BMW Z4 Tires and Wheels

Thanks for sharing the tire size delta on MR2's.

As said before, while some sports cars and novelty cars were made with off size tires, it still doesn't dissuade me from my original premise, it is uncommon for standard production cars to be made with different sized front and rear tires.

Why? It costs more, it generally doesn't improve handling and it limits ones ability to "rotate" tires extending tread wear life. Does this stop car makers from doing it. No. Why? Because they think it may increase the look and appeal; hence, sales for certain sports-oriented car designs.

Speaking of the MR2, back in the mid-80's, the MR2 was one of the finest handling fun sports car gems available at a reasonable price. A friend of mine had a red one with black rag top. Riding in it was so much fun I took a dealership test ride. Both were white-knuckled experiences that took hours to wipe the smile off my face. The combination of top of the line handling performance, Toyota reliability and top down fun for thousands of dollars less than its competition made it second to none in my book. Unfortunately, I was starting a family at the time and it wasn't practical.
This is why the market for pure 2 seaters is very limited - practicality. If you enjoy driving the twisties without slowing down, get yourself an old MR2 with a new set of rubber - you won't be disappointed.

Then again, older now, I'm not planning to let go of my BMW Z4 anytime soon. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

#78 of 82 press request by kirstie_h HOST

Aug 10, 2011 (3:17 pm)

A reporter is interested in talking with roadster fans who would like or dislike the idea of a smaller engine in the new BMW Z4. If you care to share your comments, please send an email, including your daytime contact info, to pr

edmunds.com no later than 5:00pm Pacific on Friday, August 12, 2011.

#79 of 82 Thinking of buying... by sofia_cd

Apr 19, 2012 (8:48 am)

Hello! Im thinking of buying a used 2005 BMW Z4 w/ 42,000 miles on it, the carfax was clean but i havent own a bmw before much more a z4 i'm wondering at what point you started doing repairs on your z4 at how many miles? should i even consider buying a z4 w/ 42,000 miles on it? im thinking of driving it for two more years before i trade it in, but i def. dont want to spend money on repairs, just thought i'd ask owners and do my due diligence. Thank you so much!

Replies to this message:

markwell (Apr 19, 2012 11:40 am)
- sofia_cd (Apr 19, 2012 12:00 pm)
- ast1 (Sep 19, 2012 10:26 am)

#80 of 82 Re: Thinking of buying... [sofia_cd] by markwell

Apr 19, 2012 (11:40 am)

Replying to: sofia_cd (Apr 19, 2012 8:48 am)

BMW Z4's don't require the heavy hitting major service interval until 100K. Until 50K miles or 4 years - all maintenance including oil changes (except rotors, brake pads and tires) is free. As you must know, your 2005 is outside the free service BMW warranty by 2 years now.

Still, 42K is very low mileage. Probably the only thing the car should need (if not already done) is brake pads, rotors and tires - possibly an oil change. You don't have to go to BMW for these repairs. You can save from 10-50% off what the dealer's typically charge by finding a good mechanic. Get four good A A A rated 50K non-run flat all season tires off the internet for under $400. Balanced and mounted for $40 to $80 depending where you get them mounted. Be careful where because BMW rims scrap easily unless a touchless tire mounting system is used.

Next comes regular service. A Lube/Oil/Filter I recommend every 7,500 miles (ignore the 15,500 mileage counter for service - it doesn�t include LOF). You may hear the car can go 15,500 miles between synthetic oil changes - it really depends on how you drive, but you're likely to experience valve or other problems as the car nears 70K-100K if you neglect regular LOF. An LOF costs $100 or $200 at most BMW dealerships. Four rotors and pads is going to cost you something like $800, but you can get it done for hundreds less if you know a good mechanic, a friend or do it yourself. Every 15K miles, the car needs a full service which run $200-$400 (depending where you go to have it done). The major service is required typically every 30K miles. This runs about $1,000 to $2,000.

After about 7 years, the head light cover gaskets dry out and take a set. If a bulb burns out, you need to replace either the gasket or the headlight cover that comes with a new gasket. Otherwise, you'll be replacing bulbs every 3-6 months as moisture keeps collecting in the headlight. You may also need a new battery. I replaced mine for around $140 and it's twice the battery that comes stock with Z4s.

There�s a reason that BMW offers free service the first 50K or 4 years � they are bloody expensive cars to maintain. I have put about 25K on my Z4 a year the last 6 years. I can tell you that the Honda Civic I drove for the 10 years prior cost me about a quarter of what this car does in maintenance. �but at the same time � this car is 20 times more fun to drive! (even more so as a daily commuter.)

Way I figure it, you only live this life once - you might as well enjoy it. Treat others well, but always be true to yourself. Good Luck.

Replies to this message:

sofia_cd (Apr 19, 2012 12:00 pm)
ast1 (Sep 19, 2012 10:26 am)

#81 of 82 Re: Thinking of buying... [markwell] by sofia_cd

Apr 19, 2012 (12:00 pm)

Replying to: markwell (Apr 19, 2012 11:40 am)

Thank you so much for the advice! funny you mentioned that you use to own a honda, that's me right now, and i've been driving the same honda civic for the past 10 years w/ little to no repair expense. But i figured, i might as well go for the fun car before i start popping kids and have to buy the mommy SUV lol so i was torn between sticking w/ the new Honda Civic for around $18K or this BMW z4 w/ 42k miles for $16,999. Like i said, im only planning on enjoying it for two/three years tops averaging 10K per year (thats how much i drive now). Again, thanks so much! i really apreciate the insight!

#82 of 82 Re: Thinking of buying... [markwell] by ast1

Sep 19, 2012 (10:26 am)

Replying to: markwell (Apr 19, 2012 11:40 am)

To add to the list (personal experience, 2005 Z4):

- new battery
- new starter
- variety of belts
- light fixture housings

Fun to drive but echo the high TCO of BMWs. Be sure to look for sources other than auth BMW service centers for big discounts on parts and labor.

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