Z4 (over?) supply & pricing -- what's up?

[MaDeuce]

Brothers, this is my first post here, sorry if this question has an obvious answer....

I've been a 5 series owner for a good while. Of late, I've taken a fancy to the Z4M coupe, and think it might just be a lot of fun. Especially after seeing video of a Z4M against a Viper mentioned elsewhere on this forum.

However, I am more than a little concerned about pricing and supply. There seems to be a ton of 2007 Z4Ms still on dealer lots, and, quite a few 2006 models as well. That, coupled with the recent $5,000/$6,000 dealer promotion on Z4s, makes me a little leery.

When I see the above, I have to ask myself why it's the case. Possibilities seem to be: a) it's not a good car and people don't want it, b) it's a good car and people don't want it {i.e., it serves a very small niche}, c) ...

This isn't a troll -- it's a sincere question. Why is there such a large inventory of new Z4s and why are the prices so soft? I haven't experienced this with the 5 series, so I am nonplussed.

I do know that resale isn't the be-all and end-all in choosing a toy. At the same time, I may want to find another toy that will hold its value better, if this is actually an issue.

Thanks for any insights you can share.

MaDeuce

[ward]

z4 has never sold well,

the resale is based on MSRP, but in reality many of us paid much less than sticker for our cars so resale is actually holding better than it looks

[BMWJZ4]

the car is very impratical for most people with a family, or people who live in heavily snowy areas and such.....however, i was the perfect candidate for it and the car is great.lol

[ROAD EAGLE]

Madeuce,

I live in San Antonio, I just got a Z4 3.0I. When you get your car we should set up a meet from people around the area. What do you think?

[enfield]

The Z4M Coupe has a few issues such as:

1 - very small car with an engine that give worse mileage than my SUV. I get 16-18mpg.

2 - most automative mags compare it to the Porsche Cayman S and 90% of the reviews favour the Cayman S even though it is around $10000+ more.

3 - small trunk.

4 - 2 seater & hence has a lower population base interested in it. Most people buy it as a second car and they go for the Porsche - see point 2.

5 - a solid track suspension. This causes backpain in automotive journalists because they have weak back and abdominal muscles.

6 - it has a roof.

7 - coughs when the Ethanol content of gasoline is >10%.

I am leasing mine and do not give 2 hoots about resale. I knew what I was getting into at the start. I enjoy the car & it is well built for a US assembled automobile. However, I do have a second car that is much more practical....

Hope that helps.

[Dammmittt]

.50 cal. Here's another opinion.

1. Don't worry about inventory sitting on lots. Most of the inventory you see are roadsters not the coupe, and I think another reason you see inventory sitting in lots, is cuz people like me want a car that's made how they want it and get a production slot and build their own.

2. People who make the mistake of comparing it to the Porsche are bound to be disapointed. But if you're rich enough to buy the porsche go for it, with the option prices on Porsche I say to hell with it.

3. If you drive the car and you love it, just buy it. It's an absolutely brilliant automobile, and it serves the mostly male niche of small 2 seater sports car lovers who demand a track worthy suspension and 330 hp! I plan to keep mine forever.

4. As far as issues go, there are some out there like any car. But the 07s seem to be better on issues than the 06, and the 08 will likely have even less issues.

So...here's my endorsement. Buy it, drive it, and love it.

[VaderZ4M]

I concur with Dammmittt !!! Once you drive it, you won't look back! Good Luck

[Z4 Poppy]

I have a 2006 3.0i roadster that has 13000 miles on it. To this date, I have not had any problems. Tire rotation and balance is my only trip to the dealer. The car is great and it gets 30 mpg on the road. I just finished a trip of about 900 miles in the North Carolina and Tennessee mountains and averaged 26.1 mpg for the trip. I drove faster than posted limit the whole trip (which annoyed my wife) but it was fun. I test drove almost every roadster out there before buying and I am sure I bought the right car. I am planning on getting a coupe in a couple of years.

Z4 Poppy

[Dammmittt]

In the ///M you can expect a little less mpg. Mine averages about 20 city/highway combined.

[rabman5]

It's a fun car that attracts a lot of attention. I enjoy driving it and find myself taking the long way to and from work often. I owned an '04 Z4 for three years and my ///M for almost three months and have had few minor problems and no major repairs at all.

I believe the cars on the lots sit there because they serve a niche market, and are highly impractical.

Try taking one for a drive. I think you'll see why so many of us love these cars.

[MaDeuce]

Well, what you all say makes sense. And I've never had any concern about it being a blast to drive. I'm still a little tentative due to the apparent large supply. But the $5,500 marketing assistance that's being offered to dealers is salve for some of my concerns. Add a decent discount on top of that, and I will probably be persuaded. Should do something one way or the other next week; will be sure to check back in. Thanks again for the input.

[Dammmittt]

Sounds good. Just make sure you post pics when you buy it

[Gumby]

I went through the same thought process and concerns. Top that off with the fact that I would be trading in my '07 335 coupe and you can see that I empathize with your concerns. I truly enjoyed the 335 coupe, but I missed the raw edge that my previous M3 had. I would agree that this is a niche market car and I am not sure that I would recommend it as a daily driver. For myself, this is my ‘toy’ and I viewed the marketing support monies to the dealer as a unique opportunity to make a move. I have only put 335 miles on the car since taking delivery this week, but I have loved every one of them. This car has the raw edgy character that I missed and while not a great fan of the Z4 roadster, the coupe suddenly make design seem right. The numerous compliments from by-standers and the thumbs-up from fellow BMW drivers make me think that most folks agree. If this car fits your criteria and you enjoy driving it, buy it. You will not regret it. Who knows what the resale value will be for a niche market vehicle like this in the futre. I for one am not planning on getting rid of this one for a long time.

[KevinC]

Gumby, being a Greenville resident, you almost had to own a Z at some point!

[155MPH]

Dammittt, you are right again!