This is probably the most relevant video for 95% of your viewers

Two years ago I was in the market for a "cheap" (

Z4s are finally getting some love after almost 20 years. It's a car that bridges the gap between purely analog BMWs and the computers BMW makes today

The one good thing about the Mercedes is that they still have every part on that car and every car they've ever built pretty much forever. It's one thing that they do as a company that literally no other does. You need some random bracket or handle on your 50 year old Merc? They have it, brand new, oem. It's probably not cheap, but they still have every part of every car they make.

Hey Todd, I've owned the E85 Z4 for a long time and weak spots for this car are the plastic expansion tank, coolant piping and convertible roof motor. You might want to look into servicing those very soon. Also the Oil filter housing will leak after about 100k miles so be sure to get that sealed. A must have mod is front strut tower brace it makes a big difference on this car since the front wheels sit far away from the firewall and look for wider rear rims on craigslist that can fit the 255 width tire that comes with the sport package. Other than that you bought a great car that could make a good daily. I enjoy pressing the sport button and winding the car out listening to that sweet straight six symphony the M54B30 motor makes. Edit: Thanks for the likes.. I have 260K miles on mine and plan to keep mine for a million miles.

One year ago i bought the cheapest SLK200 (2006) in my country for 4000 euro. It had 310 000 km. For 1 year i put 20 000 km on it and its still runing fine, without any issues! Great little fun car!!

This is gonna be good here I’m liking these cheap car challenges

I actually tried to buy that Z4! I ended up with a ‘07 out of Tucson with only 40k miles. I’ll be following this series closely!! 🤘🤘

You know what would have been hilarious? If one of you had bought a Chrysler Crossfire.

I bought a 2005 SLK350 in 2012 with 55k miles for $19k. It now has 113K miles, the only issue I've had was a crankshaft position sensor failure. It was easy for me to replace myself for $35. The hard top convertible has had no issues and it's really fun to drive. People think it's a $50k car. It's easily been the best car I've ever owned.

I love how the slk looks like a baby slr McLaren…😂

2004 Z4 E85 original owner here. 56,000 miles (as of 10/2020). M54 in-line 6 engine. Manual 6 speed / sport pkg. I am a well-known divorce lawyer by day but transmute into a BMW Z4 tech on my own Z4 on the weekends. I will likely have this car forever. Here is my two cents: a) if you have the interest, tools and garage, this car is fairly easy to maintain and repair; b) the car is very fun to drive, tire selection is critical for grip in wet weather. The car is great in warm weather but terrible in the snow, c) due to sport package, the front and rear tires on my Z4 are different sizes, so tire rotation is not possible. If you push the car, you will need rear tires more often than you may like; (over the years, I have had 4 sets of tires. The car perform MUCH better with NON-RUN FLAT high performance tires. There is no spare, so a can of Fix a Flat and a plug in air compressor is in my trunk. Never needed it and hopefully never will). d) keep that engine oil and engine oil filter clean! e) since I perform 99% of the labor on my Z4, I ONLY use Genuine BMW or OEM parts. Some of the engine repairs and maintenance can take several hours and some of the parts can be hard to reach, so it makes sense to use ONLY the Genuine or OEM parts. This is especially true for any rubber or molded parts. You want a perfect fit and do not want to re-do a lengthy repair due to an out of spec. rubber or plastic part from China or elsewhere. f) if everyone had a roadster, there would be more joy in this crazy world (and likely fewer divorces). Enjoy!

Love the drone shots. This could have been sponsored by Utah Ministry of Tourism.

I have a 2003 BMW Z4, 2.5, manual with 58,000 miles. I brought it 3 years ago and LOVE it. I'm looking forward to this series!

I miss these days, simple, manual NA german cars.

I remember seeing these cars as a teenager and falling in love with the idea of 2 seater roadsters. I’m glad you guys picked these cars because I never see these pop up in reviews and I think they’re both terribly underrated.

I really wanted a Z4 when I was I high school. Now... I really want one again.

