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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Z4M ownership costs
- Thread starter TBP88
- Start date
GoCart
///Member
Maljan said:
Very interesting indeed, thanks for the info, makes me wonder why some guys still go for the coated bearings.
I wonder if this upgrade has ever been done locally?
Lets say this mod set's you back R60.000, surely it's worth it considering you get a stronger and reliable setup.. compared to +/_ R20K for resetting the clock on your time bomb...
I'll be doing oil analysis on my S54 soon :skit:, although, it is running so smooth, I feel confident it's all fine.
There are a number of Bearing related threads on here, but I found this with a quick search.
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=64462
TBP88
Well-known member
I'd say just replacing bearings still makes more sense if it's done at 20k a pop? Surely you only have to have the bearings done once ever 3-4 years? So it'd take 10 years to make up that 60k (not even considering the fact that you'd be paying that over a long term)...
Either way, that's a steep factor to consider in, glad I joined in here, so basically any S54 engine in my price range WILL need bearings done basically upon purchase... that is rough.
Just looking over Alexander's post - it'd mean a sum of in the region of 50k over the purchase price to replace all of those (of course, most should still be good to go for a bit, but you get the idea).
What about a 3.0i? (and the other car I'm contemplating, a 135i coupe) similar costs?
Finally, are there reputable private mechanics in CPT? Or are these cars best left to the dealers?
Cheers!
Either way, that's a steep factor to consider in, glad I joined in here, so basically any S54 engine in my price range WILL need bearings done basically upon purchase... that is rough.
Just looking over Alexander's post - it'd mean a sum of in the region of 50k over the purchase price to replace all of those (of course, most should still be good to go for a bit, but you get the idea).
What about a 3.0i? (and the other car I'm contemplating, a 135i coupe) similar costs?
Finally, are there reputable private mechanics in CPT? Or are these cars best left to the dealers?
Cheers!
GoCart
///Member
Let me say this, I drove my wife's 30si Saturday, and the M Coupe on Sunday, and there is simply no comparison... the 30 is a great car, but the M Coupe is an amazing car... Gave me the proper fizzzzz!!!
If you are even considering getting a S54, make it work, it will be the last NA 6 Pod you buy.
If you are even considering getting a S54, make it work, it will be the last NA 6 Pod you buy.
brukutu
///Member
Hi.TBP88 said:
Sorry tried to PM. Says its disabled.
Added gauge is a tire pressure monitor. Works with wireless valves on each tyre.
Sub in the boot is completely removable by 2 wires. I just found the car audio in the car needed a little boost.
Brukutu99 at gmail dot com
Email me your details and we can chat
Sent from my K6000 Pro using Tapatalk
Email me for details. Don't want a highjack thread.Wannabe said:
Brukutu99 at gmail dot com
Sent from my K6000 Pro using Tapatalk
TBP88
Well-known member
So, finally got round to driving two of the cars I'm into. The Z4 3.0si and a 135i.
The 135i was an auto, my god does it pull and the auto box is MIGHTY smooth, but I can't escape feeling that I was just driving a very fast car, it didn't feel special, beyond the pull of that monstrous 225kw engine.
So, a really nice car, and surprisingly practical (the back is easily big enough to fit me, 82kg 1,81m tall), I thought the back was tiny, but it's well usable.
The Z4 3.0si was a manual (perhaps this is what made the big difference?) but my god what a car. From the seating position to the sound of that big straight six starting and burbling away it felt amazing. Clutch and shift took a few minutes to get used to, but once I was the low down torque was incredible. At 80 in 6th on a reasonable hill it would pull at 70% throttle.
The only downside was the price - it is running at R155k, which for a 9 year (almost 10) car with 105k on the clock is steep and closing in on Z4m levels (I just called a dealer who said they just let one go a few months back for R180k!?)
The biggest issue is being in CPT to be honest, I have been tracking for the last month and this is the only Z4 coupe in CPT I've seen for sale (heaven forbid a Z4m coupe, of which there must be less than 50 in CPT and I'd guess NOBODY wants to sell).
What do you guys reckon? Do these cars start going up for sale around year end more as people feel the crunch of christmas spending? Is 155 a decent price? The car looks and feels neat, no mechanical issues I could see/feel and the body looked straight, checked already for comments, the biggest repairs are a flywheel replacement done in 2011 (why would one replace a flywheel? surely they should last nearly the car's lifetime?) and a new radiator 3 years back. No body panels ordered. So that side checks out.
