986 2.7 vs Z4 3.0 E85/E89 or back to an NC 2.0 MX5
Discussion
Hi All,
Coming out of a Clio RS200 soon and having recently had an NC MX5, 130i as well a a few Minis im looking to get a sub or around 5k convertible as my next daily/runaround, something that could do a track day, could drive to France, but is also reasonably easy to run, wife can commute in during the summer etc, the NC was great for this and i wish i didnt sell it at the time, but it is what it is. This would be a daily driven car, but i do have other cars that can be used.
Ive narrowed it down to a couple of new to me roadsters, a 986 2.7 Manual around 2001/2, a M54/N52 3.0L Z4 E85 Manual, and a N52 3.0L Z4 E89 Manual or Auto. All of these seem to be attainable for 5k with higher mileage. Im not massively scared of any mechanical work, the Clio has been more than fun on that front, but id ideally like to stick away from anything that has terminal problems, Rust/Major Engine Failures etc, Rust is the one thing that puts me off another NC as i was lucky with mine. The prices of lower arms, brakes, coil packs etc etc all seem to be consistent across all 3 of these options and the engines all have some problems but nothing major, the 986 seems to have the biggest risk with the IMS and Bore Scoring. Im more than happy to work on a project, but id rather something that doesnt need to be welded, machined etc.
Ive browsed Autotrader and cant seem to see any other vehicles that would fit this bill, not a major fan of the 350z and the S2000's are out of budget.
Has anyone been in this position in recent years (some of the threads on here are a good few years old now and the market has potnetially changed) and can recommend any positive/negative feedback on any of these vehicles or any additional alternatives?
Initial thoughts on the above:
986 2.7
Pros - Never owned a porsche, looks good, big boots good for touring, some nice colour combos on the market currently, seem to get good writeups dynamically, never had a flat 6 before, cheap carplay looks possible
Cons - IMS/Bore Score lottery, additional big bills maybe? Older vehicle, 99-02 in budget, glass screen retrofit can be costly, routine parts seem to be slightly more expensive than BMW equivalents.
E85
Pros - N52/M54 are pretty reliable, N52 in my 130i was mega, easy enough Cruise retrofit, lots on the market, cheaper than the porsche, known BMW maintenance personally, marginally better on Fuel to the 986, carplay looks possible on single Din.
Cons - Roof Motor might need to be relocated, not as special as the 986, dynamics maybe not as good as the 986, smaller boot.
E89
Pros - Looks good, Hard top for winter, newer interior, Auto might be an option, general increase in refinement on both.
Cons - Heavy and probably not suited for a track day, boot is small when roof down, would be purchasing the bottom of the market rather than the bottom/middle. Not sure on carplay.
Another NC:
Pros - Lightweight, cheap to run, LSD as standard (sport tech trim), double din easy to install, cheap parts, can be modded easily enough. Can get hard top for winter.
Cons - Not the best on a long drive (did Italy a few years back in one), Rusty/Crusty, 4 pot, not as special as the BMW/Porsche, seem to have held their value annoyingly, Bottom end risks on NC1's, already had one.
Coming out of a Clio RS200 soon and having recently had an NC MX5, 130i as well a a few Minis im looking to get a sub or around 5k convertible as my next daily/runaround, something that could do a track day, could drive to France, but is also reasonably easy to run, wife can commute in during the summer etc, the NC was great for this and i wish i didnt sell it at the time, but it is what it is. This would be a daily driven car, but i do have other cars that can be used.
Ive narrowed it down to a couple of new to me roadsters, a 986 2.7 Manual around 2001/2, a M54/N52 3.0L Z4 E85 Manual, and a N52 3.0L Z4 E89 Manual or Auto. All of these seem to be attainable for 5k with higher mileage. Im not massively scared of any mechanical work, the Clio has been more than fun on that front, but id ideally like to stick away from anything that has terminal problems, Rust/Major Engine Failures etc, Rust is the one thing that puts me off another NC as i was lucky with mine. The prices of lower arms, brakes, coil packs etc etc all seem to be consistent across all 3 of these options and the engines all have some problems but nothing major, the 986 seems to have the biggest risk with the IMS and Bore Scoring. Im more than happy to work on a project, but id rather something that doesnt need to be welded, machined etc.
Ive browsed Autotrader and cant seem to see any other vehicles that would fit this bill, not a major fan of the 350z and the S2000's are out of budget.
