What to look for when buying 2nd hand Z4 please?

davidmbell · 07-08-2010, 05:32 AM

Hello all, I am going to see a S35i Z4 tomorrow.

Its a May 09 car, and has done 13,500 miles.

Can those current owners pass on any advice as to what I need to look for please?

Anything that should have been sorted as part of a service bulletin, any specific quirks that should have been warranty fixed etc etc.

I go first thing tomorrow so quick replies v much appreciated.

Thanks

David

MDLFCS · 07-08-2010, 07:01 AM

The HPFP (Hi Pressure Fuel Pump) can fail, but I would check with BMW if that has been fixed or the warranty has been extended to 10 years or 100K miles, if I am not mistaken. Regardless, I would not be too concerned as the vehicle you are looking at as it should be under warranty.

The link discuss the possible top creaks and rattles over rough surfaces and repairs made. Not all Z4s have this issue.
http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=290856

Check for suspension squeaks with the adaptive option. Again, not all are affected.
http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=393002

There are some others, but they are minor and just make sure that the car you are looking at have the remaining factory warranty. I would check everything to make sure they work like any other secondhand car.

Here is some of the issues discussed here. But, again, not all Z4s are representative.
http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=400996

I do not anticipate that used Z4s have issues as my 2009 have not stranded me at all and that minor issues most likely have been resolved by then. Just make sure the warranty is still good.

I would have the oil change done anyways when you decide to purchase.

Feel free to ask any more questions. However, using the search here is highly encouraged.

Good luck!

Mr. ///M3 RD · 07-08-2010, 07:51 AM

Here you go .... print this checklist out and take it with you after you read it

Good Luck

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewto...+check#p201080

teagueAMX · 07-08-2010, 08:11 AM

That's actually a pretty good list. One thing I noticed is it mentions “Z4s have had coil spring failure – have any been replaced (if not they may need it in the future)". Correct me if I'm wrong folks, but I believe that’s referring to previous model Z4, e85/e86 (up to MY 2008).

There have been very few complaints about the retractable hardtop, but it’s worth mentioning. Make sure you run it through its paces, and that it goes through its movements OK, and the panels fit correctly fully extended. I saw a photo of a wrecked e89 Z4 the other day and even though it got hit on a front corner, the top was disheveled (that may not be permanent). Another thing is the headliner inside the retractable top. One or two members mentioned the top required adjustment because they could see a tiny crease or mark on the headliner from when it was in the retracted positions.

This one may be a matter of personal taste, but a lot of the 35i's didn't come with Premium Sound. That's a killer for me, but it's not a big deal for others. Some found out the hard way after they got the car the basic sound system is inadequate when the top is down and you're traveling at speed. You have to do major surgery to improve the basic sound system and the Z4 lacks room for aftermarket HIFI components

Mr. ///M3 RD · 07-08-2010, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teagueAMX

That's actually a pretty good list. One thing I noticed is it mentions “Z4s have had coil spring failure – have any been replaced (if not they may need it in the future)". Correct me if I'm wrong folks, but I believe that’s referring to previous model Z4, e85/e86 (up to MY 2008).

There have been very few complaints about the retractable hardtop, but it’s worth mentioning. Make sure you run it through its paces, and that it goes through its movements OK, and the panels fit correctly fully extended. I saw a photo of a wrecked e89 Z4 the other day and even though it got hit on a front corner, the top was disheveled (that may not be permanent). Another thing is the headliner inside the retractable top. One or two members mentioned the top required adjustment because they could see a tiny crease or mark on the headliner from when it was in the retracted positions.

This one may be a matter of personal taste, but a lot of the 35i's didn't come with Premium Sound. That's a killer for me, but it's not a big deal for others. Some found out the hard way after they got the car the basic sound system is inadequate when the top is down and you're traveling at speed. You have to do major surgery to improve the basic sound system and the Z4 lacks room for aftermarket HIFI components

Good Point +1

I think you are right about the 2008 regarding the coil spring failure.

If one purchase a used car one should always demand as one of the conditions before putting one dollar down A) History Report and B) Copies of all maintenance reports.

I think that goes without saying

jannisa · 07-08-2010, 12:09 PM

As long as the car is in warrantee period all these issues are minor to me. I would first investigate the profile of the owner, how old he is, what other cars he has, how aggressively he drives and why he is selling it. Then I would demand a long enough test drive in which I would drink the blood out of the motor to see if it consumes oil and any other noticeable mechanical imperfections. This will also assure me that it was broken in properly. Then I would check the chassis for any damages, the finish for dents and the interior for anything. If you find all these ok then you are safe and let the bargains begin. Good luck.

davidmbell · 07-08-2010, 03:01 PM

Sorry I failed to mention the car is at a UK main BMW dealership. Not a private sale.

