Motoring

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 frst reached us Downunder in 2004, but in this used car checkout we will begin with

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 overdone.

The styling of the second-generation BMW Z4 is instantly recognisable, with the same long bonnet, short tail and ‘fame’ side surfaces.

This time around the Z4 used

a folding hardtop which looks like a fxed-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 signifcantly in value.

Manuals have six 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

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 offcial 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

computer in Germany which not only advises on current problems but also on intermittent troubles which are currently 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 fnish and for colours that don’t

match exactly from one panel to the next. Also look for tiny spots of paint overspray on nonpainted areas.

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

odometer.

2015 BMW Z4

2009 BMW Z4

RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.

productsafety.gov.au/ products/transport/cars/

BMW X6 M50i is fnished in Frozen Black metallic paint LIMITED EDITION BMW X6 M50i

By EWAN KENNEDY

A limited edition of the BMW X6 M50i will arrive in Australia later in 2022 with increased specifcation and unique styling elements.

The BMW X6 Black Vermillion Edition – of which just fve are coming to Australia – has a raft of features from BMW Individual that deliver signifcantly enhanced presence and level of exclusivity.

The exterior elements unique to the BMW X6 Black Vermillion Edition and which are offered over and above the BMW X6 M50i are a BMW Individual Frozen Black metallic paint fnish; BMW kidney grille in Shadow Line high gloss; “Iconic Glow” BMW kidney grille illumination; 22-inch M light alloy wheels; M lights Shadow Line; and high-gloss red M Sport brakes.

The interior features black BMW Individual full leather Merino upholstery with front row red contrast stitching; Skylounge panoramic glass roof; Alcantara headliner; Anthracite Active Seat Ventilation; CraftedClarity glass application; Anthracite velour foor mats; BMW Individual interior surface ‘Fineline Black’ with aluminium inserts; and a ‘Edition Black Vermillion’ badge on centre console cover

Power comes from a BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that produces 390kW and 750Nm, helping to propel the X6 M50i from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.3-seconds.

The BMW X6 Black Vermillion Edition, priced at $208,900 driveaway, will be offered to secure

via BMW Shop from July 25, 2022. The process of placing a reservation involves visiting https://shop.bmw. com.au and logging in with either a BMW ID account or as a guest. The customer then selects their vehicle and their preferred BMW dealer followed by payment of a $5,000 reservation fee. Once the vehicle allocation has been secured, the preferred BMW dealer liaises with the customer through the entire process and arranges delivery and handover. Maserati MC20 is an extreme track-only machine

MASERATI PROJECT24

By EWAN KENNEDY

Maserati has presented Project24 (referred to by a codename) to raise the brand’s unlimited performance to a new level of adrenalin on the track.

This truly extreme track-only car inherits the specifcations of the Maserati MC20, enhancing it with technical specifcations that have advanced even further.

It’s powered by a state-of-the-art V6 Nettuno engine adds new turbochargers to raise its power to 740 hp, innovative suspension, carbon-ceramic braking system and tyres tuned up for racing, as well as FIA-approved safety features.

Based on the brand’s obsession with lightness, the target weight of the new Maserati vehicle will be below 1,250 kg. This will have powerto-weight ratio of approximately 1.69 kg/ hp.

Designed by Centro Stile Maserati, the Project24 has a completely new look. This time, Maserati design pushes the boundaries to the limits, free of the constraints usually seen in a racing car. The result is something never seen before, combining beauty with genuine sporty capabilities to become an instant classic collector’s item.

Owners of the Maserati Project24 will receive a range of services including track-specifc experiences and state-ofthe-art support.

ASTON MARTIN DB5

By CHRIS RILEY

The Aston Martin DB5 shot to fame as the car of secret service agent James Bond in the 1964 flm Goldfnger. It is an icon, an enduring symbol of British prestige, whose importance to automotive history cannot be overstated.

Of the 123 DB5 Convertibles built, just one was ordered and owned by Aston Martin Lagonda chairman Sir David Brown, who gave his initials to the car. Delivered to Sir David in January of 1964, the car was built to the highest spec, with a then-new fve-speed ZF gearbox, a Power Lock rear axle, chromed wire wheels and a Motorola radio.

The factory build sheet, supplied with the car, confrms it was specifed in a vibrant Caribbean Pearl, with a Dark Blue interior. It was cherished by Sir David for three years before being acquired by former Aston Martin DB4 GT owner and garage proprietor, John Wilkinson.

During Wilkinson’s ownership, maintenance was carried out at Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell, where records confrm a replacement engine block was installed and a newly stamped manufacturer’s identity plate applied in 1969. This is the frst time in 28 years anyone has had the opportunity to purchase this landmark of automotive history.

It was last sold by Nicholas Mee & Co in 1994, the year after the passing of Sir David Brown. Since then, it has starred at various Concours events across Europe.

In 2014, the car was the subject of a major restoration faithful to its original specifcations, which included a rebuild of the 4.0-litre engine, as well as rebuilds of the suspension, gearbox, brakes and rear axle. A bare metal re-paint and complete re-trim of the interior in Connolly hide, along with a new hood covering, completed work and means it drives as beautifully today as it did when in the hands of Sir David.

Today the DB5 is one of the most sought-after collector’s cars in the world, with just over 1000 examples made in total of any variant, which included the Convertible and the performance-enhanced Vantage versions.

Sir David acquired Aston Martin in 1947 for £20,500 after seeing an advert in The Times newspaper offering the sale of a “High Class Motor Business.” He saved the ailing brand, which had ceased to produce cars to focus on making aircraft parts during World War II, and is key to the reason Aston Martin makes some of the world’s fnest cars today, including a model that still bears his initials.

Founder of Nicholas Mee & Co, Nicholas Mee, said the very fact that Sir David Brown owned this DB5 Convertible makes it one of the most special and unique DB cars of all time.

“The DB5 itself is the most iconic Aston Martin model ever produced, but this car’s provenance sets it apart,” he said. “It is restored to precisely the same specifcations Sir David ordered it in back in 1964, it’s a car he cherished and loved. This is a one-of-a-kind example of British automotive history.”

Fancy a new car? The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible is offered for £1,150,000.