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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Stuart Little (2007 E85 Z4 2.5si manual)
- Thread starter MR_Y
- Start date
///M Individual
Well-known member
Congrats bud. Definitely right up the alley of the "toy" you wanted and probably the most suggested on this forum. Albeit a 25i instead of 30i but still a 6 cylinder and manual and for these rare cars looks like you found a clean one at that and at a BMW dealer! Wish you many happy kms!
GravityLee
Well-known member
Beautiful. Congrats and look forward to the journey.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Why did I choose this car?
Honestly, I wasn't really looking for a Z4. A great deal just came up and at the price, it just made sense. The FSH from BMW and the fact that it was being sold by a BMW dealer just made it an attractive deal. For now, it scratches my itch for a weekend toy that won't break the bank. I am still looking out for a 987.2, but that is a longer term goal.
Initial comments:
Good:
- Cabin is rock solid. No rattles. Just the usual soft top creaks with age. There are a few wear and tear marks in the cabin, but everything feels solid and built to last. Definitely better built than my F30 LCI and my G01.
- The car is easy to drive. It is comfortable and seems to have sufficient low down torque for driving through trafficz without having to rev up the engine (something an MX5 can require). I got stuck in a traffic jam on the weekend and my left leg was fine. Everything (clutch, brakes, throttle, steering) is easy to operate.
- Engine sounds good and motor pulls decently when pushing it. Not a Porsche, but feels decently quick for what it is at this bargain price point. A sports exhaust will be on the cards after the next service.
- The Logic 7 hi-fi system is excellent. Speakers behind the seats and tweeters in the doors. Much better than my other cars sound systems currently. It even has a 6 disc CD shuttle!
- Spec is impressive. Electric seats for both driver and passenger, with memory on the driver side. Automatic dimming rear view mirror. Rear PDC. ISOFIX anchor points and airbag switch. Audio controls on steering wheel. Proper leather seats that have aged well.
- The car is in good condition, especially given the price point. The dealer did spray the front bumper and did a full valet. I will still take the car for a proper valet and detail soon.
- The previous owner kept detailed service records (invoices) for the last 7 years. BMW have the rest of the older services on their system. The original owner's manual and all the original documents, including a still new first aid kit, are all neatly packaged in the car.
Bad:
- The steering is lifeless around center point and also on turn in, to a degree. I am spoiled by Porsche steering. On the highway, at speed, I don't like the fact that I am numb to what is going on with the front wheels. There is a slight floatiness which is not great at straight line speed. I assume a new set of tyres and proper wheel alignment may help slightly. However, when carving through bends on a back road, when applying more steering turn, the life/feel comes back a bit.
- The Potenzas have 50% life left. But being dated 2017, I can see the rubber deteriorating a bit on the shoulders. I am placing an order for Michelin PS4s soon. Not run flats. Happy to use tyre sealant and a compressor, if I get a puncture. I am not going to cross provinces in this car, so happy to keep it simple.
- No Bluetooth. Not a major issue. Just need to use the Aux input and get a decent Yesido phone air vent mount.
- The front fog light is dead and the cigarette lighter socket too. Dealer will fix/replace these at no cost.
For R150k, I am not complaining. This car does what it needs to do and does it well. Driving with the roof down and tackling some back roads is enjoyable.
Michelins and a sports exhaust will really improve the car, but those will come in time.
Sure, there will be some preventative maintenance to deal with as well, and that will be done in due course.
And definitely no racing stripes this time round...
Honestly, I wasn't really looking for a Z4. A great deal just came up and at the price, it just made sense. The FSH from BMW and the fact that it was being sold by a BMW dealer just made it an attractive deal. For now, it scratches my itch for a weekend toy that won't break the bank. I am still looking out for a 987.2, but that is a longer term goal.
Initial comments:
Good:
- Cabin is rock solid. No rattles. Just the usual soft top creaks with age. There are a few wear and tear marks in the cabin, but everything feels solid and built to last. Definitely better built than my F30 LCI and my G01.
- The car is easy to drive. It is comfortable and seems to have sufficient low down torque for driving through trafficz without having to rev up the engine (something an MX5 can require). I got stuck in a traffic jam on the weekend and my left leg was fine. Everything (clutch, brakes, throttle, steering) is easy to operate.
- Engine sounds good and motor pulls decently when pushing it. Not a Porsche, but feels decently quick for what it is at this bargain price point. A sports exhaust will be on the cards after the next service.
- The Logic 7 hi-fi system is excellent. Speakers behind the seats and tweeters in the doors. Much better than my other cars sound systems currently. It even has a 6 disc CD shuttle!
- Spec is impressive. Electric seats for both driver and passenger, with memory on the driver side. Automatic dimming rear view mirror. Rear PDC. ISOFIX anchor points and airbag switch. Audio controls on steering wheel. Proper leather seats that have aged well.
- The car is in good condition, especially given the price point. The dealer did spray the front bumper and did a full valet. I will still take the car for a proper valet and detail soon.
