USED BMW Z4 Open (03 - 09)

My car

I bought my Z4 in June 2005 second hand with about 7000 miles on the clock. The previous owner had spent almost £40,000 on it, with every concievable option specified. I can't really see the point of the TV, however.

Having owned a 328i and 330i beforehand I was familiar with the engine, and what an engine it is. With no weight in the car and 231bhp from the 3.0-litre it pulls really well. In the wet it can be a little hairy even with the traction control on, but it is always good fun all the same. My only reservation is the 18" wheels with run flats: they do give a hard ride and are expensive to replace. But this is a minor irritation in my experience.

I have had a few problems, however. The build quality is not as good as my previous 330i and the doors sounding very tinny. The glovebox lock has fallen apart and been replaced on two occasions, the wiper motor replaced, the whole brake servo was replaced as it was leaking brake fluid (car had only done 7000 miles, and I had only had it five hours), and the worst problem was it failing its first MOT due to both broken rear coil springs.

All of this was done under warranty though, and the service at Specialist Cars in Stevenage has been fantastic.

I would highly recommend this car, but even so it is going in favour of a 525d M Sport Tourer. There just isn't the space!

My car

I bought my Z4 brand new in October 2004.

It has been very reliable - the only faults have been corrosion of the rear wheels (star spoke 18") which have been replaced under warranty. One of the new wheels has also corroded, and will need attention at the next service.

I love the way it drives apart from the terrible ride caused by the 18" wheels and run-flat tyres. To date the car has covered some 36,000 miles and I have replaced all four tyres once at an overall cost of £760. Some quotes came in at nearer £1,000.

The dealer (Stratstone of Hull) is without fault, and other than the cost of the tyres, the running costs are very reasonable. Over the last 15,000 miles or so the car has averaged 32.1 mpg.

The interior quality is not in the same league as my previous BMW 323iSE (E46 series), but it does not squeak, and nothing has failed. The only real moan is the lack of storage space and the tiny glovebox. Also, the bluetooth telephone system cannot cope with a Blackberry telephone, but works well with an old Nokia 6210.

I would sincerley recommend this car for use as a sports car. Put the roof down on a summer afernoon and cruise your favorite B roads, enjoying the straight 6 engine note. However, it is not an acceptable all-rounder, if you drive as many miles as I do on motorways, and poorly surfaced A roads. I will not buy another Z4, although I will buy another BMW.

My car

Absoloute 'bobbins'. Poor Quality, even poorer ride and no match for the mx5 at half the price

My car

After nearly a year with this car, I am now in a position to review it.

Be warned - this car has a rock hard ride, due to large alloys and 'run-flat' tyres. You feel every undulation in the road. Of course, as a driver's car that's exactly what you crave for in a sports car, but you should be aware of this before you buy it. And don't get a nail in those run-flats - you have no option but to replace them, and they are a heart-stopping £230 each tyre.

Make sure you buy with Zenon headlamps - fast, late-night driving in the countryside is not advisable with standard lights. Also, this is a very quick car - if you are looking for a piddle about town car, then don't waste this car; buy a MX5 or MG TF.

I drove the new Boxster prior to purchase and for a similar specification, it was £14-15,000 (nearly 50%) more expensive than the deal I got on the Z4 - the Boxster made no sense as a purchase.

The switchgear, stereo, paintwork, steering, automatic gearbox, satellite navigation and so on are all faultess. It's also a 155mph everyday car which returns an average 26mpg, including urban use.

Of course you want a 911; but unless you need to show off with a Boxster, then this could be the correct head and heart buy for you.