sell my 2003 z4 for 1997 740il?

[jeanpxrk]

Looking to buy this 97 e38 only issue is it’s misfiring in one cylinder. It’s got less miles than my z4 and i replaced everything on my car. Is it worth getting the e38 at this point and can most of the common e38 issues be fixed at home?

[IcewaterPete]

We need pics!

[jeanpxrk]

IcewaterPete done!

[ptpending]

unless you are ready to do repairs of the e38 by yourself, you will regret this swap
e38 is quite complex and there are many parts which fail due age and not mileage.

[jeanpxrk]

ptpending So with my z4 at first everything was falling apart due to age and i always took it to the shop. Now, however, i started automotive school and will be working at a shop in a few months so hoping to do my own repairs unless it’s something transmission or engine related

[ptpending]

z4 is much more simple that e38....

[jeanpxrk]

ptpending What are some common things that fail?

[Piper1]

I would say no. But I’m biased. But then again do you need the room and extra seats and not able to keep the Z?

[jeanpxrk]

piper199
My z the roof doesn’t work at all had to take the motor out to lock it. Two seater is cool an all being 19 years old but i would like a larger car with extra seats. My z4 sounds super loud in the cabin as well and i would just like a hardtop with a little more quiet cabin.

[Charles B]

Those wheels on the Z4 really make the car. I have a 2016 Z4 and it's a blast to drive around.

[Piper1]

Originally Posted by jeanpxrk

piper199
My z the roof doesn’t work at all had to take the motor out to lock it. Two seater is cool an all being 19 years old but i would like a larger car with extra seats. My z4 sounds super loud in the cabin as well and i would just like a hardtop with a little more quiet cabin.

Really these cars fall apart from neglect not age. My ‘03 is of 11/02 production as they started production in September. I’ve had it since ‘11 3rd owner at 64k miles and now has 109k and very modified. Though from this it sounds similar to my nephew getting a F30 it sounds like the car isn’t checking your needs boxes and from that you’ve already made somewhat of a decision.

If you do keep it go here: https://www.redlineautoparts.com/bmw/2003-2008-z4/

They are very fair prices on used everything you’d need to get the top working properly. With a failed top your resale price will plummet anyway so fix it properly. There are plenty of how to’s on Zpost and z4-forum on cleaning the soft top drains and motor relocations to the trunk to prevent water damage.

Good luck it’s a hell of a car for a 19 year old. At 19 I had a ‘90 Chevy cavalier.

[jeanpxrk]

Piper1
Agreed. I rushed into buying it as soon as i saved enough as it was my first car and i was excited. But the previous owners all neglected it and even tampered with odometer.

Just wanted to get something better now that i know more about cars in general and how to work on them

[ptpending]

Originally Posted by jeanpxrk

ptpending So with my z4 at first everything was falling apart due to age and i always took it to the shop. Now, however, i started automotive school and will be working at a shop in a few months so hoping to do my own repairs unless it’s something transmission or engine related

so you suppose that 740 1997 year car which has much more electronics will fall apart less than z4 2004 year car ?