Has anyone been in this position in recent years (some of the threads on here are a good few years old now and the market has potnetially changed) and can recommend any positive/negative feedback on any of these vehicles or any additional alternatives?
Initial thoughts on the above:
986 2.7
Pros - Never owned a porsche, looks good, big boots good for touring, some nice colour combos on the market currently, seem to get good writeups dynamically, never had a flat 6 before, cheap carplay looks possible
Cons - IMS/Bore Score lottery, additional big bills maybe? Older vehicle, 99-02 in budget, glass screen retrofit can be costly, routine parts seem to be slightly more expensive than BMW equivalents.
E85
Pros - N52/M54 are pretty reliable, N52 in my 130i was mega, easy enough Cruise retrofit, lots on the market, cheaper than the porsche, known BMW maintenance personally, marginally better on Fuel to the 986, carplay looks possible on single Din.
Cons - Roof Motor might need to be relocated, not as special as the 986, dynamics maybe not as good as the 986, smaller boot.
E89
Pros - Looks good, Hard top for winter, newer interior, Auto might be an option, general increase in refinement on both.
Cons - Heavy and probably not suited for a track day, boot is small when roof down, would be purchasing the bottom of the market rather than the bottom/middle. Not sure on carplay.
Another NC:
Pros - Lightweight, cheap to run, LSD as standard (sport tech trim), double din easy to install, cheap parts, can be modded easily enough. Can get hard top for winter.
Cons - Not the best on a long drive (did Italy a few years back in one), Rusty/Crusty, 4 pot, not as special as the BMW/Porsche, seem to have held their value annoyingly, Bottom end risks on NC1's, already had one.
I've no experience of any Porsche, but 5 or 6 years ago a mate bought a 2003 Cayman S on about 100K miles quite cheap but hardly used it, which may explain why a couple of years ago when he started it one of the exhausts was blowing. He was quoted £3K for a new replacement so it is still on his drive!
At least BMW E85 Z4s had stainless exhausts as standard, but mild steel rear brake pipes sadly that do corrode - don't ask me how I know!
I've on my 4th N52 and they are brilliant, two in Z4s and because of that two more in 3 Series on 130+K miles. But they feel so much more purposeful in a Z4 than a 3 Series, or possibly a 130i. Visit z4forum as there are people on there who will relocate the roof motor for £250 or so, and hard-tops are available.
Now E89s are getting older they can also have roof issues with failing relays, etc. and by all accounts they are more of a GT than a sports car. Plus they have an electronic handbrake which can require "software updates".
I'm on my third E86 (Z4 Coupe) and my current one is an M so it has an LSD (and hydraulic PAS) so I can see why an NC with an LSD appeals, but I'd find the performance lacking and long drives tiring. Plus the rust issue.
Anyway good luck finding what works for you.
At least BMW E85 Z4s had stainless exhausts as standard, but mild steel rear brake pipes sadly that do corrode - don't ask me how I know!
I've on my 4th N52 and they are brilliant, two in Z4s and because of that two more in 3 Series on 130+K miles. But they feel so much more purposeful in a Z4 than a 3 Series, or possibly a 130i. Visit z4forum as there are people on there who will relocate the roof motor for £250 or so, and hard-tops are available.
Now E89s are getting older they can also have roof issues with failing relays, etc. and by all accounts they are more of a GT than a sports car. Plus they have an electronic handbrake which can require "software updates".
I'm on my third E86 (Z4 Coupe) and my current one is an M so it has an LSD (and hydraulic PAS) so I can see why an NC with an LSD appeals, but I'd find the performance lacking and long drives tiring. Plus the rust issue.
Anyway good luck finding what works for you.
E85 Z4 3.0 first, 986 Boxster second, NC third, E89 last for this brief.
For what you want, I would be looking hardest at an E85 Z4 3.0 manual, ideally a facelift 3.0si with the N52, but I would not dismiss a really good M54 3.0i either.
It seems to sit in the best middle ground: more special than another NC, much less financially scary than a cheap 986, usable enough for France, simple enough for DIY work, and still engaging enough for an occasional track day...
A alternative would be the Toyota MR2 Roadster Mk3. The best driver’s car alternative, but the worst tourer.
For what you want, I would be looking hardest at an E85 Z4 3.0 manual, ideally a facelift 3.0si with the N52, but I would not dismiss a really good M54 3.0i either.
It seems to sit in the best middle ground: more special than another NC, much less financially scary than a cheap 986, usable enough for France, simple enough for DIY work, and still engaging enough for an occasional track day...