David

Mr. ///M3 RD · 07-08-2010, 03:04 PM

jannisa,

drink the blood out of the motor ???

I would never let you drive any car of mine

I let you test drive it alright only I would be right there beside you. I would agree with all you said, only I would only purchase a low milage certified car from the dealer never a private deal. BMW makes sure all is above board before they offer a used car for sale. They have a reputation to protect.

Just my 2 cents

mcbeee · 07-08-2010, 04:03 PM

...and just in case they didn't , they have to fix it later when you find it ...

I had two "Certified" cars from BMW, only had a couple of minor problems that they fixed ASAP when I brought it to their attention that the car was Certified etc...

Dr Stig 2 · 07-08-2010, 05:43 PM

Do they (BMW dealers) have what they call "premium Selections" used cars over there?
Here they take the recent model trade ins and tart them up with a new car warranty (usually 2 years minimum - you can pay to extend it to up to 4) and it includes free servicing for the full warranty period.
Takes the mystery out of buying a used one...

mcbeee · 07-08-2010, 06:01 PM

We have "Certified Used Cars" at BMW over here in Canada. They basically certify it as good as new and give you a great warranty on it. They usually do it with cars less than 4 or 5 yrs old or really low mileage.
I bought a 2001 Z3 in '04, a 2005 M3 in '07 and a 2005 325ci in '08. All certified and would do it again in a heartbeat. (the 325 had 1400kms on it, yes, 14 hundred kms on a 3 yr old car ) Pretty easy to "Certify" a car that doesn't even have dirt on the undercarriage

teagueAMX · 07-08-2010, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jannisa

. . .in which I would drink the blood out of the motor to see if it consumes oil and any other noticeable mechanical imperfections. This will also assure me that it was broken in properly.

Then I would check the chassis for any damages, the finish for dents and the interior for anything. If you find all these ok then you are safe and let the bargains begin. Good luck.

I'm a little concerned about what you guys may be doing over there in Greece. Obviously a little different used car buying experience . . .let's just hope the Google translator messed up. . .

+1 on the undercarriage concerns - we saw this great 'tube vid showing a Greek donkey trail they called a road, which I'm sure afforded plenty of opportunity for off roading experiences.

But kidding aside, good comments my Greek friend!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

Do they (BMW dealers) have what they call "premium Selections" used cars over there?
Here they take the recent model trade ins and tart them up with a new car warranty (usually 2 years minimum - you can pay to extend it to up to 4) and it includes free servicing for the full warranty period.
Takes the mystery out of buying a used one...

US has the same as our friends to the North.

jannisa · 07-09-2010, 04:12 AM

It 's funny because I never let anyone drive my cars either, even at service stations I am always present at test drives. The point is that if the motor consumes oil you are dead in the water in the long run and you will most likely never be justified because all manufacturers claim even in the manuals we hold in the trunk that this is normal. This is why I rate crucial to locate the previous owner and of course avoid company and promotion cars. "Certified" cars by official dealers is safer for sure, privately you can get far better deals, but we always have to keep in mind that every seller cares only for our money. Then it's adiòs tomàs and someone just got married to someoneelses' problems.
ps:I am really curious as to what happened to the former lemon of vintagebmw. Has anybody spotted it?

16thBMW · 07-09-2010, 10:44 AM

Not all dealers have the same standards for CPO'ed cars they sell. BMW has a set of standards that the car has to pass but some dealers go beyond those standards in the cars they sell CPOed. For example, I was told by a trusted BMW employee that BMW doesn't automatically reject cars that have been in accidents to be CPOed. Some dealers follow that standard, some however won't sell as CPO a car that's been in any kind of accident, even a minor fender-bender. I think I saw once the BMW CPO requirements posted somewhere, but don't remember where it was. Even with CPO, its a case of caveat emptor.

Freude am Fahren (ohne Bedauern)...

Mr. ///M3 RD · 07-09-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 14th BMW

Not all dealers have the same standards for CPO'ed cars they sell. BMW has a set of standards that the car has to pass but some dealers go beyond those standards in the cars they sell CPOed. For example, I was told by a trusted BMW employee that BMW doesn't automatically reject cars that have been in accidents to be CPOed. Some dealers follow that standard, some however won't sell as CPO a car that's been in any kind of accident, even a minor fender-bender. I think I saw once the BMW CPO requirements posted somewhere, but don't remember where it was. Even with CPO, its a case of caveat emptor.

Freude am Fahren (ohne Bedauern)...

I think you can find and read about it here

http://used-cars.suite101.com/articl...ed-car-program

davidmbell · 07-13-2010, 10:23 AM

I'm sure you'll all be pleased to hear - I went for the car!!

Here's some photos of it the dealer took prior to me going to see it : http://www.z4bmw.co.uk

Collect it in a couple of weeks!

