If you're looking for some real weekend fun, this might be an offer you don't want to miss.
A couple of years ago I realized that you could buy some pretty tasty cars with big, powerful engines (higher tax brackets, lowish fuel consumption) for small hatch money. Further, if you bought a low mileage unit for a good price, you could run it virtually depreciation free before passing it on to the next lucky owner.
After 2 seasons with my Z4M, its time move on and try something else....an M5 or M6 maybe.
With the E46 M3's 3,2 litre straight-six engine (S54B32) performance figures are: 343 bhp at 7,900 rpm, 269 lb·ft of torque at 4,900 rpm, 8,000 rpm redline. Output per litre is 107 bhp and power-to-weight ratio 9.9 lb/bhp. Acceleration to 60 mph (96 km/h) comes in 4.8 seconds. (0-62 mph / 100 km/h in 5.0) and top speed is electronically limited to 156 mph (251 km/h).
While every journey with the Z4M is a rush, pick an early summer morning, push the cabrio roof and sports buttons and its pure sensory overload. Significantly lighter than an M3 and with M-Diff and brakes from the CSL, the shrieking exhaust, M Division chassis and steering, firm suspension set-up and highly tuned, large capacity, naturally aspirated engine make for a very entertaining drive. A car with real soul.
Other than a couple of carefully painted in stone chips, some very minor scuffs on the alloys that you really have to look for to see and a 2mm x 2mm thumb rub on the edge of the steering wheel control button that's easily hidden, this car is absolutely immaculate. Seats and carpets are pristine and the dash has the lovely original carbon leather matt finish with no 'Armor All' shine. Similarly the engine is clean as a whistle. Car comes with special 18" light alloys with Conti Sport Contact M3s and 7 mm of tread all round (less than 2k miles since new)
With full BMW service history, in the time I've owned this little beauty, she's need a lamda sensor, otherwise ran like the well oiled piece of machinery she is. Preston Hall BMW did an oil and brake fluid service a week ago, she's taxed for a full year and MOT'd until March 2013.
Other than sat nav. the car has all the usual goodies including heated electric seats, electric hood, park assist, bluetooth phone prep, rain sensors, hi-fi speakers, 6 CD changer etc.
The car is priced according to the low depreciation model I mentioned
Average price for 2006 Z4Ms on Pistonheads; 45,490 miles and £14,075 (12 cars).
On Autotrader 2006 Z4Ms average 53,870 miles and go for £13,385 (4 cars)
Including '07 and '08 models its 48,740 miles and £15,050
With just 29,800 miles and £12990.00 fully taxed, tested and serviced I recon the next owner can run this car for 2 'cabriolet' seaons for the cost of 1year's road tax, 2 MOTs and some gas. £1k of depreciation will even ensure a quick sale.
The car comes with an integrated BMW trickle charger to look after the battery in the dark days of winter and even the mobility kit foam is new (it has an expiry date).
I'm going to be putting this up on on the usual sites in the next few days, so let me know soonest if you're interested.
Thanks for reading
Cheers
Steve