Swapping Z3 for Z4
Swapping Z3 for Z4
Hi
I am finally taking the leap and should be swapping my Z3 (2.0) for a Z4.
I have reserved a 2.2 in black with red leather subject to being satisfied when I see it / drive it. It arrives at the dealer tomorrow and should be prepped for us to have a look at the weekend.
Is there anything I should check before I sign on the dotted line, or anything I should negotiate for? It already has a wind deflector so no need to ask for that.
Also any tips for a new owner moving up from a Z3?
Cheers
Andy
I am finally taking the leap and should be swapping my Z3 (2.0) for a Z4.
I have reserved a 2.2 in black with red leather subject to being satisfied when I see it / drive it. It arrives at the dealer tomorrow and should be prepped for us to have a look at the weekend.
Is there anything I should check before I sign on the dotted line, or anything I should negotiate for? It already has a wind deflector so no need to ask for that.
Also any tips for a new owner moving up from a Z3?
Cheers
Andy
Re: Swapping Z3 for Z4
AndyW wrote:Hi
I am finally taking the leap and should be swapping my Z3 (2.0) for a Z4.
I have reserved a 2.2 in black with red leather subject to being satisfied when I see it / drive it. It arrives at the dealer tomorrow and should be prepped for us to have a look at the weekend.
Is there anything I should check before I sign on the dotted line, or anything I should negotiate for? It already has a wind deflector so no need to ask for that.
Also any tips for a new owner moving up from a Z3?
Cheers
Andy
Good luck with the Z4 but moving up from a Z3
Tim.
- smartypants
- Joined: Tue 09 Jan, 2007 12:15
- Posts: 1210
- Location: Bracknell
Re: Swapping Z3 for Z4
AndyW wrote: Also any tips for a new owner moving up from a Z3?
Prepare for disappointment?
Hi Andy
One piece of advice - just don't try and compare the Z4 with the Z3 - we've found them to be two really different cars. We've not experienced any problems with the Z4 so far but it's only just 2 years old.
Is the one you're looking at on RFT's or normal tires? The RFT's give a much firmer ride perhaps more so on ours as it has the Sports Pack suspension - but the upside is that it is superglued to the road. I've seriously scared myself in it without the DCT showing any signs of cutting in. We find the Z4 just a bit more civilised (boring?) than the Z3 but the bigger boot is useful for holidays.
Other than that you probably just need to look for all the usual things and give it a "thorough" test drive.
As it's got the wind deflector and if there's nothing else see how much life is left in the tires and if they're quite worn negotiate some new ones.
Enjoy.
One piece of advice - just don't try and compare the Z4 with the Z3 - we've found them to be two really different cars. We've not experienced any problems with the Z4 so far but it's only just 2 years old.
Is the one you're looking at on RFT's or normal tires? The RFT's give a much firmer ride perhaps more so on ours as it has the Sports Pack suspension - but the upside is that it is superglued to the road. I've seriously scared myself in it without the DCT showing any signs of cutting in. We find the Z4 just a bit more civilised (boring?) than the Z3 but the bigger boot is useful for holidays.
Other than that you probably just need to look for all the usual things and give it a "thorough" test drive.
As it's got the wind deflector and if there's nothing else see how much life is left in the tires and if they're quite worn negotiate some new ones.
Enjoy.
Hers: Z4 2.0i Sp --------------------- His: Z3 2.8
I swapped Z3 for Z4
I recently swapped my 2.8ltr Z3 for a 3.0 ltr SE Z4 with sports pack and it is a different car. Being 6ft 2in tall the Z4 fits me much better (my knees don't touch the steering wheel), and the drive is much more comfortable. Don't get me wrong, the Z3 was great, but it was a tad to cosy for my frame. I prefer the Z3 looks, but from a driving perspective the Z4 is better I think. I got a bit of an ouch though when I replaced two of the 4 run flat tyres, they cost me £150 each!
- smartypants
- Joined: Tue 09 Jan, 2007 12:15
- Posts: 1210
- Location: Bracknell
I too recently went from a Z3 2.8 to a Z4 3.0 SE. I did it initially with much trepidation as I loved my Z3. I can confirm that I have not been disappointed in terms of handling, performance and comfort. I have no regrets with my purchase and am really enjoying my motoring right now and the car is very easy to live with and more economical.
If you are getting it from a main dealer I would be very surprised if they supply it fitted with non RFTs as they are rather sniffy about it and there may be warranty issues. My car is fitted with OEM RFTs but in normal driving I cannot see that they are a problem (My Z3 did have a particularly firm ride due to all the additional ironmongery fitted underneath so comparison is difficult!) That said when the time comes I will probably change over to see what happens and save money.
There is a well documented issue with OEM springs breaking. When it happens some owners choose to move away from OEM to Eibach.
If you haven't already it is definitley worth joining Z4 Forum http://www.z4-forum.com/ as the guys on there are as nuts and knowledgeable about their cars as the good folks on here!
Good Luck and enjoy!!
If you are getting it from a main dealer I would be very surprised if they supply it fitted with non RFTs as they are rather sniffy about it and there may be warranty issues. My car is fitted with OEM RFTs but in normal driving I cannot see that they are a problem (My Z3 did have a particularly firm ride due to all the additional ironmongery fitted underneath so comparison is difficult!) That said when the time comes I will probably change over to see what happens and save money.
There is a well documented issue with OEM springs breaking. When it happens some owners choose to move away from OEM to Eibach.