Can't wait!!

David

Roadstergal · 07-13-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmbell

I'm sure you'll all be pleased to hear - I went for the car!!

Here's some photos of it the dealer took prior to me going to see it : http://www.z4bmw.co.uk

Collect it in a couple of weeks!

Can't wait!!

David

Gorgeous car. I love the DSB. I was originally going to order my car in DSB. I love the wheels, although I am partial to them. Good luck!

Roadstergal · 07-13-2010, 12:25 PM

Oh and it is a six speed manual, another plus!

07-08-2010, 05:32 AM	#1
davidmbell Private First Class 17 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 2012 E91 318d Exclusive Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Leeds/Bradford - UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 Z4 SDrive35i [9.00]	What to look for when buying 2nd hand Z4 please? Hello all, I am going to see a S35i Z4 tomorrow. Its a May 09 car, and has done 13,500 miles. Can those current owners pass on any advice as to what I need to look for please? Anything that should have been sorted as part of a service bulletin, any specific quirks that should have been warranty fixed etc etc. I go first thing tomorrow so quick replies v much appreciated. Thanks David
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07-08-2010, 07:01 AM	#2
MDLFCS Private First Class 14 Rep 168 Posts Drives: 2009 Zee Four 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	The HPFP (Hi Pressure Fuel Pump) can fail, but I would check with BMW if that has been fixed or the warranty has been extended to 10 years or 100K miles, if I am not mistaken. Regardless, I would not be too concerned as the vehicle you are looking at as it should be under warranty. The link discuss the possible top creaks and rattles over rough surfaces and repairs made. Not all Z4s have this issue. http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=290856 Check for suspension squeaks with the adaptive option. Again, not all are affected. http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=393002 There are some others, but they are minor and just make sure that the car you are looking at have the remaining factory warranty. I would check everything to make sure they work like any other secondhand car. Here is some of the issues discussed here. But, again, not all Z4s are representative. http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=400996 I do not anticipate that used Z4s have issues as my 2009 have not stranded me at all and that minor issues most likely have been resolved by then. Just make sure the warranty is still good. I would have the oil change done anyways when you decide to purchase. Feel free to ask any more questions. However, using the search here is highly encouraged. Good luck!
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07-08-2010, 07:51 AM	#3
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 613 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	Here you go .... print this checklist out and take it with you after you read it Good Luck http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewto...+check#p201080 __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
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07-08-2010, 08:11 AM	#4
teagueAMX Colonel 62 Rep 2,087 Posts Drives: Some are road worthy Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: So Cal, USA iTrader: (0)	That's actually a pretty good list. One thing I noticed is it mentions “Z4s have had coil spring failure – have any been replaced (if not they may need it in the future)". Correct me if I'm wrong folks, but I believe that’s referring to previous model Z4, e85/e86 (up to MY 2008). There have been very few complaints about the retractable hardtop, but it’s worth mentioning. Make sure you run it through its paces, and that it goes through its movements OK, and the panels fit correctly fully extended. I saw a photo of a wrecked e89 Z4 the other day and even though it got hit on a front corner, the top was disheveled (that may not be permanent). Another thing is the headliner inside the retractable top. One or two members mentioned the top required adjustment because they could see a tiny crease or mark on the headliner from when it was in the retracted positions. This one may be a matter of personal taste, but a lot of the 35i's didn't come with Premium Sound. That's a killer for me, but it's not a big deal for others. Some found out the hard way after they got the car the basic sound system is inadequate when the top is down and you're traveling at speed. You have to do major surgery to improve the basic sound system and the Z4 lacks room for aftermarket HIFI components __________________ "Political correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional liberal minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end".-- Unknown Last edited by teagueAMX; 07-08-2010 at 08:31 AM..
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07-08-2010, 12:09 PM	#6
jannisa Lieutenant 54 Rep 546 Posts Drives: Z4 Sdrive35i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Greece iTrader: (0)	As long as the car is in warrantee period all these issues are minor to me. I would first investigate the profile of the owner, how old he is, what other cars he has, how aggressively he drives and why he is selling it. Then I would demand a long enough test drive in which I would drink the blood out of the motor to see if it consumes oil and any other noticeable mechanical imperfections. This will also assure me that it was broken in properly. Then I would check the chassis for any damages, the finish for dents and the interior for anything. If you find all these ok then you are safe and let the bargains begin. Good luck.
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07-08-2010, 03:01 PM	#7
davidmbell Private First Class 17 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 2012 E91 318d Exclusive Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Leeds/Bradford - UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 Z4 SDrive35i [9.00]	Sorry I failed to mention the car is at a UK main BMW dealership. Not a private sale. David