I am sure you looked into this, but with that BMW M54 3.0 watch: -cooling system, esp. the expansion tank... -disa valves sometimes fail sending plastic into the intake... G.A.S. (german auto solutions) makes a rebuild kit immune to the common failure... -oil pump nut can back off leading to pump failure (more common on 3.0s due to the resonance or some such)... -vacuum leaks and CCV failure (G.A.S. makes a really cool kit to replace the entire CCV system too)... I have both G.A.S. products on my 3.5L e46, but am in no way affiliated with the company; I just have great respect for how elegantly they have addresses those failure points.

That scenery/ Expect Roadrunner and Wyle E. Coyote to pop up

Bangles first gen Z4 is still looking a dramatic looking roadster, it really has aged well.

Graduated college, got a job as an engineer, and bought a Fiesta ST because of these guys AND I found it on AutoTempest. Very excited to see this challenge play out.

The engine in that BMW is bullet proof. Straight six and no turbos. Was used in 3 series and 5 series in early 2000s. That Mercedes is a freak show. BMW on this one to go with, before BMW went cheap with turbos.

This is going to be a great season. It's fantastic you got sponsorship for this series. I've missed the past few podcasts, so maybe it was revealed, but I would not have guessed the SLK!

Ive came up with my 924S, 1987, for 2300$ CAD ;)

R171 is always the best looking SLK, but I’m biased as I have a 55

Unbelievable scenery on that drive! I love the American Southwest. Great video as always Paul & Todd. Thank you so much!

Great start to this series. I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with for these cars. I really hope Paul does before and after shots of his detailing.

My daily in Germany is a 2003 BMW Z4 3.0 manual. In great shape, full specs :-) Slightly tuned to 260 HP, great exhaust. I love it. Best buy for the money.

The E85 is a classic sports car and with a strong strong engine. I might be biased as a Z4 owner myself but it really is the better of the two machines.

Z4 is the longest ive ever owned a car. Everytime i think about something new I can't beat the value of it. 987 boxster is double or triple the price. The slk is a very different car.

had the very same job last year. i ended up getting a nice 2008 pontiac solstice GXP. 300 for trifecta tune. new intercooler. all good. very fast. beautiful. BEST car without a trunk

I bought a 2007 SLK and i love it. But you are absolutely right about the dead spot in the steering feel. But once it gets past that its game on. Ive only had it since march, so we'll see how the maintenance goes. Its due for a trans fluid change

Todd said, "I would have bought myself the nicest NC Miata I could get." Amen!

Todd's so excited, and Paul chose a car I never understood, fantastic! I love the beginning of this series

What a fantastically interesting pair of cheap sports cars you guys picked. I am very excited to follow your year of ownership.

I love how the Mercedes looks. Can't say I'd ever choose the car, but it's cool. Hey Paul, now we both have cars from the mid 2000's that most car enthusiasts won't give a second look until they realize we have a rare manual version.

Love the choices. I probably would have gone for a 986 Boxster.

Been watching you guys for years, so glad you started doing this segment can’t wait for these reviews I’ve been looking at getting both of these cars. Love your show you guys do really great work!

Yep know all about the Merc V6 balance shaft issue. Happened to me at 156K miles in my E350 wagon.

The editing in this episode is noticeably better. Camera crew on point as usual, some really nice shots. Keep going guys!

Owned two Z4s and both were fantastic. Cheap to maintain and super fun, luxurious, beautiful and unique. Will have to get another!

This is going to be so fun! I'm guessing my favorite series from you guys already

Cinematography on this video is spectacular! Love the drone shot with the bmw driving through the rock mountain and all the other wide shots of the desert mountain beauty! 👍😎👍

Like the choice! Picked up an ‘04 Z4 like that for a grand less, better paint in silver/black, lower miles, sport options. Point being; I feel a bit sorry lookin at that thing, but everything he says about it is spot on. It’s a lovely well balanced car that surpasses its age and price

Love the Z4, ride quality has that grand tourer feels and not really tiresome for long distance driving.

As an ‘07 Z4 Si owner, I am excited to see your series. Frankly, anything with a manual transmission these days is exciting to watch. Perhaps this series will contribute to a renaissance in interest in the pure driving experience a “stick ‘ transmission can offer. Millennials beware!

You guys are the best! I'm really looking forward to this.

