Pre-loved: BMW Z4 2010-2023

by Ewan Kennedy   2023 BMW Z4   The rear-wheel drive BMW Z4 is a genuine sports car not simply a convertible. It has a long bonnet and t...

by Ewan Kennedy  

2023 BMW Z4

 

The rear-wheel drive BMW Z4 is a genuine sports car not simply a convertible.

It has a long bonnet and the occupants are pushed back, sitting close to the rear wheels.

The first-generation was known as the E85 in roadster form and E86 in coupe form, from 2003-2008.

Z4 first reached us Downunder in 2004, but in this report we begin with the introduction of the second generation from September, 2009.

The 2009 E89 model was tamed slightly to be easier to live with on a daily basis, addressing many criticisms of the preceding Z3.

Until then it was sold to drivers willing to accept a harsh ride and ultra-fast steering, unwilling to accept any compromises in return for brilliant handling.

However, the gen-two Z4 has even better road grip as well as steering that all-but reads the driver's mind.

Point it at the right road, give it a boot-full and you will soon be wearing a smile.

Some nervousness still exists, particularly on irregular surfaces where it is bumpy -- but it isn't overdone.

The styling of the second-generation BMW Z4 is instantly recognisable, with the same long bonnet, short tail and 'flame' side surfaces.

It was the first BMW to be completely designed by two female designers: Juliane Blasi (exterior) and Nadya Arnaout (interior).

This time around Z4 used a folding hardtop, making it look like a fixed-head coupe when the top is up.

The top is made of a two-piece lightweight aluminium shell and takes 20 seconds to operate.

It meant there was no longer any need for a separate coupe and convertible.

The E89 was offered with the base level sDrive or optional M Sport trim.

A 2013 facelift introduced Design Pure Traction and Pure Fusion Design packages.

Second-gen began with 2.5 or 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated straight sixes until the company started to produce small-capacity turbo-petrol engines.

Some sixes remained alongside the turbo-petrol fours until 2012, when they were replaced by big-boost turbo fours.

A very special model is the Z4 35i and quicker 35is.

This was the last of the famed twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six units.

Produced until 2016 it's likely to become a classic and may increase significantly in value.

Manuals have six forward gears. Autos have six or eight ratios.

A seven-speed Getrag dual clutch transmission was offered with the 35i and 35is.

The third and current generation G29 Z4 was unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2018.

It saw a return to the soft-top convertible roof from the first generation instead of a retractable hardtop.

Many readers are probably unaware it forms the basis of the current Toyota Supra sports car.

The BMW dealer network is well established in Australia and is known for its high quality of technical training.

This hi-tech diagnoses and servicing are just one reason it makes a lot of sense to buy a used Z3 or Z4 that has always been serviced by an official BMW dealer.

Spare parts aren't outrageously expensive for a car in this class, but may prove to be a factor in your decision as to whether to buy an older Z4 rather than a cheaper convertible from a lower-cost maker.

Insurance may be expensive if the driver is young and/or inexperienced.

Surprisingly there is seldom a big increase in premiums for the high-performance models.

2019 BMW Z4 M40i

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Carry out your own pre-purchase inspection to the best of your ability.

Once it has passed your tests call your BMW dealer. Technicians will connect the Z4 to a large computer in Germany which not only advises on current problems, but also any intermittent troubles which may be present.

Make sure the engine starts virtually instantly, idles smoothly within a second or so of startup and pulls without hesitation even when completely cold.

Lift the carpets for signs of dampness or even corrosion if the car has been caught out in the rain and left wet for far too long.

Power the top up and down and make sure it's smooth and quiet in operation.

Also examine it for any sign of damage in the mechanism. If it has an oily feel, it may have been given a squirt with some sort of lubricant to prepare it for sale.

Previous crash repairs may be signalled by paint overspray, panels with a slight waviness in their finish and colours that don't match exactly from one panel to the next. Also look for tiny spots of paint overspray on non-painted areas.

Six cylinder BMW Z4 35is

 

HOW MUCH?

Budget on spending $74,000 - $106,600 for a 2023 G29 M40i auto convertible; $51,600 - $74,700 for a 2021 2021 G29 sDrive 30i M Sport auto convertible; $56,750 - $82,600 for a 2019 G29 M40i auto convertible; $44,650 - $64,900 for a 2018 G29 sDrive 30i M Sport auto convertible; $33,850 - $54,650 for a 2016 E89 sDrive 35is DCT auto; $18,150 - $31,700 for a 2015 E89 sDrive 20i Edition Design Pure Traction auto; $19,550 - $35,800 for a 2014 E89 sDrive 28i auto; $19,200 - $35,150 for a 2013 E89 sDrive 28i manual; $21,900 - $40,950 for a 2012 E89 sDrive 35is DCT auto; $11,150 - $24,300 for a 2011 E89 sDrive 20i manual; $13,400 - $29,050 for a 2010 E89 sDrive 30i auto; or $12,250 - $26,250 for a 2010 E89 sDrive 23i E89 manual.

Poetry in motion

         

CAR BUYING TIPS

Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.

That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.

Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.

Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.

That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.

Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.

This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.

Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.

Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.

If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot. 

This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.

If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.

Take a slow walk around any car you're considering, looking for obvious defects.

It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.

Ideally any road test of a car you're getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.

If you're serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.

If they insist on coming that's understandable, but try to avoid them "selling” the car to you.

Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,

In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.

The next owner may suffer as a result.

First generation

 

RECALLS

To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/

 

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