FChat Opinions Appreciated BMW MCoupe Purchase | FerrariChat

FChat Opinions Appreciated BMW MCoupe Purchase

Discussion in 'California (Southern)' started by G-Ryder, Dec 15, 2008.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. G-Ryder

    G-Ryder Karting

    Aug 11, 2006
    224
    Toluca Lake
    Full Name:
    CJ
    I don't mean to take chat off-topic I just really value the opinions of FChat members and collectors. All experience, feedback, suggestions helpful.

    A friend of mine is looking to purchase a BMW MCoupe. He is looking for a daily driver car to replace his Porsche.

    But he is having a hard time finding one for sale here on the West coast (Los Angeles) area. We looked at one yesterday at Rusnak BMW in Thousand Oaks and what a beautiful car! It was an 08, and the color seemed custom. It may have been a dealer car as it had street plates and 1K miles on it.

    Anyone own an MCoupe? Technically, it is the M version of the Z4. Really bad-ass looking! But not much headroom or legroom or trunk space and no back seat. My friend likes to play golf around Cali and I can't see him fitting clubs and luggage into this car. He is 6 foot and looks so cramped in it but says it is very comfortable to drive.

    Dealer is saying they paid around 50K invoice. Any thoughts on what he should offer?

    If anyone has/knows about one for sale, please share info.

    Thanks so much :)
    cj
     
  2. OC Speed Junkie

    OC Speed Junkie Formula 3

    Aug 6, 2005
    2,473
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joseph
    I have a little seat time in one of the new ones. The interior is tight, but a very comfortable driving position. I am 6'2" and had plenty of leg and head room.
    I have seen two sets fit in the boot, however I do not remember if the drivers had to be pulled out. If you organize stuff right, the trunk is workable. A few days ago, I saw a red one for sale at the BMW dealer on PCH in Newport Beach.
     
  3. cbstd

    cbstd Formula Junior

    Dec 24, 2003
    301
    Los Angeles
    #3 cbstd, Dec 15, 2008
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2008
    Frankly, BMWs are vastly over-rated in my experience. My wife's 2007 335i ate its fuel pump within one year. Electrical and transmission problems are common. My local carwash will not accept certain BMW models due to issues with water getting into the ignition system.

    Yes, they are screwed together nicely, the fit and finish is very good. But I find that their gauge layout is not intuitively readable and their AC/Heater controls are small and fussy. Yes, they do run well, the wife's 3351 has a ton of power and torque, you would never know it has a turbo engine. But the car is cursed with about 300 pounds it does not need and so it is ponderous where it should be sharp.

    If your buddy's heart desire is a any kind of BMW, he should get one. Considering that they are as common as dirt out here in California, he will successfully blend into the background. Even in an M coupe.

    Would I buy a BMW? No.

    Scott
     
  4. Xplode

    Xplode Rookie

    Jun 26, 2005
    28
    They seem to have stopped the production (see article below.) I understand that they were also having a hard time selling them as well and were offering some good discounts. If you shop a broader area you might have an easier time finding one. There are probably some good deals on lightly used ones and people wanting out of their leases.

    ----------
    Posted Wed Jul 23 2008
    BMW Z4 production coming to end next month?

    The low value of the U.S. dollar against the Euro has forced BMW to change its production plans for the next-generation Z4 sports car. At the moment the Z4 is built alongside the X5 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but the new model, due late next year, will be built in Germany, most likely at BMW’s Regensburg plant. The extra capacity at Spartanburg is needed for the new X6 as well as the next-generation X3, which will also see production in the U.S. for the first time when it arrives in 2010.

    This means that production of the current Z4 coupe and convertible will come to an end within the next 12 months, and according to Auto Motor und Sport production could end as early as next month. A BMW spokesman confirmed that Z4 exports have already stopped for most markets and no special edition model is being planned to mark the end of production.

    BMW’s next-generation Z4 roadster is due to arrive next year as a 2010 model, and contrary to numerous reports the new model will grow in both size and price. Heavily camouflaged prototypes of the car have been spotted testing at the Nurburgring revealing that a new folding metal hard-top option will be added with the introduction of the new model.
     
  5. AustinMartin

    AustinMartin F1 Veteran

    Mar 1, 2008
    5,445
    Los Angeles/Idaho
    Um... they just unveiled the new Z4. It is kind of not coming to an end...
     
  6. Sia Bani

    Sia Bani Rookie

    Hello there. One of my f430 buds on here asked me to chime in. A few of my friends and I picked 4 of them up last November, all 2007 models, new, at way below invoice. We ended up leasing, but many were getting them new in the low 40s, simply because they had more supply than demand, even though there were only like 1000-1500 of them produced since the 2006 MY.

    It's been a year, and I've only had time to track it once at Sears point a few Sundays ago. This was the sole purpose why I picked one up last year, and sold my daily driven S4. It's 3200 lbs, and has the s54 old m3 motor in it, so it definitely hauls and feels at home on the track. It's definitely a handful to get accustomed to, but checkout the topgear comparo between the m coupe and the boxsterS. It's dead on. I can't wait to take it back out to the track early next year.

