Six months of Z4M ownership - German warning shots fired

"B_dol" (bdolan40)
04/04/2016 at 12:05 • Filed to: BMW, Z4M, German, Oppositeblog

By late summer of 2015, the trusty 50K mile FR-S I had driven for the first three years of my professional life was feeling long in the tooth and I hungered for a new experience. For 2016 I vowed to spend less time agonizing over paint cleanliness, nonessential modifications and couch racing forum junkies. Give me more canyon drives, open track days, autocrossing and grin inducing time behind the wheel.

Enter a new-to-me 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe (that’s chassis code E86 for you purists) and a clean slate. I tried my best to summon my inner Jalop and find a well-cared, moderately used and fair priced car. As luck would have it, I found a meticulously cared for example in my own backyard that was mechanically sound. Cosmetically it looked showroom new on the inside, on the outside it shouted years of gas station car wash neglect.

Armed with an excel budget and rainy day funds I jumped naively into the well-charted territory of used German sport cars. The first 1000 miles taught me a few things:

1. The engine is brilliant. Do yourself a favor and get behind the wheel of an E46 M3, Z3M or Z4M where BMW so graciously bestowed upon us the S54 engine. To quote Jalopnik; “The S54B32 engine is an evolution of the S52B32 engine of the E36 M3. It makes 343 HP at 7,900 RPM, 269 Lb-Ft of the creamiest torque you’ll ever use at 4,900 RPM and revs all the way to 8,000 RPM.” No it is not melt-your-face fast, just genuine catch you by surprise fast.

2. It’s unique. BMW production numbers are low (or people didn’t buy them) and it garners attention on the road. Looks can be polarizing, but the coupe’s flared rear and GT hood line that extends forever are a bright spot in Chris Bangle’s BMW tenure. You sit atop the rear wheels and pilot the German chariot to much fanfare. Even amongst enthusiasts, it is not the most well-known platform. As for BMW ownership camaraderie, forget it.

3. Gas mileage, to paraphrase Doug Demuro “is equivalent to pouring an open gas can down a hill”. Yes you can get 24-26 mpg, but the car begs to be driven spiritedly. The average on my first tank was 17.5, slightly improved to 19 on the second tank and things have now balanced out to a mere 20 mpg.

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Three weeks after signing the title I took the M to Thunderhill in Willows, CA for an open track day on the 5 mile “ThunderRing”. Holy hell was it a riot and the RPI noise cannons (muffler delete) provided a glorious soundtrack all day. Convinced I made the proper decision, I didn’t even so much blink at a passing 987.1 Cayman S; my childhood dream car.

The silver “bullet” looking a lot sleeker

Not long after I enlisted the help of a fellow gearhead to replace the brake pads, change the brake fluid and swap the exhaust for a more headache and commute friendly Stromung variant. I was nervous to turn a wrench on my own car, but the sense of pride (and avoidance of service costs) was unbeatable driving home. Tally so far: $1100

Things were calm for the next two months as the car sat parked mostly. In preparation for a trackday at Laguna Seca I completed a track inspection revealing a leaking clutch valve slave cylinder, seeping hydraulic steering and engine fluid and minorly bent front wheels. Chalk up $260 for the bare necessities and I headed to Monterey for the weekend.

Laguna Seca was an absolute blast and the added benefit of driver instruction really helped improve my braking points, racing line and confidence. It was such a thrill to experience the same track I spectated for Rennsport Reunion and car talk with like-minded enthusiasts. I’ll be back, hopefully having learned to heel-toe.

Spanking my prior car, still not making full use of the curbing.

On Monday I dropped the car off for diagnostics, service and an oil service with a blank check. Wallet $1050 lighter yet again I was informed I badly needed new front tires and a less aggressive alignment. Tire rack. Click. Michelin PSS full set. Click. $890. I scheduled the mount, balance and alignment and parked the car in the garage in favor of my fiance’s 228i. Finally a car that isn’t actively destroying my bank account (let’s not discuss its owner).

A week later I returned from a short three-day weekend to the lights flickering, clocks reset, dash lit up like Christmas and the engine turning over for 8 seconds. Welcome back. The 10 year old battery finally kicked the bucket to the tune of $300. Flash forward to Friday of that week and the car complete its tire mounting, balancing and alignment to the tune of $250.

The fun wasn’t over yet though. Monday morning I found 1 tire had dropped 12psi over the weekend. I promptly dragged the car back to the shop (after filling the tire!) and was informed that the wheel had cracked on the inside barrel lip smack in the middle of curb rash the previous owner had neglected to mention. Luckily the shop was able to repair the wheel and I need not replace the expensive Advans. Tack another $238 onto the tab.

BMW Z4 535i?