If you haven't already it is definitley worth joining Z4 Forum http://www.z4-forum.com/ as the guys on there are as nuts and knowledgeable about their cars as the good folks on here!
Good Luck and enjoy!!
AndyW
Good luck with the new car I'm sure you will enjoy it just as much.
I had the same dilema at christmas but went for the Z3. I am sure that if I was looking as my main car though I would have gone for the Z4. The Z3 is much more fun to me which is what I wanted but I'm not sure I could live with it every day. The Z4 is much more refined as an everyday car.
You know the answer is to get both though
Good luck with the new car I'm sure you will enjoy it just as much.
I had the same dilema at christmas but went for the Z3. I am sure that if I was looking as my main car though I would have gone for the Z4. The Z3 is much more fun to me which is what I wanted but I'm not sure I could live with it every day. The Z4 is much more refined as an everyday car.
You know the answer is to get both though
No regrets
I have no regrets about the Z3, it was a fine car. I just needed something physically bigger. I kept the Z3 for such a long time because my wife loved it. But she passed away recently so i moved into the bigger Z4. The Z3 is still in the family, I sold it to my sister-in-law as her "weekend" car. You are right, about if it is your main car, the Z4 is the only one I have, so it made more sense for me to move on.
- smartypants
- Joined: Tue 09 Jan, 2007 12:15
- Posts: 1210
- Location: Bracknell
I can't lol I just bought a 1 Seriessmartypants wrote:Z4M is the only Z4 I would consider, apart from the coupe - which I think is a lovely looking machine.
And actually this is a good time to buy, you can get a minter from a dealer low miles good spec for 16-17k. That is a LOT of machine for that money!
Tim.
- smartypants
- Joined: Tue 09 Jan, 2007 12:15
- Posts: 1210
- Location: Bracknell
Thanks everyone - I really appreciate your thoughts on the issue.
We were using the Zed as our only car until my daughter came along just over 2 years ago.
Since then it has been a second car. I managed to take it out for a good run yesterday which put a real smile on my face. I am really hoping the Z4 will be as much fun as a second car.
Perhaps I should trade in the Avensis instead and go for the 2 Zed option!!
I did take a 2.0 Z4 for a brief test drive last year but didn't like the drive as much as my Z3 2.0 straight six. I am hoping the 2.2 6 cylinder engine will hit the mark.
Unfortunately the car we have reserved did not arrive at the dealers yesterday due to delays in transferring back from a private plate. It looks like it will be late next week before we can take a look.
We were using the Zed as our only car until my daughter came along just over 2 years ago.
Since then it has been a second car. I managed to take it out for a good run yesterday which put a real smile on my face. I am really hoping the Z4 will be as much fun as a second car.
Perhaps I should trade in the Avensis instead and go for the 2 Zed option!!
I did take a 2.0 Z4 for a brief test drive last year but didn't like the drive as much as my Z3 2.0 straight six. I am hoping the 2.2 6 cylinder engine will hit the mark.
Unfortunately the car we have reserved did not arrive at the dealers yesterday due to delays in transferring back from a private plate. It looks like it will be late next week before we can take a look.
It is very tempting but I am concerned about the extra insurance costs. We have never felt the Z3 to be lacking in power and the Z4 2.2 is supposed to be quite a bit quicker so I think it should do us fine.Martin wrote:If it's a second car why not go for a 3.0 litre. They are reasonably economical and a much better driving experience.
Well the deed is done - we have signed up for the Z4.
It is in good condition and looks very smart - particularly the red leather and 18" wheels.
The drive was good and it felt about as quick as our Z3 (although I know it is faster). I guess the size of the Z3 and the feel of being closer to the road makes it feel quicker than the same speed/ acceleration would in the Z4.
I suppose I will also need to learn how to drive it properly to get the best from it.
I am going to miss my Z3 so much but am also looking forward to many more years of Z Roadster fun with the Z4!
It is in good condition and looks very smart - particularly the red leather and 18" wheels.
The drive was good and it felt about as quick as our Z3 (although I know it is faster). I guess the size of the Z3 and the feel of being closer to the road makes it feel quicker than the same speed/ acceleration would in the Z4.
I suppose I will also need to learn how to drive it properly to get the best from it.
I am going to miss my Z3 so much but am also looking forward to many more years of Z Roadster fun with the Z4!
Thanks Guys - Bring on the summer!!
I only have a quick snap from the phone at the moment but will take some nice ones when I bring her home in a week or so!
http://picasaweb.google.com/AndyWhite24 ... 0858031986
I only have a quick snap from the phone at the moment but will take some nice ones when I bring her home in a week or so!
http://picasaweb.google.com/AndyWhite24 ... 0858031986
Hi I picked the Z4 up this afternoon. The clouds came out right on cue!!
However the car is great and I am loving the handling and performance!
I have been able to drive it hard in a way I didn't feel I could whilst just test driving and am very pleased to say I think it is a worthy replacement for the Z3.
The heated seats give an interesting sensation. I thought I had wet myself with excitement when they first came on!
I managed to take some quick pictures - hope you like them:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vj ... directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6d ... directlink
However the car is great and I am loving the handling and performance!
I have been able to drive it hard in a way I didn't feel I could whilst just test driving and am very pleased to say I think it is a worthy replacement for the Z3.
The heated seats give an interesting sensation. I thought I had wet myself with excitement when they first came on!
I managed to take some quick pictures - hope you like them:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vj ... directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6d ... directlink