2.0 a 3.0 and the 3.2 Z4M I think the 3.0 is the pick of the bunch. Great performance and usable everyday
I've been looking for another 2 seater and I can't get past the Z4. I don't think there is anything else that feels as special for the same money with that level of performance and reliability
Having experienced a 2.0 a 3.0 and the 3.2 Z4M I think the 3.0 is the pick of the bunch. Great performance and usable everyday
I've been looking for another 2 seater and I can't get past the Z4. I don't think there is anything else that feels as special for the same money with that level of performance and reliability
With a budget of £5k I'd be looking at an MR2 roadster.
I had one 10 years ago and it was excellent. Funny thing is that mine was 8 years old with 60k miles and I paid £2.5k for it. Things certainly have changed! Just for fun I checked it's MOT status the other day to see if it was still alive. 19 years old now and clean as a whistle. I'd say it must be worth at least £5k.
I've recently returned to 2 seat convertible ownership with a nearly new MX5 ND2. Loving it so far, especially in this weather.
I had one 10 years ago and it was excellent. Funny thing is that mine was 8 years old with 60k miles and I paid £2.5k for it. Things certainly have changed! Just for fun I checked it's MOT status the other day to see if it was still alive. 19 years old now and clean as a whistle. I'd say it must be worth at least £5k.
I've recently returned to 2 seat convertible ownership with a nearly new MX5 ND2. Loving it so far, especially in this weather.
Digby said:
Am currently off work with a shoulder injury and have spent a lot of time watching YouTube videos etc and it occurred to me that some cheap, Summer fun, might cheer me up when I’m better.
I had seven mk1 MX5s before the prices went mad and despite suggesting I would never want a mk3 / 3.5 (NC) I have warmed to them rather a lot! This also lead to suggestions of Z4s as there seems to be a lot around.
I know nothing about the BMWs and all I seem to find are conflicting reports about the reliability of the various engine types and the associated niggles. I honestly had no idea they used so many different engines!
Some moan about and advise you avoid the 2.0, others say they are great, some prefer the 6 pots, others the four cylinder models; the 3.0 is the ultimate? Not if you love the 2.5! But the 2.2 has the best of everything….. and on and on it goes.
The Mazda choices are simply a 1.8 or 2.0. I don’t fancy a mk1 again and have never liked the Mk2.
Not bothered about speed, not bothered if auto or manual (don’t laugh) not worried which is the quickest around Brands.
Budget is only around 5k max but that offers up a lot of choice!
Some in both camps are well under budget, too, because they may need some tidying or odd jobs and I’m ok with that as I don’t mind getting my hands dirty.
Sooo, anyone else been in the same boat?
I think you're getting conflicting advice about the Z4 engines, particularly the 2.0 variant, as in the earlier shaped cars (E85) they were a naturally aspirated four pot, whereas in the later E89 shape they were a turbo'd four pot which makes a big difference.I had seven mk1 MX5s before the prices went mad and despite suggesting I would never want a mk3 / 3.5 (NC) I have warmed to them rather a lot! This also lead to suggestions of Z4s as there seems to be a lot around.
I know nothing about the BMWs and all I seem to find are conflicting reports about the reliability of the various engine types and the associated niggles. I honestly had no idea they used so many different engines!
Some moan about and advise you avoid the 2.0, others say they are great, some prefer the 6 pots, others the four cylinder models; the 3.0 is the ultimate? Not if you love the 2.5! But the 2.2 has the best of everything….. and on and on it goes.
The Mazda choices are simply a 1.8 or 2.0. I don’t fancy a mk1 again and have never liked the Mk2.
Not bothered about speed, not bothered if auto or manual (don’t laugh) not worried which is the quickest around Brands.
Budget is only around 5k max but that offers up a lot of choice!
Some in both camps are well under budget, too, because they may need some tidying or odd jobs and I’m ok with that as I don’t mind getting my hands dirty.
Sooo, anyone else been in the same boat?
Edited by Digby on Monday 24th June 19:54
Personally... i'd go Z4 and six cylinder. Yes, the 3.0i (ideally 3.0Si) is maybe the one to aim for, but any of the straight sixes work really well in them.