Here I stand six months later having completed 7500 miles, 2 track days and now $4500 in parts & service poorer. Has BMW ownership been the nightmare advertised? Absolutely not. I also have been lucky the issues on my car are largely minor and innocuous in nature. Here’s to the next 10,000 miles in a mostly-sorted car.

Props to the previous owner for taking much better shots of the car!

DISCUSSION (56)

Tripper > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:10

This! Also, I love your car. I have had the pleasure of driving a roadster of the same vintage, so tight.

BeaterGT > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:14

Great write up, this car has been on my list for a while but was never sure of the maintenance. Movin on up!

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:14

Finally a car that isn’t actively destroying my bank account (let’s not discuss its owner).

zing

jjhats > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:15

your car looks amazing. the front end is so long and you literally sit over the rear wheels. profile reminds me of a c2 vette or e type. how did you pick this over the z3 coupe and do you regret losing your cheap reliable less exciting FRS?

TractorPillow > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:22

I was so torn between getting one of these or a Cayman S for my wife (and of course, selfishly, for me). I was largely interested in the Z4M because of you, but could not find one near as nice as yours anywhere close. The Cayman S was local, beautiful, and a great deal so got it. Still looking at Z4M's as a maybe replacement for the Viper, but hard to find a good one.

V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me! > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:27

Is that Quickjack yours? How do you like it? I’m interested in one and am curious about how/if it locks in the extended position for safely crawling around underneath a vehicle.

Tom McParland > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:27

That car is so nice...glad you are enjoying it.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:30

Man, $4500 over 7500 miles being “cheap” sounds so foreign to me. I know it is definitely accurate for the german sports car scenario though which is why I don’t think I could ever get into that. Nice car though, what do you think of the previous gen Z3? And I like the coupe version of this one, very sleek!

DrScientist > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:33

did you consider any 996s while cross shopping?

the prices (including those with the ims upgrade and 40-60k miles) are probably right around where the z4ms are. i’m guessing mid-low 20s?

i just spent a week in an Z4m roadster, up and down the california coast. it was a great car for the trip, but getting home to my 996 put a huge grin on my face.

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:36

Leguna Seca looks like so much fun, awesome car too!

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:38

Kinja'd!!!

I had no idea this was a thing!!! I need these!!!

Liam Farrell > DrScientist
04/04/2016 at 12:46

I personally wouldn't consider a 996 unless it is a Turbo or recently had its IMS bearing replaced. There would just be too much risk for the reward.

DrScientist > Liam Farrell
04/04/2016 at 12:51

yes... if getting into one at this point, i agree. i recently had mine done. the peace of mind is assuring.

its probably safe to say that most of them with over 60-70k miles at this point do have the upgraded aftermarket bearing.

its about a $200 part, with i think 0.5hr labor for install, on top of a clutch replacement, which runs 2k-5k. so basically everyone is getting it done when the clutch comes up. i dont know about the tiptronic folks... but does anyone really care? ;)

Steve in Manhattan > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:52

Z4 definitely better looking than the car it replaced. Wishing you glitch-free motoring for at least the next 10K.

Tripper > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
04/04/2016 at 12:54

Wear parts are expensive on M cars, and he is tracking his. DD use would probably be about half that. When my E46 M3 was my dd, my average cost for maintenance was $2000-$2500- annually (10k miles).

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:56

Thanks for posting this. Personally, I think the Z4 is the best looking 2000's BMW.

Party-vi > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 12:56

SOP for used BMW ownership; drive vehicle into ground until it refuses to roll forward. Then, lubricate movement with liberal amounts of cash.

B_dol > DrScientist
04/04/2016 at 13:04

I did, but ultimately the platform was a bit more unapproachable for DIY maintenance and there is a very prominent Porsche tax at the moment.

I looked very seriously at the 987.1 Cayman, but the power delivery on the S54 is very different than a Pcar and more fun (to me).

B_dol > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
04/04/2016 at 13:06

I would not consider $4500 cheap, but I’m also at a mileage (60K) where a few items require replacement regardless of the cars shape. The hydraulic steering hoses, little seeps and leaks corrected should leave the car relatively maintenance free for another 15K miles.

Gotta keep driving and grow than denominator in $/mi. The Z3M clownshoe is awesome, but not fit for DD duties anymore. It is a better collector car but not necessarily a better driving car, especially when you get into the subframe and suspension common issues.

B_dol > V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me!
04/04/2016 at 13:09

It belongs to a friend of mine but he does all his garage and trackside work with it. Worked flawlessly and is super easy to set up, I crawled around under it for the better part of a Saturday.

Not sure about the locking mechanism...