A alternative would be the Toyota MR2 Roadster Mk3. The best driver’s car alternative, but the worst tourer.
I bought a 2006 Z4 3.0si in 2014 and ran it for 8 years - sold it for £500 less than I paid for it.
Nothing went wrong, it only needed basic servicing. Great car, most reliable car I've ever owned. I had thought about a 986, but I figured that parts shared with a 3-series would be cheaper than those shared with a 911; and ultimately more reliable.
I don't regret my decision; I'm sure the 986 would have been a better steer, but the N52 was a peach and the Z4 still looked great. A cheap 986 would have my wallet twitching in fear
Nothing went wrong, it only needed basic servicing. Great car, most reliable car I've ever owned. I had thought about a 986, but I figured that parts shared with a 3-series would be cheaper than those shared with a 911; and ultimately more reliable.
I don't regret my decision; I'm sure the 986 would have been a better steer, but the N52 was a peach and the Z4 still looked great. A cheap 986 would have my wallet twitching in fear
Thanks for the feeback so far.
General consensus seems to be the Z4 is the pick for this price point and that a cheaper Boxster may just increase risk for the bigger issues to arrise.
Im going to have a look around a colleagues Z4M this evening to see what the interior/boot is like, the initial figures show its quite a stepup from the NC so im getting quite keen on the BMW now. N52 is going to be my pick of the bunch if i can get one in my price point, although the market is a bit thin on the ground currently so may have to scour some of the FB groups.
It seems as though prices for big ticket items such as water pumps on the N52 have dropped in price somewhat since i owend my 130i which is a bonus as they were £500 previously, but now can be had for half that.
The MR2 mk3 is an interesting one, but i think the touring compromise would put me off. The Mx5 even with the PRHT and Air Con was a stretch to drive from the UK to Italy and back in a week, and the road noise/general refinement wasnt the best, was actually better driving with the roof down that up due to alot of driveline NVH through the cabin with the roof up. I think the German options might be better than the Japanese in this usecase.
General consensus seems to be the Z4 is the pick for this price point and that a cheaper Boxster may just increase risk for the bigger issues to arrise.
Im going to have a look around a colleagues Z4M this evening to see what the interior/boot is like, the initial figures show its quite a stepup from the NC so im getting quite keen on the BMW now. N52 is going to be my pick of the bunch if i can get one in my price point, although the market is a bit thin on the ground currently so may have to scour some of the FB groups.
It seems as though prices for big ticket items such as water pumps on the N52 have dropped in price somewhat since i owend my 130i which is a bonus as they were £500 previously, but now can be had for half that.
The MR2 mk3 is an interesting one, but i think the touring compromise would put me off. The Mx5 even with the PRHT and Air Con was a stretch to drive from the UK to Italy and back in a week, and the road noise/general refinement wasnt the best, was actually better driving with the roof down that up due to alot of driveline NVH through the cabin with the roof up. I think the German options might be better than the Japanese in this usecase.
Currently have an E85 2.5si N52, and came from a BMW 130i N52 and 986 2.7.
I found the E85 to be roomier than the 986, slightly less dynamic, but overall I find the Z4 is a better car.
Compared to the 130i, it’s slightly down on power, but I don’t really notice it too much. Can’t comment on a Z4 3.0Si N52.
GLWS
I found the E85 to be roomier than the 986, slightly less dynamic, but overall I find the Z4 is a better car.
Compared to the 130i, it’s slightly down on power, but I don’t really notice it too much. Can’t comment on a Z4 3.0Si N52.
GLWS
mightymoose said:
Thanks for the feeback so far.
General consensus seems to be the Z4 is the pick for this price point and that a cheaper Boxster may just increase risk for the bigger issues to arrise.
Im going to have a look around a colleagues Z4M this evening to see what the interior/boot is like, the initial figures show its quite a stepup from the NC so im getting quite keen on the BMW now. N52 is going to be my pick of the bunch if i can get one in my price point, although the market is a bit thin on the ground currently so may have to scour some of the FB groups.
It seems as though prices for big ticket items such as water pumps on the N52 have dropped in price somewhat since i owend my 130i which is a bonus as they were £500 previously, but now can be had for half that.