M54?General consensus is, if you're going for a BMW, always go 6-cylinder. It's what they do best and they're generally the strongest engines. None of these cars are rocket ships, so you might aswell have that nice 6-pot sound with the roof down. As much as I can respect MX5s for being that base sports car recipe, I think I'd go Z4. 30i would be best but wouldn't turn down a decent 25i.
thecremeegg said:
I have a 3.0i Z4 and came from a couple of Mk1 MX-5s.
The Z4 is far more refined, faster and sounds great if you get a 6 cylinder. The downside is that they have electric steering and so don't feel quite on par with an MX5 in terms of dynamics, but it's still a great drivers car imo.
Mine's for sale at the moment, on 150k miles but it's mechanically sound and converted to hydraulic steering for more reliability and feel - the Z4 stock steering can be a bit unreliable.
I'm only selling the 3.0i as I've gone to a Z4M instead
I've had 4 MX-5s, (and also Boxster, MR2, Elise) and now a Z4M.The Z4 is far more refined, faster and sounds great if you get a 6 cylinder. The downside is that they have electric steering and so don't feel quite on par with an MX5 in terms of dynamics, but it's still a great drivers car imo.
Mine's for sale at the moment, on 150k miles but it's mechanically sound and converted to hydraulic steering for more reliability and feel - the Z4 stock steering can be a bit unreliable.
I'm only selling the 3.0i as I've gone to a Z4M instead
For the OP I'd say at 5 grand budget get an NC - they are quite different to the earlier NA and NB cars, and very under-rated. They are absolutely transformed once they have good suspension and a touch of engine tuning.
Regular Z4's I found quite dull and boring, they do not feel 'sporty' - you may well just get a 330ci cabrio and have the back seats and extra space. The NC is far more engaging. Absolutely do not even think for one second about getting a 4 cylinder Z4, that really would be the worst of both worlds!
The M Roadster is a significantly different car and your buying the engine, getting the rest for free, but you need to triple your budget!
350Z Roadster is a great shout too, they are like an NC MX-5 multiplied by 1.5 in every dimension - unloved by some, watch out for rust but solid, fun, engaging, reliable. A really nice early cabrio thats not been chavved up is an increasingly rare sight too.
Edited by snotrag on Wednesday 26th June 12:16
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for all the replies. I really do appreciate you taking the time and effort!
One question for those in the know...
Did all Z4s come with electric water pumps? I keep seeing that cropping up, but can't seem to find a definitive answer. Given my budget and the subsequent mileage on the cars within that budget, I may need to prepare for some preventative maintenance. Reports seem to suggest they just go. No warnings etc. One second fine, the next, stranded (assuming you spot the dash warning and don't cook them) I also watched a video on how to change them and was a little surprised that you needed to remove an engine mount and raise the engine to remove the pump! Would that be the same on all models?
Once again, thanks for all the input.
One question for those in the know...
Did all Z4s come with electric water pumps? I keep seeing that cropping up, but can't seem to find a definitive answer. Given my budget and the subsequent mileage on the cars within that budget, I may need to prepare for some preventative maintenance. Reports seem to suggest they just go. No warnings etc. One second fine, the next, stranded (assuming you spot the dash warning and don't cook them) I also watched a video on how to change them and was a little surprised that you needed to remove an engine mount and raise the engine to remove the pump! Would that be the same on all models?
Once again, thanks for all the input.
Digby said:
Did all Z4s come with electric water pumps?
No - IIRC it's the later N52 engine that has it. My 2004 M54 didn't have one.EDIT:
"Cheap MX5 or Z4?"
I would (and did) go Z4, because they don't rust.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
snotrag said:
350Z Roadster is a great shout too, they are like an NC MX-5 multiplied by 1.5 in every dimension - unloved by some, watch out for rust but solid, fun, engaging, reliable. A really nice early cabrio thats not been chavved up is an increasingly rare sight too.
I had a test drive in a brand new 350Z Roadster back in 2006 and I really liked it. So much so that I've had a 370Z Roadster now for over 5 years, and I still love it. I was out in it earlier, and the noise it makes is just so intoxicating, helped because it has a custom stainless exhaust with hi flow sports cats and stillen intakes. I don't think that I'll ever get bored of the noise the down shifts make either.
We chatted 350z/370Z and Z4M a while back (I ended up with the BMW). I drove all three and all are good options, at this price point if you can find a nice 350Z cabrio its a real bucketful of character and driving pleasure. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff