Should I consider buying a 2003 Z4 ? Please advise .

[tk2017]

Guys Ive never owned a BMW before and I saw this 2003 Z4 listed online. The car looks great in the picture. I'd like to know if buying a 14yr old BMW is even a good decision? Would I end up spending a whole lot in maintenance and repairs? Really need your inputs.

Also any specific questions I need to be asking the dealer about the car?

Thanks a ton!!

[cdsweet]

How mechanically inclined are you? What kind of maintenance are you comfortable with?
Is it close enough for you to go inspect it on your own? Or can you have it inspected by local bmw dealer?
Have you asked for a service history? If none is available, you'll probably need to replace some front end suspension components even with the low miles.
2003 was the 1st year and it seems like they did a pretty good job with it. Smaller engine is lower on the power front so if you're in to more grunt, look for a newer 3.0 model.
I feel as if I could go on and on... good luck and keep us posted on what you end up doing.

[clouse123]

Yes, you will spend a lot of money maintaining a used BMW. Not trying to dissuade you, that's just the reality. If you will do most work yourself, you will spend less.


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[montaillou]

Smaller engine is lower on the power front so if you're in to more grunt, look for a newer 3.0 model.
I feel as if I could go on and on...

Good point, the 2.5 only had a top speed of 140. Of course, you'll have to get the rev limiter dealt with on the 3.0 to pass this.

And of course, the 3.0 pales to the M which pales to many other cars and then there's the space shuttle which does 17.5k mph so, damn, skip cars altogether! Don't even get me started on the speed of light!

My 2.5 (yeah, it sucks, but it builds character) is also a 2003, to date less than $2k in repairs have happened (beyond standard maintenance).

Get a PPI, check prices in your area.

[BimmerBreaker]

Consider they are equal in maintenance costs and purchase price and running costs are extremely close between the 2.5 and 3.0 I would also recommend the 3.0

[4jacks]

I recently purchased my 2003 3.0 Z4. I'm a little mechanically minded, so I'm planning to do most maintenance and small repairs myself. Otherwise, I'm aware the cost will be greater than that of my civic.

My 2¢, Look for extremely low miles. It's worth driving, even a few hours, to get a car that has 30-40k less miles. I bought mine at 29k miles, another guy on here in PA got his around the same. It's easier to find a roadster than has been garage kept and weekend driven, than common daily driver cars. Granted not all maintenance/repairs are solely dependant on milage. On a 14 year old car you will need to replace some stuff due to age.

I love my car! Highly recommend.

[jman1975]

My 2¢, Look for extremely low miles. It's worth driving, even a few hours, to get a car that has 30-40k less miles. I bought mine at 29k miles, another guy on here in PA got his around the same. It's easier to find a roadster than has been garage kept and weekend driven, than common daily driver cars. Granted not all maintenance/repairs are solely dependant on milage. On a 14 year old car you will need to replace some stuff due to age.

I love my car! Highly recommend.

I echo this sentiment. Mine had 37,242 miles on it when I bought in 2009 as a 6 yr old car. I remember a handful of other Z4s on the general market with > 50k miles and chose to avoid them.