New here and need opinions.....

[batosailt]

I don't really drive a Z yet guys, but I was wondering if you guys would buy this if everything checks out fine... I own a 2003 bmw 330i 6spd right now.. and basically the z4 is the same as it maintenance wise...... is there anything i need to be worried about while i'm taking a look at this car.... and i also do my own maintenance so i basically know what to look for. thanks guys.... heres the link

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/4011813758.html

[Huz-Z]

Check that the power top opens and closes quickly and smoothly. The roof should seal tightly across the windshield frame and around the windows. It shouldn't leak if you test it with water from a lawn sprinkler, for example, to simulate rain. As you are in Seattle, you are a good judge of how hard it can rain there. My car has been in some HEAVY rain, and the inside has remained as dry as the Sahara. Take a flashlight with you and with the roof down, take a good look down at the roof mechanism drain channels. In the 2003 - 2005 cars, the roof motor was not sealed and could fail if the drain channels got blocked with crud and leaves.

A regularly garaged car should be less likely to have this problem. The drains are located at the roof hinge and run down behind the rear wheels. Have a search on the forum for more info on what to look for here.

I've looked at the pictures and the fold marks in the canvas appear normal as far as I can tell.

Other than that, trust to your general mechanical skills and good luck!

[Shipkiller]

I think the 330i has a completely different softtop assembly than the Z4.

You may want to go over to E46fanatics.com. They would have better info.

[Huz-Z]

Hey Ship - he's looking for info on the Z4, isn't he, or did I misunderstand?

[Shipkiller]

FACEPALM...

I misread.. I thought he was looking at a 330...

Ill go back under my rock..........

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

FACEPALM...

I misread.. I thought he was looking at a 330...

Ill go back under my rock..........

LOL!! No worries!!!

Hey - you have a roadster similar to the one being considered by the OP. Any suggestions on things to look for?

[Shipkiller]

The Z4 is a Z4. Only minor changes from 2003 to 2008. The softtop is the only potential issue and that is almost impossible to know if the motor is good or on its way out. Since he as a 330 (smirking now..) and does his own maintenance, all the other stuff is basically the same.

I have always like the elipsoid wheels on the car.

[Huz-Z]

The ellipsoid rim is a fave of mine too.

I think a good place to look is on this guy's site:

http://www.shipkiller.com/Softtop_Main.html

Dunno who this fellow is ( ), but he's clearly put an awful lot of good info in one spot!

[batosailt]

thanks a lot shipkiller and huz-z

do you think it will still be reliable until car car is driven to 200k? with me doing regular maintenance of course....

[Swashplate]

As the car is in snoho, I would take it to Parker at broadstroke associates for a PPI. Worth every penny.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by batosailt

thanks a lot shipkiller and huz-z

do you think it will still be reliable until car car is driven to 200k? with me doing regular maintenance of course....

I think if the PPI suggested above says the car is in good shape, then with proper care, yes it should last for a long time.

[Shipkiller]

I know of one guy who has over 250K on his car. Of course he had to have some things done but overall, it's been a reliable car. The M54 engine is just so strong and everything else is just maintenance.