    I wouldn't buy one now given the 2010 Z4's are on there way out..and the new m3 motor should be dropped in the next generation m coupe. However, I don't think it's confirmed that there will be a coupe version, and the Z4 is already weighing in at 3500 lbs. You may want to tell your friend to hold off until there's more info on the new model.

    Finally, there is plenty of headroom. I was able to keep my seat position as is and fit inside with a helmet on without rubbing my head or adjusting the seat. This was a great surprise, but it's due to the dome shape and lack of sunroof.

    -Sia
     
  7. Xplode

    Xplode Rookie

    Jun 26, 2005
    28
    #8 Xplode, Dec 15, 2008
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2008
    That's a newer/revised model and not yet available. It may be designated as a Z4 or something else. The production of the former one has stopped so they are harder to come by new at a dealer is all I'm saying. Someone may still have some sitting.
     
  8. VTChris

    VTChris F1 World Champ

    Aug 21, 2005
    13,259
    I was offered one at more than 10k (maybe 15k, dont remember) off sticker about 6 months ago.

    These never really took off (even in the later 90's). Surprised they ever continued with it
     
  9. G-Ryder

    G-Ryder Karting

    Aug 11, 2006
    224
    Toluca Lake
    Full Name:
    CJ
    This is so very helpful ... thanks so much for all the feedback! I really appreciate it!!!
     
  10. VTChris

    VTChris F1 World Champ

    Aug 21, 2005
    13,259
    Definitely a buyers market on this car :)
     
  11. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,596
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #12 Bullfighter, Dec 16, 2008
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2008
    Excellent post. I had a daily driver 2002 325Ci that was great to drive, but had enough gremlins that I sold it before the warranty was up. Tranny issues, occasionally stalled in traffic for some reason, sunroof issues were the ones I remember offhand.

    I've driven a couple of Z4 coupes, and chose the Audi TT instead, although I'd also take the Porsche Cayman ahead of the BMW. The Audi and Porsche actually have some space in the boot, so they could be your only car. (And the Audi with Quattro could be your only car even in cold climates.)

    Z4 coupes (2.5, 3.0 and M) were just rotting on the lot last year when I was shopping. And that was before the economy went off a cliff. If you do decide to buy one, you should be getting a massive discount, as VTC says.

    I would expect horrible value retention on these. Buying one with 1K on the clock should cushion the blow a bit, but your repair costs will also sting.

    I would tell your friend to drive a Cayman S before deciding.

    EDIT: Just found this - http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/first-look-at-the-2009-bmw-z4/?nl=wheels&emc=wheelsa1
     
  12. apexstrafer

    apexstrafer Karting

    Aug 13, 2005
    56
    You should be able to get well under invoice on any remaining M Coupes. I got mine new a year ago for $5K below invoice and I know that factory incentives have only increased since then (last I heard was $7500 in trunk money).

    I wouldn't pay more than $40K for a used Z4MC, especially if it has "custom paint" as you said. If he wants a new one, just have your friend search Auto Trader for any leftovers in a ~500 mile radius. Very few are left. Production ended a while ago.

    If he's ok with going pre-owned, Shelly BMW in Buena Park had a nice black one with around 2500 miles a couple weeks ago. Not sure about the price.

    The car itself is just awesome. I daily drive (and track) mine and love every second of it. I've only had one relatively minor problem in 33K very enthusiastically driven miles and that was likely my fault (but was quickly taken care of by the dealer, with their apologies). Overall, very well-engineered solidly built. And a total blast to drive.

    Best of luck.
     
  13. G-Ryder

    G-Ryder Karting

    Aug 11, 2006
    224
    Toluca Lake
    Full Name:
    CJ
    Apexstrafer ... thanks so much really good 2 know someone enjoyed it daily and on the track! Sorry to hear bullfighter had trouble w/the 3 series tranny. Such a beautiful car esp in spider w/so much more room. More of a touring car I think.

    I will try to post some pics of the car as soon as I figure out how to delete some attachments on here. Seems I've exceeded my file limit?

    Thanks to everyone for all the feedback ... so very helpful!!!!!!
     
  14. AustinMartin

    AustinMartin F1 Veteran

    Mar 1, 2008
    5,445
    Los Angeles/Idaho
    Can't delete attachments. You need to subscribe.
     
  15. G-Ryder

    G-Ryder Karting

    Aug 11, 2006
    224
    Toluca Lake
    Full Name:
    CJ
  16. G-Ryder

    G-Ryder Karting

    Aug 11, 2006
    224
    Toluca Lake
    Full Name:
    CJ
    Thanks to everyone for all the feedback and advice on the BMW Z4 M Coupe. My bf wanted to buy a new toy b/f the taxes went up in Jan here in Cali.

    He got an '07 perfect condition, 6K miles, for around $36K I think. It is just spotless and alot of fun!

    It's between silver and dark gray ... he loves it and I'm sooo happy for him. He sooo deserves it!

    Sorry I haven't updated my acct so I can't post pix still ... I keep forgetting but here are couple

    http://picasaweb.google.com/jolieblondela/BMWZ4MCoupe#5287298870058711746

    Really hard to beat the BMW warranty ... he's been driving the canyons ever since he picked it up ... LOL!!!
     

Share This Page