Found a used BMW Z4 that I like but one concern has put me in a dilemma

Apart from this one issue the rest of the vehicle seems nice. I have also received its service history and a copy of the car insurance.

BHPian KPenthu recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello Team-bhpians,

I had been looking to buy either an SLK or a Z4 for some time now. My must-have requirements were GJ registered and first owner with a budget of 30-40 lakhs.

After having discarded one SLK and two Z4s for various reasons, I recently come across one at a used car dealer in Surat worth consideration.

It’s a 2014 model (E89) DPT variant with 20km on it. Have already received its service history and also verified it with the dealership where the first owner used to get it serviced. Got a copy of the insurance which showed 50% NCB and also got it verified through my insurance agent. Took a test drive in Surat and it drives nicely. Tried comfort and sport+ mode both. Checked out roof opening and closing multiple times. Cold started immediately on the first push of ‘start/stop’ button.

One concern is, while test driving in Sport+ mode I noticed an alert on the screen that said ‘Engine failure reduced speed’ which went away after I stopped the car and switch to comfort mode after turning off the engine. The mechanic that I know tells me that some BWMs are known to have this issue in sports+ mode especially when they are not driven regularly.

Wanted to get 360 deg checkup from BMW, however, the dealer wants to finalise the deal first. That’s where  I am stuck right now.

The dealer asking price was 44 lacs and I, based on orange book value in Gujarat, am willing to pay 38 lacs. He has come down to 40.21 lacs but not budging any further. Since this is my first used car buying attempt in India, not sure if I should stick to my price based on orange book value or give in to the dealer’s demand. Please advise.

Moreover, I wanted to get BMW 360 checkup done before finalising the deal. Please advise if BMW 360 checkup from BMW is worth paying 16.5k or should I just get it checked by a local mechanic I know.

Has any BMW owner here experienced an alert in sport+ mode I mentioned above? If so, how seriously should I take it?

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

The usual system is, you can pay the dealer a small token to show your seriousness. Say, 10K, and then have the car sent to the BMW workshop. If it passes the test, then pay the balance. If not, an ethical dealer will give you back the 10k. But many won't, so be prepared to write it off.

The last time I bought a pre-owned German, the dealership could sense my seriousness and didn't need a token before his driver took the car to the BMW workshop. I ended up buying the car.

This Z4 is giving a very serious iDrive error. It could be a sensor, it could be something major. Going ahead with the deal without a PPI would be akin to riding a motorcycle on a public road blindfolded. Don't do it.

For your safety & happiness, follow our used car checklist (including service history, checking past insurance claims etc.) to the T.

Here's what BHPian Turbanator had to say about the matter:

I find even 40 Lac too high given the fact that it would have cost around 60-70 Lac in 2014 and everything from interiors to functionality is a decade old. The exterior looks nice as it's sort of timeless. I think you are buying mostly because of looks. The new Z4 is over 1 Cr now, so will be a stretch but if you need something purely from driving prospects, I will consider a newer model or M340. There are some excellent schemes from BMW where you can pay a larger amount or return the car at the end of the period to BMW. These are useful for someone who wants to restrict monthly outflow and expects some improvement in earnings in the next few years.

Another option will be to look at some of the 718 (Boxter/ Spyder). If you are lucky, you may find one, albeit a little expensive but will be worth the increase. It will be miles ahead on the handling and that gearbox on Porsche is sick If I am not mistaken, you can buy an extended warranty from Porsche too after the check. May depend on the age. Also, Porsche won't have a very different interior or audio/ etc. on 718 of today.

I won't trust the local guy. 360 Degrees is very exhaustive. I think you should convince the dealer to charge 10K. You can promise to get the car serviced by them if you buy it.

Here's what BHPian shankar.balan had to say about the matter:

You’re a person of fine taste and discernment very clearly because indeed that Orange Z4 looks supercilious. And I am also like you, LOVE hardtop convertibles like this and the SLK!

I am 100% behind you insofar as to admit it is so so easy to get carried away by the heart and then just plonk money and buy.

But I will definitely advise caution because of the serious error you are already noticing. Best hold off until at least the Dealer Workshop checks the car thoroughly and rules out major headaches or confirms that such headaches exist.

Be prudent just a little. Follow what both GTO and Turbanator said.

There is another friend on the forum who bought an 118d from Daman literally on ‘trust’ and now he seems to be undergoing a fair amount of headaches getting the car back to top condition.

Keep in mind the old saying Caveat Emptor.

Here's what BHPian itwasntme had to say about the matter:

I won't comment on the pricing aspect but highly recommend an official check by BMW with a formal report delivered to you.

A casual Google search reveals a bunch of minor causes (weak battery) all the way up to serious stuff!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.