So I am considering getting my mom a Z4 3.0 automatic, as she is looking at getting a different car then the one she has now. I have gone over the basic reviews on sites and stuff, but I want to know how it is first hand from the people who drive it everyday. I come from the E36 world, so I am not really familiar with the E85 all too much, so whatever insight you can give me on it would be great. Things such as possible years that they had problems with if any, common problems with things breaking, and average going price for these cars right now. Let me know guys.

thanks.

-Don

Since the Z4 uses a lot of the same components as the E46 I'd say there isn't any year that it's particularly problematic, since the technology has been proven to be "reliable" by BMW standards for years.

Do keep in mind that the sports package in conjunction with run-flat tires makes the ride a little harsh (although the handling reward more than compensates for it), and since it also rides lower, if a non-car person drives it...All I can say is teach her to park in lots BACKWARDS. :(

Oh yeah, it's also got probably the longest hood in current BMW line-up, and the driver sits way back from the front of the car, so distance to front corner of the car is hard to judge.

It cost me $1,000 to fix the damages my wife did to the front bumper when she ripped it off of one of those parking concret dividers. :mad

p.s.: The wiring harness for the airbag sensors are buried in the door panels and folded in a weird kink, and has been known to shear iteslf and cause an ABS warning that's hard to diagnose.

like Hack mentioned, the car sits low and has tough rear visibility. You have to turn your head when parking. Blind spots are there too, if your mirrors aren't placed properly. The front bumper cover runs for $200 on Ebay, so don't worry if you smash it up.

Also, let her take a long-ish drive to see if she finds the stock seats supportive enough. I found their lumbar support to be lacking, so I replaced them with sparcos. She could just use a pillow down there I guess if she needs it.

ride with sport suspension is harsh, but I've gotten used to it to the point where its normal
Those things are easily forgiven as an enthusiast, and if your mom can get past them, its an amazing car and a great daily driver.

to keep my front spoiler from getting scuffed up and destroyed I always use a "spoiler guard" from www.roadstersolutions.com (http://www.roadstersolutions.com) its moderatly priced and so much easier and cost effective than purchasing a whole new front end.

Most of them around here seem to be going around 25-30k. She says she needs a 3.0, but I don't see why she would need that :P

I figured, for 30k, why not get a E46 m3? They seem to be dipping into the low 30s and high 20s? Especially once the new M3s come out, they should go down even more.

thanks for all the insight guys!

I have a 3.0 Z4 with SMG (sorry, I don't buy autos), sports, and convenience (I'm located in So Cal) coming off of a lease soon if you'd like that.