B_dol > TractorPillow
04/04/2016 at 13:13

It is getting more difficult to find a well sorted one, I recommend checking out zpost.com and it’s forums.

I found a lot more Cayman S’ while shopping as well, ultimately it was still another price bracket above the Z4M and the Cayman does not ooze character and bravado behind the wheel in quite the same manner.

B_dol > jjhats
04/04/2016 at 13:18

I never really cross shopped the Z3 coupe as the 00'-02' Z3M command a premium and are at the age where they should not be a daily driver. If this was a second car that is likely where I would have ended up, but the Z4M is a better sorted and more trackable platform even if its looks aren’t timeless.

Most my cross shopping was done among Pcars (987.1 Cayman S, early 997 Carrera non S and S)

I do miss the FR-S from time to time and I may revisit a similar platform (S2000, RX7 F3DS) at some point, but a smile a whole lot more in the /M.

B_dol > Tom McParland
04/04/2016 at 13:20

Thanks for the read! Your advice helped me better shop and compare, ultimately paid a small premium to buy a car in my backyard. Win some, lose some.

BreakMyWallet > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 13:27

The Z3M also features the yabba-dabba-doo E30-style rear suspension, which is about as prehistoric as you can find this side of the leaf spring. It would appear that we’re also at the point where the S54 Z3 has reached “rare/classic” status, so you can snag a Z4M for less cash.

I’ll probably add a ‘shoe to my garage at some point, but if you want a car for the track, the Z4 is a way better deal right now.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 14:04

That is a beautiful Z4M Coupe.

Ownership is never frightening as long as you know what the common issues are, fix them right and minimise the risk of recurrence. This applies to any car from econobox to exotic.

Jay Lauer > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 14:05

Excellent job. The Z4M looks amazing and I’m surely jealous of you easy track availability.

Oppo needs more articles like this; people getting out there and experiencing cars and telling the tales of their cars.

Look forward to hearing more!

Scary__goongala! > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 14:26

Good looking ride man. Don’t see enough of these out on the streets.

TractorPillow > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 14:37

I guess that’s one way to compare the two...

B_dol > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
04/04/2016 at 14:40

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Well stated, I wholeheartedly agree. I am very fortunate to have learned from the masses of Oppo prior to jumping in. Have you taken any of the cars out to enjoy the recently rainless and sunny Bay Area weather?

Alex Zapata > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 14:43

I wonder, did you get an amazing price for it or something?

Because to me $4500 in 6 months sounds pretty astronomical for basically maintenance.

I understand the tires go to shit on a track day, but still...

B_dol > TractorPillow
04/04/2016 at 14:51

To be fair I did spend an hour test driving a used 987.1 S solo and had seat time in a 981 S and 997 Carrera S. The decision wasn’t made so simply, but i doubt you want the boring details.

The Cayman wasn’t the 11/10 revelation I had expected and hoped for. Porsche was fantastic overall and I’ll look again when I can afford a Boxster Spyder or 911.

flyingmetalbird > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 14:55

There’s a first gen Civic in the back of the second pic!!!

The Z4 looks nice too

B_dol > Alex Zapata
04/04/2016 at 14:55

The price was fair, towards the lower end of the market especially with the cars strong supporting modifications (coilovers, short shifter, lighter wheels, all stock parts incl.).

I didn’t say $4500 was cheap, moreso in line with expectations. About half of the cost is garnered by the cars age (9 years, 60K miles) and items bound for replacement.

Did I need an exhaust or the nicest set of tires? No. Hoping to revisit the tally at 75K miles and show a much better $/mi.

B_dol > Jay Lauer
04/04/2016 at 14:56

Thanks! I aim to take serious advantage of local tracks so long as my career keeps me in the area.

I agree, this type of article sparked my used sportscar search in the first place. Otherwise I would surely be paying depreciation on a less unique and capable car.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 14:56

Yes, although my car is currently in the middle of a 5-day paint correction job. I can’t wait to see it come out looking sparkling brand new.

What are your usual driving roads? I typically stay in the CA-9/35 area.

Jay Lauer > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 15:03

Agreed, depreciation is for chumps.

I still regret not picking up the barn find M-Coupe Clownshoe when I looked at it, but such is life.

Alex Zapata > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 15:04

Didn’t know you did an exhaust, that makes it a ton more reasonable.

What did you get?

I also thought the tires would have inflated it quite a bit, but reading your post ~$1,000 is not that much for good tires I think.

Anyway, I have driven a Z4M Roadster in the past, so I know how special that thing is, well worth the money, lucky guy to have a Coupe and specially on that color.

TractorPillow > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 15:08

Fair enough. I was super surprised how much I loved the Cayman. Probably my Elise and Viper background. I've been daily driving a 02 Viper GTS - I think I’ve checked the oozing character and bravado block for a few years.

