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      05-20-2023, 01:10 PM   #1
lamebro1
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Arrow 2012 Z4 sDrive20i with 90k miles for $14k - a good idea?

Hi there guys,

For context, I randomly tried a Z4 the other day and I liked it way more then I thought I would. I am a 22 year old who has been working for around a year and a half. I don't really need the space so practicality is not an issue. I think this car would be driven 3-5 times a week. Not everyday but not a weekend car either. This is my first car, though I have been driving for around 2 and a half years.

My budget to buy a car is around $14k, and my annual budget of maintaining the car is around $2700.

I recently saw a 2012 Z4 sDrive20i that's done 90k miles for $13,600 and it was a blast to drive. I have been looking around at other cars like the BRZ, SLK and Miata (which I know is the smart option but i cant find it anywhere) - so far the Z4 has come out on top.

The owner has replaced / repaired the following: turbo / air intake pipe / top cover plastic part in engine / vaccum pipe / coolant and coolant tank cap / radiator / cleaned injector / changed fluids. He has not done any service to the convertible roof, but it seemed to be in good working condition and not dusty - making only a few little sounds. Overall it seemed like a very clean car that has been well taken care of. He also changes the oil semi regularly (around every 8k KM)

My main concern is that N20 engine. I heard that the timing belt can disintegrate and make the whole engine go bye-bye. I can afford general repairs I think (please correct me if I am wrong), but I do not think I can afford a new engine.

With that being said I do really like the car. Would it be worth it anyways? Should I perhaps try and find a sDrive30i with the V6? Which Z4 is the most reliable in my budget?

Thank you and I appreciate your help!
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      05-20-2023, 09:06 PM   #2
Marcoose
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Hi. Welcome to enjoying to drive. It’s a lost art.

I’ve owned 5 BMWs. All fun. All expensive to maintain. If you have a tight budget, I recommend to learn basic maintenance. Stuff like fluids, brakes, suspension, battery, belts, etc, aren’t too hard to master. It can save you heaps of cash. And if you have a DIY shop nearby, it’s a great place to make friends.
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      05-21-2023, 09:35 AM   #3
B21
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If you like the car the best thing is to get the cam chain assembly changed for the later bulletproof version..that’s about 1k usd of cost but puts that one and only issue on the N20 to bed..

Frequent oil changes are a good thing on that engine…
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Much modified 2011 Atacama Yellow 35is…previously a much modified 2012 Atacama Yellow 20i MSport
Change history here… https://www.dropbox.com/s/8h1vabklgz...0List.pdf?dl=0
Build thread here… https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131886
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      05-21-2023, 02:54 PM   #4
MRCW
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You should keep looking. Don't settle for the first one you see or drive.
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