The MR2 mk3 is an interesting one, but i think the touring compromise would put me off. The Mx5 even with the PRHT and Air Con was a stretch to drive from the UK to Italy and back in a week, and the road noise/general refinement wasnt the best, was actually better driving with the roof down that up due to alot of driveline NVH through the cabin with the roof up. I think the German options might be better than the Japanese in this usecase.
Just ignore the box in the right hand side of the MR boot for the battery. In all the other models the battery is under the boot floor but the Ms have another exhaust back box on that side. Whatever you do don't drive the MR or you'll probably want one, despite the running costs being way higher! (Although it's a price I'm happily paying).General consensus seems to be the Z4 is the pick for this price point and that a cheaper Boxster may just increase risk for the bigger issues to arrise.
Im going to have a look around a colleagues Z4M this evening to see what the interior/boot is like, the initial figures show its quite a stepup from the NC so im getting quite keen on the BMW now. N52 is going to be my pick of the bunch if i can get one in my price point, although the market is a bit thin on the ground currently so may have to scour some of the FB groups.
It seems as though prices for big ticket items such as water pumps on the N52 have dropped in price somewhat since i owend my 130i which is a bonus as they were £500 previously, but now can be had for half that.
The MR2 mk3 is an interesting one, but i think the touring compromise would put me off. The Mx5 even with the PRHT and Air Con was a stretch to drive from the UK to Italy and back in a week, and the road noise/general refinement wasnt the best, was actually better driving with the roof down that up due to alot of driveline NVH through the cabin with the roof up. I think the German options might be better than the Japanese in this usecase.
A manual 3.0Si is quite a rare car as it seems less than 700 came to the UK, although there are a couple for sale on z4fourm at the moment. Which is why quite a few people opt for the pre-facelift 3.0i or a facelift 2.5Si as there seem to be more of them.
The N52 water pumps haven't got cheaper, people have just realised you can source a Pierburg pump from other places like autodoc, etc. with the BMW logo ground off! My first Z4 needed a new one in 2015 and my Indy bought from BMW for over £500. When he did one for my 325i in 2018 he charged £300 for the pump as he must have gone elsewhere.
Bear in mind that Z4s are all getting to the age where the mild steel rear brake pipes are likely to be suffering from corrosion. I've had them replaced in kunifer on 2 of mine - second one today. (£400ish at a good BMW Indy). So if you see one that has had them done already that's a bonus.
Years ago the Mrs and I had a couple of friends visit for a night out and they arrived in a MK3 MR2. They had to travel light for a one night stay so I can't see them being much use for a tour!
Mr Tidy said:
Just ignore the box in the right hand side of the MR boot for the battery. In all the other models the battery is under the boot floor but the Ms have another exhaust back box on that side. Whatever you do don't drive the MR or you'll probably want one, despite the running costs being way higher! (Although it's a price I'm happily paying).
I didnt get time to look at it last night so will have too next week. They are very much out of my price range so theres no risk of wanting one for waht i want to use it for. Ive seen the battery does take up a fair amount of the boot on these as well in the M's. Im not a massive fan of consumable rod bearings either as well as general M tax on spares.skullandbiscuits said:
Currently have an E85 2.5si N52, and came from a BMW 130i N52 and 986 2.7.
I found the E85 to be roomier than the 986, slightly less dynamic, but overall I find the Z4 is a better car.
Compared to the 130i, it s slightly down on power, but I don t really notice it too much. Can t comment on a Z4 3.0Si N52.
GLWS
Interesting about the power ive been focussed on the M54/N52 3.0L but the 2.5 could be an options depending on price and spec.I found the E85 to be roomier than the 986, slightly less dynamic, but overall I find the Z4 is a better car.
Compared to the 130i, it s slightly down on power, but I don t really notice it too much. Can t comment on a Z4 3.0Si N52.
GLWS
I also need to do some digging into what the i and si differences are, ive seen some light infor that a new intake, DISA valve and a DISA valve is the only difference and easily retrofitable, and that brings the powers to the same on the 3.0L's.
I've previously owned an NB MX-5 and a 986 2.7 Boxster and have driven a couple of Z4's.
The MX-5 was significantly cheaper to run than the Boxster even if you can do work yourself Porsche parts are significantly more and many are Porsche only supply once you get past the usual consumables.
I did enjoy owning the Porsche for the 2 years I had it and they are surprisingly practical having essentially 2 boots, the font one is bigger than the rear. I couldn't honestly say the MX-5 was less fun than the Boxster and the MX-5 didn't attract the negative comments that the Boxster did.