I LOVE your choices. These cars were new when I was in elementary school, and I remember fantasizing about them. There's a charm to mid-level roadsters that exotics don't have, and I love that we'll be learning intimate knowledge with these two. While I thought the Z4 was the better choice at first, I'm now leaning towards the SLK (even though I usually agree with Todd more often on this show). Looking forward to the rest of the series!

Have a '01 Z3 3.0i manual roadster with 191k miles. It is one of my favorite cars, and it still get compliments and won two car shows. 🙂

Gotta say, both of these choices surprised me. It's like throwing a dart wearing a blindfold and just going with whatever it hit...but they work. Thank you for opening our eyes.

Great timing. I'll hit one year with my '04 Z4...the same spec as this one but black...this weekend. 146K miles and only a cracked expansion tank on my watch. I knew mine had accident repairs and was missing a few covers/decorative bits and got it for $5,900. It's awesome!

As an owner of a Z4 (M Coupe*), I love seeing the platform get some attention. Tall guys who don’t fit in a Miata, look here. (I am 6’4”)

Good job coming up with new content 👍 Glad to see something different

Another great vid thank you for sharing. Really enjoy the blend of information through real world road trips 👏

Great job guys. I am really looking forward to seeing the turn out of this one. I will be in the market for a Z4 soon and I will keep my eyes open for any new updates.

I got a R171 SLK200 from '08 this year and i once did a 10h drive from Italy to Austria, through heat and pouring rain... did complain a lot about the rain in austria, but 0 complaints about the car, it was super comfortable +the mountain roads were amazing in this car

Great picks, I've had a browse through my local listings and I reckon I would settle on a 2000 Toyota MR-S. Looking forwarding to this series!

Nice to see my old Z4M Coupe again. Ironically, I'm now driving a $7500 Miata (mint '95M). Looking forward (as always) to the series. Nice camera work (as always) by that Chance guy. :)

0:07 oooh that's a playful shot at Hoovie's Garage

Love the old Z4. They’re the last generation pure driving focus. And the styling aged well

That road. That car. Same colour as my 2005 Z4 and I love it. Looks even nicer with black leather interior and a black roof. Lovely. I bought it four years ago. Wish I had nice sunny, dry weather to drive about in.

I have a black on black, 2003 BMW Z4. 3.0 liter, 6 speed M suspension. 175,000 miles. Love that thing.

I just bought a 2004 Z4 3.0i 6sp manual for that same price put on non run-flat tires, ceramic brakes, full service, belts, air conditioning, new floor mats, and a detail and it runs and looks like a dream! I love it💯

Its interesting how since the last 15,18 years the car's design keeps being so up to date! If u'd change the normal lights for led lights and the interior with a modern touch screen, these cars would look new! btw, love the drone footage!!

Cheap car challenges are the best! Especially in the 2 seater convertible segment

Ever since I've discovered car channels likes this I've approached buy cars so differently instead of buying a boring old honda or toyota I've been able to find cars like this for the same price and fun to drive

This gonna be good, nice kick off guys, can't wait for the next episode.

Excellent channel. Content is concise intelligent relevant. I fully enjoy the impromptu discussions en route. Great work. Keep it up 👍

been waiting for this all week!

Great car choices... but spectacular footage. That scenery is breathtaking! Best of luck with those bargain beauties, boys.

Really nice video, you guys got some awesome shots of that road!

Excellent review! I got a 2008 NC Miata last year and it’s a fantastic bargain. It looks new on the exterior and has minor signs of age in the interior. It’s a PRHT and it’s automatic and had 78k miles and I paid $10k out the door. It’s been a blast to drive and no maintenance issues. I strongly agree with your review and understand the obvious enthusiasm. There’s absolutely no reason to spend more then $10k.

I have bought my first BMW a 2004 Z4 2.5 (manuel transmission, manuel roof) last spring, without testdrive and I love it.

That BMW is sweet, great color!

I literally just answered the "what car would you buy for 7500" when I bought my 350z a year ago. 2004, 60,000 miles, boosted, and runs like a dream for $7,499. Someone else's money pit became my cheap sports car and I couldn't be happier.

oh man. this gen Z4 coupe is really intriguing to me... maybe because a friend in high school had one and we drooled on it.. just scary to pull the trigger on one knowing it's an aging BMW...

