I'm looking at both of these cars. I've found a few used that I like, all have under 30k miles. All are '06 or '07 Have any of you guys experienced problems with these are do you know problems to look for, or expect down the road? Thanks for any info.
330Ci, watch out for: *Window regulators (all four + maybe sunroof also) - cheap plastic guide wheels fall and you'll lose operation of your windows. I believe they've fixed that by the time the '04 models came out. *Door seals - Droop from their attachment over time. New and improved seals seem to have fixed this problem. *Front Control Arm Bushings - wear out early (faster if roads are horrible, i.e Northeast) - I got 60k out of mine and it might be time to replace again @ ~110k. I have ~ 100+k miles on mine ('02) and mechanically it's been solid with not many problems. The problems I did have were luckily taken care of under warranty.
Have only had my Z4M Coupe for about a year now, and only problem to date was a headlight washer cover/cap that decided to pop off on its own -- this will be replaced under warranty (just a hassle). I'll be pulling the fuse to deactivate the headlight washer feature so this won't happen in the future. An '06/'07 should have a good bit of the 4 year/50k mile BMW warranty on it ("free" maintenance, etc.). You might try checking out some of the "Z" specific areas of the BMW forums like: www.bimmerfest.com www.bimmerforums.com www.zpost.com www.bimmerpost.com http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/bmw/bmw_z4_coupe_e86/ www.clubbimmer.com www.z4-forum.com With regard to the 330ci, I have zero experience with them other than having test drove a 328i sedan the other day. And, to be honest, I actually liked the 1-Series better.
Thanks for the info. I drove a Z4 a few hours last night. The dealer wouldn't work on the price and they are about 5k over others I've found for sale and it had higher miles so I passed on that one. I like the car a lot but I think I like the way my Miata drives better, its lighter and feels more playful if that makes any sense. I am going to look at some 3 series and clk convertibles as well. I may keep the miata and get something like these for longer trips. My GF loves the 1 series. She wants to wait a little while and see if we can find a good lease return or other low mile 130 convertible.
+1 I've had all 3 problems mentioned above in the 75k miles I had that 330Ci. My car also had some problems after a front-end crash, which resulted in 12mpg in city stop-go traffic. Something to watch out for when shopping for a used one.
I put 50 000km in my Z4 2.5i without any problems. Always maintained by BMW. A minor service is more or less 650 Euros. Nice car, wonderful engine. Don't like roads with bad pavement and lateral wind. The "electronic box" steering wheel is a little bit strange at first, but the whorse is the Merc SLK's. A second hand car is a very good choice (I bought mine new with 6500 Euros options) but a second hand car can be found for half the price. The wrong points are - the insurance cost (BMW + convertible doesn't mix well for insurance companies) and the rear tires which needs to be changed every 35000 KMs (my driving is cool, then it's not so bad) for a cost of approx 625 Euros a pair (at BMW - job included). Front spoiler (optional aerokit) have been repainted since at a cost of 250 Euros. Also, depends on where you live, a tracker will be required by some insurance companies. Add +220 Euros/Month for the tracking service. http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3231/img0012nj8.jpg http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/6352/img0865gy4.jpg
Well, eight months later the Z4 is still at the dealer, theyve come to their senses and brought the price down to something I would consider. After the head-on collision in December I was scared to drive, especially something small. I've finally gotten to where I am taking the miata out and playing with it but the manual transmission is torture on my hip. I am talking to the dealer about trading in the miata and the FJ and buying the Z4. It has 25k miles and still has some warranty left. Its a 3.0 with premium package black/black.
The Z4 has been in two wrecks so I'm not buying it especially at full value. The hip has been worked on by a chiropractor but it's not really getting better. I'm seeing a surgeon on the 10th. Hopefully he can give me an idea on what it needs.
Test drove a certified 330 convertible tonight. Love it, drives great for a larger heavier car compared to the miata. im going back in the morning, it may come home with me.
Are you looking for a convertible 330ci? If open to a coupe I am selling mine. It has been rock solid. I have lots of pics if interested. The car is in near-new condition. Seriously. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=1003
