The Northern Rivers Times
August 11, 2022
62 MOTORING NEWS
USED CAR CHECKOUT
BMW Z4 2009 - 2019
2019 BMW Z4
By EWAN KENNEDY The BMW Z4 is a genuine sportscar not simply a convertible because it has a long bonnet and the occupants sit close to the rear wheels. The Z4 first reached us Downunder in 2004, but in this used car checkout we will begin with
overdone. The styling of the second-generation BMW Z4 is instantly recognisable, with the same long bonnet, short tail and ‘flame’ side surfaces. This time around the Z4 used
forward gears. Autos have six, seven or eight ratios. The BMW dealer network is well established in Australia and is known for its high quality of technical training. This high-tech diagnoses and
2015 BMW Z4
the introduction of the second generation from September 2009. The 2009 model was tamed slightly to be easier to live with on a daily basis. Until then it was sold to drivers willing to accept a harsh ride and ultrafast steering in return for brilliant handling, and unwilling to accept any compromises whist achieving this. However, the gen-two Z4 has even better road grip as well as steering that all-but reads the driver’s mind. Point it at the right road, give it a bootfull and you will soon to smile with the joy the car produces. Some nervousness still exists, particularly on irregular surfaces where it is bumpy, but it isn’t
a folding hardtop which looks like a fixed-head coupe when the top is up. BMW Z4s began with a 2.5 or 3.0-litre naturallyaspirated straight sixes until the company started to produce smallcapacity turbopetrol engines. Some sixes remained alongside the turbo-petrol fours until 2012, when they were replaced by big-boost turbo fours. A very special model is the Z4 35i. This was the last of the famed twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six units. It’s likely to become a classic and may increase significantly in value. Manuals have six
servicing are just one reason it makes a lot of sense to buy a used Z3 or Z4 that has always been
serviced by an official BMW dealer. Spare parts aren’t outrageously expensive for a car in this class, but may prove to be a factor in your decision
as to whether to buy an older Z4 rather than a cheaper convertible from a lower-cost maker. Insurance may be expensive if the driver is young and/ or inexperienced. Surprisingly there is seldom a big increase in premiums for the highperformance models. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Carry out your own pre-purchase inspection to the best of your ability. Once it has passed your tests call your BMW dealer. Technicians connect the Z4 to a large
present. Make sure the engine starts virtually instantly, idles smoothly within a second or so of startup and pulls without hesitation even when completely cold. Lift the carpets for signs of dampness or even corrosion if the car has been caught out in the rain and left wet for far too long. Power the top up and down and make sure it’s smooth and quiet in operation. Also examine it for any sign of damage in the mechanism, if it has an oily feel, it may have just been given a squirt with some sort of lubricant to prepare it for sale. Previous crash repairs may be signalled by paint overspray, panels with a slight waviness in their finish and for colours that don’t
HOW MUCH? Budget on spending $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2009 BMW Z4 3.0si; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2010 sDrive 30i; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2011 sDrive 20i; $19,000 to $27,000 for a 2012 sDrive 28i; $26,000 to $35,000 for a 2014 sDrive 20i; $34,000 to $45,000 for a 2015 sDrive 20i; $41,000 to $54,000 for a 2016 sDrive 28i; $48,000 to $63,000 for a 2018 sDrive 28i; $61,00 to $82,000 for a 2017 sDrive 35is; and $73,000 to $95,000 for a 2019 M40i. CAR BUYING TIP Sportscars that have been used on track days will have had considerably more wear and tear on many components than would expect from the reading on the
2009 BMW Z4
computer in Germany which not only advises on current problems but also on intermittent troubles which are currently
match exactly from one panel to the next. Also look for tiny spots of paint overspray on nonpainted areas.
odometer. RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www. productsafety.gov.au/ products/transport/cars/