Cudos for actually finding two different manual German cars. My first thought was they where both going to be boring auto's, which IMO disqualifies it from being called a "sports car". But you did well.

Those roads looks amazing! You also probably just boosted Z4 sales on Craigslist ;-).

Love this show!! 🚘

back in 2000 I purchased new a 2001 slk320 - it proved to be a great auto. Had it for 9 years and 140,000 trouble free miles.....still to this day my favorite car. I now own a 2018 C7 which is I am also enjoying...

Loved this vid! Very interesting and informative.. entertaining! 🍻

Yess, I always love these series!

Very cool guys! I like the Z4 for more by far but just by watching this I’m already a little more curious about the SLK. So in that respect call for the win here on this challenge that’s far.

Gonna follow this, I have a 2005 SLK 350 auto (270 HP). Goes like a rocket, but I think a manual gearbox is better for this type of car. Its more of a pretty fast comfortable cruiser than a track car.

Looking forward to this series - when I was looking for a fun 4th car to replace my C32 AMG, the two vehicles I looked at the most were the 2nd gen SLK and the BMW 135i. I ended up going older, slower, and likely less reliable bright red 1982 Fiat Spider 2000. I couldn't be happier!

Own two Z4's. Once the car is nearing 100k or past it you need major maintenance: Cooling system $250 - Radiator, Upper & Lower Hoses, Thermostat, Expansion tank. Front Control Arm Bushings: $20-$25, CCV System: $40-$100. Oil Filter Housing Gasket $2-5, Valve Cover Gasket: $30, Spark Plugs $25-$35, Coil packs: $150-$180. That's about it as far as I can think. I have two Z4's. One with 135k with all the maintenance done and another with 96k awaiting maintenance. So for $530-$600 the maintenance should cover for the next 100k miles. Oh and do not forget about pads and rotors.

Brilliant car choices. You’ve really got me enthused! I do t need to stay at 7500 myself. But getting German rear drive manual na 6 2 doors? You’re hitting the ball out of the park!

great stuff! You guys read a couple of my email's on your podcast and thanks again for that (great moral booster during working/driving everyday during covid lock downs. I ended up getting a crossfire (SLK-ish) for $7500 with 26lk miles during covid. I have been loving it! Though I cut my commute down from 120 miles round trip to 40. But now all backroads and no interstate. Hope you have some love for the crossfire as I get so many questions and compliments on it (the car America has forgotten about) TopGear hated it.

That's that only generation SLK that I like, but it's the more aggressive front end version that I like. Probably on more expensive models.

Nothing better than a good used car challenge. I looked at boxsters and Miatas, sl, slk and beemers when I wanted a daily, drifter, autox'r and I'm 6'5" so I went with a low miles $12k 99 c5 and hi mile $2k 88 c4. Love them both but excited to see how these do

Autotempest for car shopping rocks......these two little convertible sports cars are fun. I think i prefer the z4

I bought a Z4 3.0. Ridiculously cheap, was fun and faultless all through our road trip down through Germany, Italy and up the route Napoleon through France.

Back in the day I had a 'gray market' 1988 Mercedes 190E 2.3 with a manual transmission. One of the most awesome cars I have ever owned.

Please please don't make me regret I said that. LOL. I learned manual on the 2.5i and love it. As long as you replace the bushings and the engine stays strong(which for the most part it should) I absolutely agree.

I actually cross shopped these two cars and bought a 3.0i with 6spd Manuel and sport package.

Fun! And I say that as an MX5 NC owner (2006).

This looks very hopeful when it comes to buying a fun used German car. Looking forward to your future update.

Im ready! Getting me through workin from home...lol🤷🏾‍♀️

Long time watcher, and now with this video, first time subscriber. 👍🏼

i'm liking the z4. that's THE color combo for the Z cars. when i was in the market for a new-to-me sportscar, the Z was on my list, but finding such an old car in the kind of excellent condition and low mileage that i wanted eventually turned out to be too difficult.