Stuart Little (2007 E85 Z4 2.5si manual)

MR_Y

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
After the independent assessment, it seems that the suspension needs some work. Shocks, tie roads, control arms, etc. When fixed, this will definitely improve the steering from what I initially felt.
Besides the above, there are some other maintenance items to get done.

Will provide feedback next week on steering feel after the fixes.
 

KPM3_30

Moderator
Staff member
After the independent assessment, it seems that the suspension needs some work. Shocks, tie roads, control arms, etc. When fixed, this will definitely improve the steering from what I initially felt.
Besides the above, there are some other maintenance items to get done.

Will provide feedback next week on steering feel after the fixes.

Consider a set of ISC coilovers, if you're going the route of a suspension refresh.

Keen to know what other items are on the list.
 

FILV

Well-known member
Looking so forward to this.
These always catch my eye, would def buy one as a weekend coffee run car.Even better a hot summers early evening cruiser.
The condition looks awesome. Interior looks well kept and neat. After a little detail will look brand new.

Nice to see one in white too actually. They always seem to be in Grey.

Meguiar's also has this product, could work nicely on the soft top:

Looking forward to hearing the update on the steering feel after the suspension refresh. New tires all round and good alignment will definitely make a noticeable difference.
 

GravityLee

Well-known member
After the independent assessment, it seems that the suspension needs some work. Shocks, tie roads, control arms, etc. When fixed, this will definitely improve the steering from what I initially felt.
Besides the above, there are some other maintenance items to get done.

Will provide feedback next week on steering feel after the fixes.

Will BMW Sandton fix all this for you as part of the sale?
 

MR_Y

Well-known member
Will BMW Sandton fix all this for you as part of the sale?
I didn't raise it with them.
They are not really roadworthy issues, I guess.
Also, even if I wanted to argue that they fix it, I would prefer an independent specialist doing a proper job and also do preventative maintenance as well, and show me exactly what they are doing.
This was the cheapest Z4 on Autotrader (before a WBC Z4 came up), so I budgeted for extra work.

In short, I am not willing to argue that the dealer fixes these issues. Even if they did it, I don't trust them to do a good job. For a car this old, I trust an independent specialist more.
 

GravityLee

Well-known member
They are not really roadworthy issues, I guess.
Also, even I wanted to argue that they fix it, I would prefer an independent specialist doing a proper job and also do preventative maintenance as well, and show me exactly what they are doing.
This was the cheapest Z4 on Autotrader (before a WBC Z4 came up), so I budgeted for extra work.

In short, I am not willing to argue that the dealer fixes these issues. Even if they did it, I don't trust them to do a good job. For a car this old, I trust an independent specialist more.

Yep. Was going to be exactly my point. At best they would half ass it, which would result in time wasted to and fro. Much better to get a trusted indie to do it. Whom do you use?
 

momo1

Well-known member
After the independent assessment, it seems that the suspension needs some work. Shocks, tie roads, control arms, etc. When fixed, this will definitely improve the steering from what I initially felt.
Besides the above, there are some other maintenance items to get done.

Will provide feedback next week on steering feel after the fixes.
This will indeed make a difference once refreshed.
 

MR_Y

Well-known member
There are plans underway to bring this car back to its former glory and also tweak a thing or two.

However, I am also in two minds about keeping it fully stock or modding it a bit (suspension being one).

I am fighting the urge to get an Android radio system. I think I will just burn 6 CDs of my favourite music from 2007 and earlier, and just use this car as a time warp back to 2007 when I was 25 years old...
 

momo1

Well-known member
There are plans underway to bring this car back to its former glory and also tweak a thing or two.

However, I am also in two minds about keeping it fully stock or modding it a bit (suspension being one).

I am fighting the urge to get an Android radio system. I think I will just burn 6 CDs of my favourite music from 2007 and earlier, and just use this car as a time warp back to 2007 when I was 25 years old...
If you dont intend on keeping it long term i would suggest you keep it stock, however these cars have a thing where you fall in love with them and dont care how much money is thrown at it in making it "better"
 

MR_Y

Well-known member
If you dont intend on keeping it long term i would suggest you keep it stock, however these cars have a thing where you fall in love with them and dont care how much money is thrown at it in making it "better"
Exactly.

With the work I am planning now on the under-the-skin bits, my total cost (purchase price of car and parts) will put me above what these cars usually sell for on the used market (though those are mostly in pretty worn out condition). Also, unlike a 3 series of that era, Z4s don't sell quickly. Also, a 25si is never going to set panties on fire like an M.

This is a car to enjoy, not to keep perfect for resale value (unlike a Porsche:) )

Even though it will be almost pristine (I am not too fussed about the minor paint and interior scuffs), I know that I will never recoup my money.

That is why I decided to just do what is absolutely necessary and also preventative maintenance too. Though, willing to splurge on PS4s or Eagle F1s...
 
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TBP88

Well-known member
Test if your car has mp3 capability, if it does, then 6+1cd is like 600+ songs, should be fine for a few years of driving...
 

///Avi

///Member
There are plans underway to bring this car back to its former glory and also tweak a thing or two.

However, I am also in two minds about keeping it fully stock or modding it a bit (suspension being one).

I am fighting the urge to get an Android radio system. I think I will just burn 6 CDs of my favourite music from 2007 and earlier, and just use this car as a time warp back to 2007 when I was 25 years old...
Check out Bluebus.dev

I’ve installed this in my car. If your car has telephony prep you won’t even need to install a mic. This will work like OEM. Steering functions will work for answering calls, changing of songs and volume control. Song and artist names will scroll on the single line display of your deck.

The only thing is it will take a few months to get here. Not sure if Ted has since expanded his operation but it was a 1 man operation when I ordered mine.

I’ve tried android in the past and it didn’t suit me well.
 

momo1

Well-known member
Exactly.

With the work I am planning now on the under-the-skin bits, my total cost (purchase price of car and parts) will put me above what these cars usually sell for on the used market (though those are mostly in pretty worn out condition). Also, unlike a 3 series of that era, Z4s don't sell quickly. Also, a 25si is never going to set panties on fire like an M.

This is a car to enjoy, not to keep perfect for resale value (unlike a Porsche:) )

Even though it will be almost pristine (I am not too fussed about the minor paint and interior scuffs), I know that I will never recoup my money.

That is why I decided to just do what is absolutely necessary and also preventative maintenance too. Though, willing to splurge on PS4s or Eagle F1s...

Agreed! maintain and enjoy it , cover as many miles and get the full experience it has to offer.
This way even if you sell it for a little less you'll feel like you've got your monies worth.
Sometimes making a profit on a car are the smiles, memories and experiences they give back.
 
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