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Pre-2017 Used BMW Z4 Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price
The first BMW Z4 generation was produced from 2003 to 2008, a redesign of BMW's popular two-seat Z3 sports car. While the strong engines were carried over from the Z3, the Z4 was slightly longer and wider. The end result was a sleek sports car with a head-turning design, excellent performance-oriented driving dynamics, and plenty of available premium features.
Built in South Carolina, like the Z3, it is offered in convertible body style only ... there were no hardtop coupes from this generation.
This Z4 is a very capable competitor to the likes of the Audi TT, Mazda Miata, Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster, and is powered by a choice of two athletic inline six-cylinder engines: a 2.5 liter found in the 2.5i model produces 184 horsepower, as well as the 3.0 liter in the 3.0i that delivers 225 horsepower.
Standard transmissions for the Z4 are a five-speed manual on the 2.5i and a six-speed manual on the 3.0i. Used Z4 models can also be found with the optional five-speed automatic with a manual shift gate. A six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) can also be found in some models, shifting via steering-wheel "paddles".
Standard features on both models include run-flat-tires, a manual soft top with heated glass rear window, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, and an antiskid system. Some used BMW Z4 models can be found with the optional power soft top.
The 2.5i is equipped with 16 inch wheels while the 3.0i comes with 17s. Some used Z4 models can be found with the optional Sport Package that adds a sport suspension and 17 inch wheels for the 2.5i and 18s for the 3.0i. This package also adds Dynamic Driving Control where a button on the console speeds up the throttle action and reduces power-steering assist.
A leather interior is standard on the 3.0i and an option on the 2.5i. Either used Z4 models can also be found with stand-alone options such as heated seats, xenon headlights, navigation, and BMW Assist emergency and concierge service.
Used BMW Z4 shoppers should also note that the car was totally redesigned for the 2009 model year (this model was produced through 2016). The coupe and roadster models were merged into a single form with a retractable hardtop. The exterior design became more curvaceous as opposed to the more angular look of earlier models. The cabin also got some additional room, a refresh and higher-grade materials. The base engine also was upraded to the previous model's best, while the top-of-the-line engine became a twin-turbo straight-6.
Models were renamed the sDrive30i and sDrive35i, with the first powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 that's rated at 255 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. Under the hood of the sDrive35i is the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces a robust 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are coupled with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. However, these used BMW Z4 models can also be found with the optional 6-speed automatic on the sDrive30i as well as a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual on the sDrive35i.
Standard features for both models include adjustable driving settings, xenon headlights, HD radio and 6-way manually adjustable seats. Additional standard features on the sDrive35i include sun-reflective leather upholstery, premium aluminum interrior trim and automatic climate control (all available options on the sDrive30i). These used Z4 models can also be found with options such as heated seats and steering wheel, navigation with the iDrive interface, Bluetooth, an iPod interface, power seats with driver memory settings, an upgraded audio system and a Sport package that features sports seats and an adaptive suspension.
Overall, the BMW is one of the premium sports cars in its class and makes a solid used car choice for those seeking a more performance-oriented convertible. And we can suggest a number of ways to help you save when buying one.
How To Get The Best Price
There are actually several different ways to buy an older used Z4 at the lowest price, and even at wholesale. You can click on the links to each of the following methods to get the specific instructions.
First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Also ... for those of you who might be interested in a brand new BMW Z4, if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On A New Z4. This works just phenomenally well.