B_dol > Alex Zapata
04/04/2016 at 15:36

I went with a Stromung catback exhaust to replace the muffler-delete RPI on the car. Stock just wasn’t my cup of tea.

As for tires, stepping down to the Hankooks would only save $150, but a few of those type of choices add up. Also included in the $4500 is two oil changes, alignments, and track inspections.

B_dol > TractorPillow
04/04/2016 at 15:36

The Cayman and FR-S were built with the same ethos in mind, and the Cayman is perfection in that right. It turns out I was looking for a different experience in this car.

With your history of the Elise, old school Mini and Viper you have seen a few different ways to have fun. No doubt the Viper checks machismo off the list.

B_dol > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
04/04/2016 at 15:37

Nice!. A multi-day paint correction is also in this car’s future once it is relieved of DD duties.

9 and skyline are great roads,.84 (La Honda) and Pescadero are also excellent in the early a.m... try to beat the summer bicyclist rush.

Alex Zapata > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 16:14

How much does a track inspection for LS run you? (Granted my car is never gonna see Laguna Seca, but you never know, I might move to LA in the next 10 years)

Haven’t heard of it, though M cars tend to have heaps of different providers of going-faster-bits, when I did my research for it I fell in love with the Remus exhaust, though I do belive it’s just an Axle-back so it probably wouldn’t have fit the bill for you.

B_dol > Alex Zapata
04/04/2016 at 16:34

The track inspection is cheap and not track dependent, varies on the items a specific outfit or run-group requires. It’s what they find that costs $$.

There are relatively few exhaust players in the Z4M game, plenty in the E46 M3 realm. Remus, SuperSprint, RPI, Gruppe and Stromung are the big players. I mispoke, the exhaust is axleback.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > BreakMyWallet
04/04/2016 at 21:42

Interesting, didnt think the Z3 was really that special. Makes the Z4 sound even better!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > B_dol
04/04/2016 at 21:43

Makes sense. 60k miles also sounds like super low miles to me. But I am in Miata-land so I suppose I am playing an entirely different ball-game lol.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Tripper
04/04/2016 at 21:44

That sounds a lot more doable! And I am assuming that is doing all the work yourself?

Tripper > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
04/04/2016 at 22:18

Nope, I work on it myself now but back then I took it to a BMW inde shop. His prices are good but more than anything the car has been a gem. Other than replacing wear parts/scheduled maintenance, the only things that I ever had to “fix” was an oil leak when I first bought it. Then an ignition coil a few years back to the tune of $125.

That annual dollar figure could actually be lower but I did a lot of “OCD” stuff to the car...Replaced scratched interior trim pieces, rubber bits, basically anything that looked worn. I installed the interior bits myself.

B_dol > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
04/04/2016 at 23:32

There are plenty of high mile /M cars floating around with the S54 engine. Its the fact that its 10 years old that requires some sorting. Rubber hoses, plastic bits need preventative replacement before a real problem arises.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > B_dol
08/17/2016 at 11:32

That last photo is just beautiful.

I’m sure you agree with me on this point: I’m very glad I waited to purchase my beastly Bavarian beauty until I could truly afford it (and its associated running costs, maintenance, repairs and some desired modifications).

B_dol > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/17/2016 at 12:46

Thanks! Awaiting paint correction next year to take some new photos.

Agreed, and although I can afford it I am still not sure if I can stomach it. The car just passed the ~9 year 65K mile mark and I think most of the big ticket items are taken care of. Should be “smooth” sailing for 10-15K miles.

Planning another update later this fall, plenty of new stories.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > B_dol
08/17/2016 at 14:18

Hope for smooth sailing for you for a while (and me too)!

CAcoalminer > B_dol
08/22/2016 at 14:02

I’m sorry I missed this. That is an absolutely gorgeous car and I’m thrilled that you’ve enjoyed it so much!

Sorry to hear about your issues so far though.

B_dol > CAcoalminer
08/23/2016 at 21:17

Thanks for the kind words, I have been enjoying the car and the issues haven’t been so bad for a 9 yr old car. Unfortunately missing scheduled track time due to a broken right hand.

CAcoalminer > B_dol
08/25/2016 at 12:16

It doesn’t look like it’s 9-years old. Honestly, it still looks like a vehicle that could be on sale today.

Sorry to hear about your injury. How did that occur?

B_dol > CAcoalminer
08/25/2016 at 15:31

I like to think so! Ice hockey, slashed by the goaltender with a resultant fracture to my right index finger. Relegated to Prius life for at least 3 weeks

CAcoalminer > B_dol
08/25/2016 at 15:54

Oh geez. I hope that heals quickly and there aren’t any lingering effects.