First roadster, 2006 Z4 3.0si or 2000 Boxster s?

[dirtyp]

Hello all!

First time poster, so thank you for reading

I am currently in the market for a roadster to drive for fun. Thinking to put 5k miles per year on it at the absolute max. Possibly driving in winter from time to time.
I am thinking to drive this car mostly on country roads to clear the mind and enjoy some weather, maybe take it to the track once or twice a year.

There are two great listings in my area, and I would very much appreciate some insight to help me guide my decision:
1. 2006 BMW Z4 3.0si, 120k miles
2. 2000 Porsche Boxster S 110k miles

Both are priced similarly and in good condition.

I'll have to admit, I have yet to drive either car, so a big question for me is what are some good things to pay attention to when the time comes?
Maintenance effort is also a consideration for me, and wonder if there are any things to call out as I nurse it to 150k+ miles with intermittent 2 - 3 month stretches of not driving it?

Thanks!

[MarcoZandrini]

I can’t speak about the Boxster except that Porsche parts are typically more expensive than similar bimmer parts.
Your primary concern is maintenance and maintenance records. That is, how well the car has been maintained. For example, what’s the typical mileage between oil/filter changes. Anything over 9000 miles, to me, is too many miles. Used oil analysis shows that the typical synthetic oil is “worn out” by 10k miles. If the Z has an automatic transmission have the transmission fluid and filter been changed at least once, preferably twice?

The Z has the M54 engine. My previous bimmer, a 2001 330Ci, had this engine. It’s very reliable with a few issues. The 3 liter version (M54B30) burns oil due to the low tension oil control rings. It’s not unusual for the engine to burn a quart every 500 miles. That’s bad for the catalytic converters. There are solutions ranging from almost free to $500. Some solutions are more effective than others.

Another maintenance issue is the cooling system. The consensus here and on other bimmer forums is that it needs to be overhauled every 100k miles. It’s a relatively easy job if you’re handy with tools. The installation of aftermarket cooling system parts is strictly verboten.

Is the fuel pump original? The pump should be preventively changed at 100k to 125k miles. They have been known to die all at once leaving you stranded miles from nowhere (h/t Cat Stevens). The fuel filter, which contains the fuel pressure regulator, needs to be changed every ~60k miles and when the fuel pump is changed.

If you get serious about the Z have it undergo a pre-purchase inspection performed by a reputable indie shop that specializes in bimmers. Try www.bimrs.org to find a shop in your area.

Welcome to the addiction.

[jclausen]

Bmw Mazda or Honda S2000