I've driven a couple of Z4's, both a 2 litre and a 3 litre, both are decent cars in my opinion and if I had the choice i'd go for a 3 litre M sport spec Z4 out of the three but I am a bit of a BMW fan
The MX-5 was significantly cheaper to run than the Boxster even if you can do work yourself Porsche parts are significantly more and many are Porsche only supply once you get past the usual consumables.
I did enjoy owning the Porsche for the 2 years I had it and they are surprisingly practical having essentially 2 boots, the font one is bigger than the rear. I couldn't honestly say the MX-5 was less fun than the Boxster and the MX-5 didn't attract the negative comments that the Boxster did.
I've driven a couple of Z4's, both a 2 litre and a 3 litre, both are decent cars in my opinion and if I had the choice i'd go for a 3 litre M sport spec Z4 out of the three but I am a bit of a BMW fan
Jamescrs said:
I've previously owned an NB MX-5 and a 986 2.7 Boxster and have driven a couple of Z4's.
The MX-5 was significantly cheaper to run than the Boxster even if you can do work yourself Porsche parts are significantly more and many are Porsche only supply once you get past the usual consumables.
I did enjoy owning the Porsche for the 2 years I had it and they are surprisingly practical having essentially 2 boots, the font one is bigger than the rear. I couldn't honestly say the MX-5 was less fun than the Boxster and the MX-5 didn't attract the negative comments that the Boxster did.
I've driven a couple of Z4's, both a 2 litre and a 3 litre, both are decent cars in my opinion and if I had the choice i'd go for a 3 litre M sport spec Z4 out of the three but I am a bit of a BMW fan
Thanks, i didnt really delve too much into the spare parts pricing for the 986, general suspension bits looked reasonable for an initial look but i am getting the impression from these comments that the harder to find parts are going to be expensive. I think ill be steering clear of a 986 for now.The MX-5 was significantly cheaper to run than the Boxster even if you can do work yourself Porsche parts are significantly more and many are Porsche only supply once you get past the usual consumables.
I did enjoy owning the Porsche for the 2 years I had it and they are surprisingly practical having essentially 2 boots, the font one is bigger than the rear. I couldn't honestly say the MX-5 was less fun than the Boxster and the MX-5 didn't attract the negative comments that the Boxster did.
I've driven a couple of Z4's, both a 2 litre and a 3 litre, both are decent cars in my opinion and if I had the choice i'd go for a 3 litre M sport spec Z4 out of the three but I am a bit of a BMW fan
Just got to sell the clio and find a good spec Z4!
I'm considering the same options at the moment with the same budget.
I have some experience with the e85 Z4 3l having owned an early SE many years ago. I also more recently owned a 3.4 996 and have owned quite a few na and nb mx5s.
Rust and the buzzy 4 pots put me off the MX5. I do know an NC or Nd will probably drive really well but I just doubt its likely to inspire me to get out and drive.
I loved my 996. It was a car that was the sum of all it's parts. Gearshift, steering, handling, engine, sound. Everything just perfectly complimented each other. I had very few bills over my 6 year ownership (by far the longest time I've owned a car). I'm not particularly scared of bills with a 986 for that reason plus I'm familiar with working on the platform and know what to look for.
The Z4 experience is dominated by the engine. The engine is far nicer and much smoother than the m96 Porsche engine. Where the Z4 stumbles is mediocre handling when compared to the Porsche,a pretty horrible feeling gearshift (the weighted performance shifter helped mine massively) and the one I had suffered from the sticky steering issue... which is quite frankly terrifying. The reason I'm thinking on revisiting the Z4 is because I really like the looks, reliability and the engine. I figure throwing some money at suspension and a good setup would transform it in to something special.
Another suggestion for you though. If you don't mind higher mileage I've seen a few 987.1 2.7s with 100k+ for around £6500. They don't tend to suffer bore score and have the large IMS. My mind is going in that direction as I do very few miles.
I have some experience with the e85 Z4 3l having owned an early SE many years ago. I also more recently owned a 3.4 996 and have owned quite a few na and nb mx5s.
Rust and the buzzy 4 pots put me off the MX5. I do know an NC or Nd will probably drive really well but I just doubt its likely to inspire me to get out and drive.
I loved my 996. It was a car that was the sum of all it's parts. Gearshift, steering, handling, engine, sound. Everything just perfectly complimented each other. I had very few bills over my 6 year ownership (by far the longest time I've owned a car). I'm not particularly scared of bills with a 986 for that reason plus I'm familiar with working on the platform and know what to look for.