- The previous owner kept detailed service records (invoices) for the last 7 years. BMW have the rest of the older services on their system. The original owner's manual and all the original documents, including a still new first aid kit, are all neatly packaged in the car.
Bad:
- The steering is lifeless around center point and also on turn in, to a degree. I am spoiled by Porsche steering. On the highway, at speed, I don't like the fact that I am numb to what is going on with the front wheels. There is a slight floatiness which is not great at straight line speed. I assume a new set of tyres and proper wheel alignment may help slightly. However, when carving through bends on a back road, when applying more steering turn, the life/feel comes back a bit.
- The Potenzas have 50% life left. But being dated 2017, I can see the rubber deteriorating a bit on the shoulders. I am placing an order for Michelin PS4s soon. Not run flats. Happy to use tyre sealant and a compressor, if I get a puncture. I am not going to cross provinces in this car, so happy to keep it simple.
- No Bluetooth. Not a major issue. Just need to use the Aux input and get a decent Yesido phone air vent mount.
- The front fog light is dead and the cigarette lighter socket too. Dealer will fix/replace these at no cost.
For R150k, I am not complaining. This car does what it needs to do and does it well. Driving with the roof down and tackling some back roads is enjoyable.
Michelins and a sports exhaust will really improve the car, but those will come in time.
Sure, there will be some preventative maintenance to deal with as well, and that will be done in due course.
And definitely no racing stripes this time round...
Last edited:
MR_Y
Well-known member
Full documentation
NB52B25 6 cylinder 2.5si (160kw/250Nm). Sufficient for my needs.
6 speed manual. Feels fantastic to hold and engage gear. Falls nicely to hand.
Clutch pedal has a weird stopper behind it that catches on the floor mat. I threw away the mat.
The best cupholders ever. Keeps your drink cold or hot, depending on aircon temp. More cars should have this.
Electric seats, with memory on driver side.
6 CD shuttle (rather, cartridge). This was super styling back in 2007.
Excellent interior. Solid and well kept by previous owner.
Potenzas have tread life left, but rubber has aged. Michelin PS4s are on the way.
NB52B25 6 cylinder 2.5si (160kw/250Nm). Sufficient for my needs.
6 speed manual. Feels fantastic to hold and engage gear. Falls nicely to hand.
Clutch pedal has a weird stopper behind it that catches on the floor mat. I threw away the mat.
The best cupholders ever. Keeps your drink cold or hot, depending on aircon temp. More cars should have this.
Electric seats, with memory on driver side.
6 CD shuttle (rather, cartridge). This was super styling back in 2007.
Excellent interior. Solid and well kept by previous owner.
Potenzas have tread life left, but rubber has aged. Michelin PS4s are on the way.
GravityLee
Well-known member
Personally, I love the worn passenger headrest testifying to the prowess of the car to generate... companionship on spirited drives.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Strangely, I didn't notice it when viewing it with the naked eye. The camera and the lighting brings out the wear more than how it looks in reality. A full leather treatment will be done. But, I hear what you are saying 👍
M3boi
Well-known member
Congrats! See if you can find yourself a purple tag steering rack, it fixes that on centre steering feel, and the ratio is quicker. I should be getting the E36 back on Friday with the purple tag fitted. I’ll let you know how it feels, but I already know it will be a night and day difference.
Plus 1 for the ZHP knob, made a world of difference in both the 30i and most recently, the M3.
Gone up in price to R900 for OEM, but honestly worth every penny for the driving engagement and look.
VinceM
Well-known member
There is something special about driving a “slowish” car very fast.
I enjoyed my 325ci a lot, it was not today’s “turbo cars” fast, but decent enough for that smile.
Enjoy the sonorous BMW straight six sound! Best in market!
All the best bud. Good find.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
I enjoyed my 325ci a lot, it was not today’s “turbo cars” fast, but decent enough for that smile.
Enjoy the sonorous BMW straight six sound! Best in market!
All the best bud. Good find.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
MR_Y
Well-known member
Thanks.
Do you know where I can source one from?
TBP88
Well-known member
The dealers should have them, somebody more versed in realOEM can quote the part number.
Another mod you can consider is wrapping the interior metallic bits in leather/alcantara. Mine were heavily bumped up and the easiest fix is just a leather wrap. Improves the feel of the interior as well.
GL with the one! Z4s are pretty special little things and relative to a lot of the rest of the car market, underpriced.
momo1
Well-known member
Unfortunatley the achilles heel on these cars is the steering feel, it was BMWs first attempt at electric steering, my 1st Z4 the 3.0si was an amazing car but I just couldn't get on with the steering feel and twitchiness , was solved when I got the M
on a more positive note car looks really clean and white is kinda rare on them, wishing you many fun miles
on a more positive note car looks really clean and white is kinda rare on them, wishing you many fun miles
Send me a PM with your number, will arrange one with a discount for you.