The 135i was an auto, my god does it pull and the auto box is MIGHTY smooth, but I can't escape feeling that I was just driving a very fast car, it didn't feel special, beyond the pull of that monstrous 225kw engine.
So, a really nice car, and surprisingly practical (the back is easily big enough to fit me, 82kg 1,81m tall), I thought the back was tiny, but it's well usable.
The Z4 3.0si was a manual (perhaps this is what made the big difference?) but my god what a car. From the seating position to the sound of that big straight six starting and burbling away it felt amazing. Clutch and shift took a few minutes to get used to, but once I was the low down torque was incredible. At 80 in 6th on a reasonable hill it would pull at 70% throttle.
The only downside was the price - it is running at R155k, which for a 9 year (almost 10) car with 105k on the clock is steep and closing in on Z4m levels (I just called a dealer who said they just let one go a few months back for R180k!?)
The biggest issue is being in CPT to be honest, I have been tracking for the last month and this is the only Z4 coupe in CPT I've seen for sale (heaven forbid a Z4m coupe, of which there must be less than 50 in CPT and I'd guess NOBODY wants to sell).
What do you guys reckon? Do these cars start going up for sale around year end more as people feel the crunch of christmas spending? Is 155 a decent price? The car looks and feels neat, no mechanical issues I could see/feel and the body looked straight, checked already for comments, the biggest repairs are a flywheel replacement done in 2011 (why would one replace a flywheel? surely they should last nearly the car's lifetime?) and a new radiator 3 years back. No body panels ordered. So that side checks out.
TBP88
Well-known member
Ja, I don't have any friends in JHB who are even remotely "Car people". Having a stoner rock festival guy or a journo wild boy pitch up to check out a car will just be laughed off! Haha
Seeing as you've owned cars with both the engines I'm discussing here, the 3.0 and the 3.2 M straight sixes which do you think, all considered is the better engine.
Obviously the M is more exciting (100 odd extra BHP will do that) but in terms of reliability, maintainence etc. what do you reckon?)
Seeing as you've owned cars with both the engines I'm discussing here, the 3.0 and the 3.2 M straight sixes which do you think, all considered is the better engine.
Obviously the M is more exciting (100 odd extra BHP will do that) but in terms of reliability, maintainence etc. what do you reckon?)
AdiS
Well-known member
TBP88 said:
Don't be afraid to ask the fanatics community for help in that regard.
As for the differences in engines, they are worlds apart. The character and excitement of the S54 is in a league of its own and is certainly the one to have if you are looking for that 'special' car. Having said that, it also comes with risks and maintenance requirements that are in their own league. So you have to pay to play.
I have not actually driven a Z4 with the 3.0L engines, but I'm told they have really good fun factor, and in that respect, I think they are excellent value. Judging by what I have read on this thread, I think a non-M Z4 is probably the best option.
TBP88
Well-known member
That'd be great, if/when I find the right car I might ask somebody here to have a look (if they were willing and able).
I know what you mean, it's a sort of classic head/heart thing (though when the head decision is a small, 2 door, 2 seat sports car you really are pretty mental!).
The look and sound of the M coupe is just, as you say, that extra bit on top of anything else. But the style of the original is just as smooth, perhaps even a bit classier given how it's far more understated. Over and above all of that I'm not remotely interested in racing or hitting a drag strip. The car's first use would be karting me to work and back (fortunately I drive against traffic both ways, so have minimal stop/start driving) and for longer trips up the east coast (Garden Route way mostly).
In terms of maintenance the biggest thing, for me, is the issue around the bearings. Essentially for any Z4M it'd be something I'd have to do within the first 1 or so years of ownership. And on top of that you may be looking at brakes and suspension components too - I shudder at the thought of the price of a control arm and bushings on a car like this :/
Regards
I know what you mean, it's a sort of classic head/heart thing (though when the head decision is a small, 2 door, 2 seat sports car you really are pretty mental!).
The look and sound of the M coupe is just, as you say, that extra bit on top of anything else. But the style of the original is just as smooth, perhaps even a bit classier given how it's far more understated. Over and above all of that I'm not remotely interested in racing or hitting a drag strip. The car's first use would be karting me to work and back (fortunately I drive against traffic both ways, so have minimal stop/start driving) and for longer trips up the east coast (Garden Route way mostly).
