The new car search for my ladyfriend has gone off the rails thanks to somebody's -- I won't name names -- recommendation of a CPO BMW, which led us to Z4s. They're an option in terms of purchase price, and I certainly like the 6yr/100k mi warranty. But what about after that? She'll eat up that mileage pretty quick with the driving she does - about 20-25k/yr.
Does anyone know what to expect from a high-miles Z4?
You're welcome 
I can't speak to Z4s specifically, but I'm not afraid of high miles on a BMW. The stright 6 motors are basically bulletproof and will run forever with basic maintenance. I bought my E46 328i with 100k miles and sold it with 168k miles 3 years later. It only let me down twice, both times with cooling issues - the plastic expansion tank split (common problem) and the water pump I put in as preventative maintenance sheared the impeller off the shaft. On a typical newer BMW just keep up with the maintenance - I like to stick to the "old school" schedule that Mike Miller of BMWCCA Techtalk promotes - and figure that the cooling system is likely going to be a maintenance part as well and replace everything around 100k miles. Beyond that it will need front suspension arms (non-replaceable ball joints wear out) every 100k or so. Otherwise they're pretty stout.
I just hit 90k miles on my 750Li today and it still runs like a top, even if the dealer can't fix the stupid idrive to work 100% correctly. I plan to own it for at least another 5 years which will be another 100k miles.
To me shopping for cars is a bit like shopping for shoes. Some shoes I will just not try on, even though I realize that I very well may be leaving the best pair on the shelf. They might provide the most comfort and best fit but still get left behind at the store because I don't like the look of them.
Pretty much the same way with car shopping. I wouldn't consider a Z4 at any price because the way they look. I'm sure they are very nice and capable cars, but to me they look like a phallic symbol with 4 wheels and I usually laugh out loud (or at least smile) when I see them driving about. I know my opinion only matters to myself, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but this is the internet so I figured I'd throw my $0.02 in. If you want a CPO BMW get her a 3 series.
330i with ZHP package is what I'd be looking for.
There is a Z4 for sale locally with over 200K on the clock. Of course, I don't know how much they spent to get to that mileage.
She doesn't dig on BMW sedan/coupes. The only Bimmers she's expressed interest in are Z3s and Z4s, especially the coupes. Well, and a Z8, but that ain't happening.
She loves E-type Jags, too, so maybe the phallus thing does something for her. Well, I know a cert-- nevermind.
I have a gut feeling, though, that some degree of practicality will win out, and she'll think the Z4 is too flashy/sporty/fun for daily use. She's weird like that. Driving a 330i might sway her.
Otto_Maddox wrote:There is a Z4 for sale locally with over 200K on the clock. Of course, I don't know how much they spent to get to that mileage.
Wow. Can you shoot me a link? I'd like to pick their brain on the issue.
It is at a dealer named Trust Auto Sales. I don't get the impression they are aptly named.
You know if you put your "ladyfriend" in a Z4 you are going to have guys hitting on her.
Got that already, bill. Comes with the territory. She's better at shooting them down than me, though, so I just sit back and watch.
Has she owned a covertible before? Or driven one long distances on a regular basis?
I'd think the extra wind/road noise would get old QUICK.
I think the z4's top might be better insulated than the z3s
" It is at a dealer named Trust Auto Sales. I don't get the impression they are aptly named. "
Can I nominate that for inclusion in the magazine? Or would naming names (even without mentioning a city) be out of line?