The Z4 experience is dominated by the engine. The engine is far nicer and much smoother than the m96 Porsche engine. Where the Z4 stumbles is mediocre handling when compared to the Porsche,a pretty horrible feeling gearshift (the weighted performance shifter helped mine massively) and the one I had suffered from the sticky steering issue... which is quite frankly terrifying. The reason I'm thinking on revisiting the Z4 is because I really like the looks, reliability and the engine. I figure throwing some money at suspension and a good setup would transform it in to something special.
Another suggestion for you though. If you don't mind higher mileage I've seen a few 987.1 2.7s with 100k+ for around £6500. They don't tend to suffer bore score and have the large IMS. My mind is going in that direction as I do very few miles.
nunpuncher said:
I'm considering the same options at the moment with the same budget.
I have some experience with the e85 Z4 3l having owned an early SE many years ago. I also more recently owned a 3.4 996 and have owned quite a few na and nb mx5s.
Rust and the buzzy 4 pots put me off the MX5. I do know an NC or Nd will probably drive really well but I just doubt its likely to inspire me to get out and drive.
I loved my 996. It was a car that was the sum of all it's parts. Gearshift, steering, handling, engine, sound. Everything just perfectly complimented each other. I had very few bills over my 6 year ownership (by far the longest time I've owned a car). I'm not particularly scared of bills with a 986 for that reason plus I'm familiar with working on the platform and know what to look for.
The Z4 experience is dominated by the engine. The engine is far nicer and much smoother than the m96 Porsche engine. Where the Z4 stumbles is mediocre handling when compared to the Porsche,a pretty horrible feeling gearshift (the weighted performance shifter helped mine massively) and the one I had suffered from the sticky steering issue... which is quite frankly terrifying. The reason I'm thinking on revisiting the Z4 is because I really like the looks, reliability and the engine. I figure throwing some money at suspension and a good setup would transform it in to something special.
Another suggestion for you though. If you don't mind higher mileage I've seen a few 987.1 2.7s with 100k+ for around £6500. They don't tend to suffer bore score and have the large IMS. My mind is going in that direction as I do very few miles.
The NC was a good daily when i had it, certainly a step back in refinement compared to my 130i, but a very fun chassis. The NC does get knocked a fair bit for its looks and weight, but honestly it was a really good package. The Engine let it down a bit and even though i lanoguarded it every Autumn i was still very cautios of Rust. The Duratec was pretty bulletproof and the whole car didnt really need any repairs over my 2 years ownership and a few track days. It did the job getting us to Northern Italy, and we did drive from Como back to the Midlands in a day and it wasnt too unpleasant. Id atleast have a go in an NC2 Sport tech if you can, gets the LSD, 6 speed, Bose, Heated seats etc, mine was the PRHT so quite cosy in the winter months. Good thing i found with the NC was some bits are common with RX8's so roll bar upgrades to help with some of the body roll were easy to get hold of. I have some experience with the e85 Z4 3l having owned an early SE many years ago. I also more recently owned a 3.4 996 and have owned quite a few na and nb mx5s.
Rust and the buzzy 4 pots put me off the MX5. I do know an NC or Nd will probably drive really well but I just doubt its likely to inspire me to get out and drive.
I loved my 996. It was a car that was the sum of all it's parts. Gearshift, steering, handling, engine, sound. Everything just perfectly complimented each other. I had very few bills over my 6 year ownership (by far the longest time I've owned a car). I'm not particularly scared of bills with a 986 for that reason plus I'm familiar with working on the platform and know what to look for.
The Z4 experience is dominated by the engine. The engine is far nicer and much smoother than the m96 Porsche engine. Where the Z4 stumbles is mediocre handling when compared to the Porsche,a pretty horrible feeling gearshift (the weighted performance shifter helped mine massively) and the one I had suffered from the sticky steering issue... which is quite frankly terrifying. The reason I'm thinking on revisiting the Z4 is because I really like the looks, reliability and the engine. I figure throwing some money at suspension and a good setup would transform it in to something special.
Another suggestion for you though. If you don't mind higher mileage I've seen a few 987.1 2.7s with 100k+ for around £6500. They don't tend to suffer bore score and have the large IMS. My mind is going in that direction as I do very few miles.
Ill have a look at the 987's later today, might be able to find something in budget but id assume they also come with large bills that the 986's have (excluding the IMS/Bore).
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