OV9

Just for clarity, someone please tell me to stop looking at leggy Z4MCs

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... 1298546639



What could possibly go wrong?

More realistically, I'm actually half considering a Z4C, although it'd probably be wasted on me given I'm townbound 90%, or I could get an F1x 535d with all the toys which would probably be more apt for what I'm currently doing (and enjoying, honestly - wafting is nice), and get a Z4C later down the line - I suspect even ropey Z4MCs would be out of my price range by then, but I'm not that fussed about owning a 'proper' M-car or owt, was just surprised that they're only £15-20k for pretty reasonable ones.

Beany wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 4:43 pm Just for clarity, someone please tell me to stop looking at leggy Z4MCs

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... 1298546639



What could possibly go wrong?

More realistically, I'm actually half considering a Z4C, although it'd probably be wasted on me given I'm townbound 90%, or I could get an F1x 535d with all the toys which would probably be more apt for what I'm currently doing (and enjoying, honestly - wafting is nice), and get a Z4C later down the line - I suspect even ropey Z4MCs would be out of my price range by then, but I'm not that fussed about owning a 'proper' M-car or owt, was just surprised that they're only £15-20k for pretty reasonable ones.

Stop looking at leggy Z4MCs and go back to sleep.

535d when most of your use is in town?

Jobbo wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 5:47 pm 535d when most of your use is in town?

Well, something comfy. I like that side of the M135i, when it's just loafing around. It rather falls apart on backroads despite it's pretensions, so why not just get something comfy that'll soak up potholes etc but can still rearrange your organs on the motorway slip road, but doesn't try to convince you it's a sports car?

3-series might make more sense in terms of just pure physical size, mind.

Buy a Z4 M Coupe

imola red on csl alloys does look pretty lovely!

Does look good in red with those wheels* - If it's mostly town, why not go for a smaller petrol hot-hatch? Something reasonably exciting to drive, but small enough to zip through traffic. Problem with big and wafty is they can get expensive just sitting in traffic.

As mentioned, diesel for that kind of drive just sounds like bills waiting to happen.

*(Obviously not as much as a Z3MCoupe)

I see your subscript Matty, I'm watching you

Yeah, I'm just spitballing at the moment. I like the x35/x40 engines, but if they're this fucking hot for theives then I'd rather not risk that again.

Hot hatch is something I want to have on the cards, but not while I'm basically stuck between Leeds and Bradford, never seems to be a chance to have a fun drive.

Z4MC isn't really realistic, honestly. Just interesting to see.

Beany wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 4:43 pm Just for clarity, someone please tell me to stop looking at leggy Z4MCs

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... 1298546639



What could possibly go wrong?

More realistically, I'm actually half considering a Z4C, although it'd probably be wasted on me given I'm townbound 90%, or I could get an F1x 535d with all the toys which would probably be more apt for what I'm currently doing (and enjoying, honestly - wafting is nice), and get a Z4C later down the line - I suspect even ropey Z4MCs would be out of my price range by then, but I'm not that fussed about owning a 'proper' M-car or owt, was just surprised that they're only £15-20k for pretty reasonable ones.

I do like that, it looks fab. I quite fancy the later folding hard top model as well, with a decent 6 pot it would be a nice thing to waft about in

By all accounts, the later Z4s with the folding hardtop are definitely more for wafting than backroad hacking - despite being around the same time as the F-series, it's very much an E-series under the skin.

Yeah, I've been looking

Beany wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 4:43 pm Just for clarity, someone please tell me to stop looking at leggy Z4MCs

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... 1298546639



What could possibly go wrong?

More realistically, I'm actually half considering a Z4C, although it'd probably be wasted on me given I'm townbound 90%, or I could get an F1x 535d with all the toys which would probably be more apt for what I'm currently doing (and enjoying, honestly - wafting is nice), and get a Z4C later down the line - I suspect even ropey Z4MCs would be out of my price range by then, but I'm not that fussed about owning a 'proper' M-car or owt, was just surprised that they're only £15-20k for pretty reasonable ones.

They are a bargain when you look at what an M3 CSL goes for with a crap gearbox - The Z4M shares the brakes and exhaust manifold with the CSL and weighs the same (if you have a/c and a stereo in the CSL).

I really like their interiors too. BMW interiors are usually all a copy paste affair but the Z4 was quite different with the symmetrical dash.

That's probably 18 years old and I reckon it will still look better than a current car with an ipad stuck to it in 18 years time. Just fold down the nav screen


Also I shall do my regular PSA that Arcan jacks are shite. Had a second one fail now although luckily this was whilst tensioning a polytunnel - so probably only 150kg of weight on it before it lost pressure. I might actually clean this one up and use it for lighter duty stuff but can't trust it on an actual car. When they fail the jack handle goes flying straight up so it'll probably ruin a sill/car door too.

Yeah the Z4 of that age seems to be a nice mix of E and F with a bit of individual flair, it's quite nice. As long as it's not fucking bright wood like in that red one I linked earlier

The wood will be easy enough to replace, or even wrap in vinyl.

Oh absolutely, it's an E-series so it'll just pop out easily I'm sure. I'm just amazed someone looked at that and thought "....perfection"

Shit situation Beany. Id be tempted to replace it with something a bit more anonymous if you still need to park it on the street. I wouldn't suggest a Z4 M coupe would be a park on the street type car either i'm afraid.

Jobbo wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 5:47 pm 535d when most of your use is in town?

DPF / EGR disaster in waiting.

scotta wrote: Mon Mar 31, 2025 10:42 am

Jobbo wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 5:47 pm 535d when most of your use is in town?

DPF / EGR disaster in waiting.

Yeah thinking marginally more clearly, that's a fair point. I just want to continue having something fucking fast I guess. Just substantially less 'hot' for crims.

Beany wrote: Mon Mar 31, 2025 10:51 am

scotta wrote: Mon Mar 31, 2025 10:42 am

Jobbo wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 5:47 pm 535d when most of your use is in town?

DPF / EGR disaster in waiting.

Yeah thinking marginally more clearly, that's a fair point. I just want to continue having something fucking fast I guess. Just substantially less 'hot' for crims.

Debadge a 550i.

Get a 540i, non Sport, add 520d badges, no more hassle.

Shit situation