Replacing my Z4 2.5si

Donnelly117

Hi Folks,
Some of you might have seen the Z4 2.5si I got in February, unfortunately about 3 weeks after I got it I had to have surgery on a blown disc in my back so keeping the Z4 long term is looking unlikely as its just a bit low and awkward for me to be getting in an out of Not so much that its low, but the door sill to roof gap is tiny!!!

So I ask the people of Boards motors for any suggestions for something to replace it with!
I'm hoping to find something in Ireland, preferable in a dealer so i can trade the Z, another trip to the UK doesn't interest me much since I got the Z there only a few months ago. My mileage is low, so fuel economy isnt high on my list of priorities. I don't mind venturing into max tax, but the 1494 bracket would be nice too :P I have a liking for turbo cars too, but that's no biggie really. Price range id be trying to keep it under 18k if possible.

Cars ive been looking at so far all seem to be quite hard to come by here, 335i (gutted to see Metz sold his cause it was an amazing machine), Audi S3, MY08 Impreza STi (none to be found), newer STs and OPCs are a bit out of my price range. I like Evos but so clean ones even exist here anymore? Can anyone think of something along these lines? Hot hatches and smaller saloons?
These would be the sensible choices, I have also looked at the likes of e39 M5s, CL Mercs, RS4s but would be very apprehensive about buying there as maintenance and running costs would be an order of magnitude above the cars Ive listed above, and ones in my price range could be a bit ropey?

This looks like the best potential so far, but its a bit over my preferred budget obviously https://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-335i-m-sport-z3d4-2dr-a/9514537

And lastly, here what a Z4 looks like for anyone who is interested :P

freddieot

Some of those cars might also be a bit low, bearing in mind your disc issue.

I have driven SUVs of one type or another for the last few years, ever since I got my hip replaced. I'm reasonably comfortable in most cars but getting in and out of some of them, especially low slung BMWs and similar, is very awkward.

I'd also recommend autos if you think your problem might persist as constant gear changes was aggravating my issues. By the way, I can still run, jump, whatever, but as a keen driver, I prefer being comfortable than suffering a bit because the car does not quite suit.

Make sure it fits well before you buy.

unkel

Donnelly117 wrote: »

This looks like the best potential so far, but its a bit over my preferred budget obviously https://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-335i-m-sport-z3d4-2dr-a/9514537

Go drive it. If you like it you can have a chat with the dealer about trade in. If you don't like it you can rule the car out, if you do like it, but not the cost to trade, you'll have a better idea of what is available to you

Either way, you can't really lose

commited

I have recently got a 335i, I'd say it'd be touch and go on whether or not it would be too low for you - you should definitely try one and bear in mind that the suspension is a bit firm. They are an absolute bargain at the moment though.

Good news is that the UK is not really required for a trip as even though a lot of high performance stuff has left, there is still a reasonable amount here. Out of your list, the only ones that push my button are the 335i or CL500.

If it was my money, I'd be looking at the following:
http://www.bmwhaus.ie/forum/showthread.php?tid=6556
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz-cl-class-cl500-coupe-auto/10193477?offset=6
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz-cl-55-amg-kompressor/10209529?offset=1
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz-cl-class-cl-500/9779741?offset=20
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/6-series/used-2007-bmw-6-series-630i-m-spo-dublin-fpa-200814373866551380

Is comfort much of an issue for your back?

A few other suggestions - Lexus GS300, Jag S-type/XJ, Jag XK, Nissan 350Z, BMW 630i, Golf GTI

Donnelly117

commited wrote: »

I have recently got a 335i, I'd say it'd be touch and go on whether or not it would be too low for you - you should definitely try one and bear in mind that the suspension is a bit firm. They are an absolute bargain at the moment though.

Good news is that the UK is not really required for a trip as even though a lot of high performance stuff has left, there is still a reasonable amount here. Out of your list, the only ones that push my button are the 335i or CL500.

If it was my money, I'd be looking at the following:
http://www.bmwhaus.ie/forum/showthread.php?tid=6556
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz-cl-class-cl500-coupe-auto/10193477?offset=6
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz-cl-55-amg-kompressor/10209529?offset=1
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz-cl-class-cl-500/9779741?offset=20
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/6-series/used-2007-bmw-6-series-630i-m-spo-dublin-fpa-200814373866551380

Is comfort much of an issue for your back?

A few other suggestions - Lexus GS300, Jag S-type/XJ, Jag XK, Nissan 350Z, BMW 630i, Golf GTI

I was away for a few days so have only seen these now, so thanks for the replies lads! That 335 is a beautiful car! I have emailed the seller as he mentioned in his ass he would consider a p/x for a Z4.

I wouldnt be mad on the lexus/Jag style cars, but something like a GTi would be nice. The mk6s are expensive and there not a massive amount of them around! The 350z I was never really a fan of to be honest...

I dont think comfort is a huge thing for me really, once im in the car I am ok. I think my issue is how small the sill roof gap in the z4 is. Have you got any pic of the 335 in the pst a pic thread??