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07-08-2010, 03:04 PM	#8
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 613 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	jannisa, drink the blood out of the motor ??? I would never let you drive any car of mine I let you test drive it alright only I would be right there beside you. I would agree with all you said, only I would only purchase a low milage certified car from the dealer never a private deal. BMW makes sure all is above board before they offer a used car for sale. They have a reputation to protect. Just my 2 cents __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
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07-08-2010, 04:03 PM	#9
mcbeee Lieutenant 5 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 3.0i [5.00] 2001 Z3 3.0i [0.00] 2009 Z4 s35i [7.00]	...and just in case they didn't , they have to fix it later when you find it ... I had two "Certified" cars from BMW, only had a couple of minor problems that they fixed ASAP when I brought it to their attention that the car was Certified etc... __________________ Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps '03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers) '01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)
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07-08-2010, 05:43 PM	#10
Dr Stig 2 Criminally Insane 53 Rep 1,464 Posts Drives: Like a Demon! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW Z4 35is [10.00] 2013 BMW X5 30d [0.00]	Do they (BMW dealers) have what they call "premium Selections" used cars over there? Here they take the recent model trade ins and tart them up with a new car warranty (usually 2 years minimum - you can pay to extend it to up to 4) and it includes free servicing for the full warranty period. Takes the mystery out of buying a used one... __________________ Dr Stig 2010 Z4 35is 2011 X3 30d M Sport Australia
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07-08-2010, 06:01 PM	#11
mcbeee Lieutenant 5 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 3.0i [5.00] 2001 Z3 3.0i [0.00] 2009 Z4 s35i [7.00]	We have "Certified Used Cars" at BMW over here in Canada. They basically certify it as good as new and give you a great warranty on it. They usually do it with cars less than 4 or 5 yrs old or really low mileage. I bought a 2001 Z3 in '04, a 2005 M3 in '07 and a 2005 325ci in '08. All certified and would do it again in a heartbeat. (the 325 had 1400kms on it, yes, 14 hundred kms on a 3 yr old car ) Pretty easy to "Certify" a car that doesn't even have dirt on the undercarriage __________________ Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps '03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers) '01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)
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07-09-2010, 04:12 AM	#13
jannisa Lieutenant 54 Rep 546 Posts Drives: Z4 Sdrive35i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Greece iTrader: (0)	It 's funny because I never let anyone drive my cars either, even at service stations I am always present at test drives. The point is that if the motor consumes oil you are dead in the water in the long run and you will most likely never be justified because all manufacturers claim even in the manuals we hold in the trunk that this is normal. This is why I rate crucial to locate the previous owner and of course avoid company and promotion cars. "Certified" cars by official dealers is safer for sure, privately you can get far better deals, but we always have to keep in mind that every seller cares only for our money. Then it's adiòs tomàs and someone just got married to someoneelses' problems. ps:I am really curious as to what happened to the former lemon of vintagebmw. Has anybody spotted it?
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07-09-2010, 10:44 AM	#14
16thBMW Enlisted Member 0 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 Z4 35is [7.00]	There's CPO and then there's CPO... Not all dealers have the same standards for CPO'ed cars they sell. BMW has a set of standards that the car has to pass but some dealers go beyond those standards in the cars they sell CPOed. For example, I was told by a trusted BMW employee that BMW doesn't automatically reject cars that have been in accidents to be CPOed. Some dealers follow that standard, some however won't sell as CPO a car that's been in any kind of accident, even a minor fender-bender. I think I saw once the BMW CPO requirements posted somewhere, but don't remember where it was. Even with CPO, its a case of caveat emptor. Freude am Fahren (ohne Bedauern)... __________________ Driving: 15th(F25/2017 X3); 16th(E89/2016 35is) BMW's Retired: 14 BMW's (1968 1600-02, 1972 2002, E30x3, E34, E36x2, E39x2, E46, E83x2, E85) Current: 8 BMW's in Family
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07-13-2010, 10:23 AM	#16
davidmbell Private First Class 17 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 2012 E91 318d Exclusive Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Leeds/Bradford - UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 Z4 SDrive35i [9.00]	I'm sure you'll all be pleased to hear - I went for the car!! Here's some photos of it the dealer took prior to me going to see it : http://www.z4bmw.co.uk Collect it in a couple of weeks! Can't wait!! David
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07-13-2010, 12:25 PM	#18
Roadstergal First Lieutenant 27 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA - East Coast iTrader: (0)	Oh and it is a six speed manual, another plus! __________________ E89 - 2010 Z4 35i (Orion Silver, Ivory White extended, anthracite trim) E85 - 2006 Z4 3.0i (Monaco Blue, beige leather, Dark Poplar wood trim) E85 - 2003 Z4 2.5 (Sterling Gray, black leather, Sycamore wood trim) E36 - 1998 Z3 2.8 (Red, black leather, wood trim)
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