In terms of maintenance the biggest thing, for me, is the issue around the bearings. Essentially for any Z4M it'd be something I'd have to do within the first 1 or so years of ownership. And on top of that you may be looking at brakes and suspension components too - I shudder at the thought of the price of a control arm and bushings on a car like this :/
Regards
NavZ
Active member
Mine was from JHB. Flew up and drove down to CT.
Just create a thread looking for someone to test drive once you've found one.
They can take pics of everything and then when the deal is 90% done, fly up to check everything one last time.
You can have it sent to a mechanic or testing centre even.
These cars are limited enough and then you need to find one that has been looked after.
You'll have a hard time finding one in CT.
I looked for over a year before finding my one & I don't plan on selling it… ever :blowheart:
Just create a thread looking for someone to test drive once you've found one.
They can take pics of everything and then when the deal is 90% done, fly up to check everything one last time.
You can have it sent to a mechanic or testing centre even.
These cars are limited enough and then you need to find one that has been looked after.
You'll have a hard time finding one in CT.
I looked for over a year before finding my one & I don't plan on selling it… ever :blowheart:
TBP88
Well-known member
Hi, how do I go about checking NATIS? Just call traffic dept with the VIN?
Thanks for the offers guys, if/when I find one I'll let you all know and we can sort something out with whoever is closest + free-est/
The more time I spend looking the more affordable the Z4M becomes, actually... So I'm VERY happy to wait for the right car to come along.
Another question - the Z4 3.0si I checked out had, for some of the services, even under motorplan, just a signature and some hand-writing for the service stamp area.
Is this normal for a BMW dealer? My mechanic uses his stamp in my logbook even though he isn't a dealer! (though he is one of/the best alfa mechanics in CPT/maybe SA)
Thanks for the offers guys, if/when I find one I'll let you all know and we can sort something out with whoever is closest + free-est/
The more time I spend looking the more affordable the Z4M becomes, actually... So I'm VERY happy to wait for the right car to come along.
Another question - the Z4 3.0si I checked out had, for some of the services, even under motorplan, just a signature and some hand-writing for the service stamp area.
Is this normal for a BMW dealer? My mechanic uses his stamp in my logbook even though he isn't a dealer! (though he is one of/the best alfa mechanics in CPT/maybe SA)
GoCart
///Member
TBP88 said:
I'm sure Cois would not mind checking the NATIS for you, he is a champ. When you're ready, we can get that sorted.
Services under motor plan will reflect on a service history print out you can obtain from BMW, so no worries, after MP, well, who knows.
I would say the condition of the car speaks to the care it's received, and as you are looking for a good example, you should get a well maintained car. make no mistake though, these cars are aging, and would need maintenance, even preventative.
momo1
Well-known member
Not too long ago I was really keen on a Z4 coupe 3.0Si
And from the research I’ve done , its was clear that the 3.0Si engines are quite reliable , even had some cases where the word “bulletproof” was used.
However if you really really want the Z4 M, why not budget and extra 30k or negotiate a better deal for one you like, and use that money to buy a cheap run around..?
And from the research I’ve done , its was clear that the 3.0Si engines are quite reliable , even had some cases where the word “bulletproof” was used.
However if you really really want the Z4 M, why not budget and extra 30k or negotiate a better deal for one you like, and use that money to buy a cheap run around..?
TBP88
Well-known member
Ja, I like the idea of a second cheap runaround to work and back, as long as it has a radio and 3 forward gears working it'll do the trick 
But just finding a Z4m has been a mission. The only one for sale is owned by a guy who seems exceptionally shady. The car is missing a book and the spare key, he's taking forever to send me additional pictures and hasn't sent a VIN yet either (I called him and mailed him on Sunday night).
So that car sounds a heck of a lot like a lemon. (Will ask the relevant forum members for help checking up on the VIN as suggested above).
I'm not impatient and if I find a buyer for my car am happy taking a train to work and investing in an ETF for a while until I find the right car, which I think for something as specialized as this, is the right attitude.
But just finding a Z4m has been a mission. The only one for sale is owned by a guy who seems exceptionally shady. The car is missing a book and the spare key, he's taking forever to send me additional pictures and hasn't sent a VIN yet either (I called him and mailed him on Sunday night).
So that car sounds a heck of a lot like a lemon. (Will ask the relevant forum members for help checking up on the VIN as suggested above).
I'm not impatient and if I find a buyer for my car am happy taking a train to work and investing in an ETF for a while until I find the right car, which I think for something as specialized as this, is the right attitude.
