2004 BMW Z4 3.0
Discussion
Could you shine some light on the cable you use to connect the car to INPA?
I have the full set of software and the DCables cable I have connects and I can read live data from the car, however as soon as I try dig any deeper, read fault codes etc it says it can't connect to the car. Assuming it's a fault with the cable itself.
I have the same car, same colour, same engine, so I'm hoping that's the case. Or I am thick, which is a real possibility.
I have the full set of software and the DCables cable I have connects and I can read live data from the car, however as soon as I try dig any deeper, read fault codes etc it says it can't connect to the car. Assuming it's a fault with the cable itself.
I have the same car, same colour, same engine, so I'm hoping that's the case. Or I am thick, which is a real possibility.
Sycamore said:
Could you shine some light on the cable you use to connect the car to INPA?
I have the full set of software and the DCables cable I have connects and I can read live data from the car, however as soon as I try dig any deeper, read fault codes etc it says it can't connect to the car. Assuming it's a fault with the cable itself.
I have the same car, same colour, same engine, so I'm hoping that's the case. Or I am thick, which is a real possibility.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/312801859524I have the full set of software and the DCables cable I have connects and I can read live data from the car, however as soon as I try dig any deeper, read fault codes etc it says it can't connect to the car. Assuming it's a fault with the cable itself.
I have the same car, same colour, same engine, so I'm hoping that's the case. Or I am thick, which is a real possibility.
The switch swaps two pins and that is the key I think - I had a similar unit before where I added the switch myself and after that it worked on my MG ZT & the Z4. This is probably why yours isn't working?
Plus you need the right version of the software (I think the version included is ok), and to ensure that the COM ports are configured correctly (i.e. that the interface software is pointing at the COM port associated with the cable).
Was driving along a while ago and the battery light came on and lost power steering.
Thought it was just lack of use, so took it out later and it was fine.
Stopped on the way back to make a phone call and noticed the roof wouldn't go up. And then the power steering stopped working again.
Very luckily I wasn't far from home, started to run poorly before eventually conking out on the drive.
Although it was on the drive, unfortunately it was blocking my other car - and had the roof down - so I tried jumping it and it started fine.
With the engine running, the problem is obvious
Airbox out
Alternator off
I thought it'd be a straight replacement, but it was a bit more expensive than I was expecting - the fitment is unique to the Z4, but I suspect any M54 one would fit - even then it was £130 for the cheapest recon unit.
I took a chance and replaced just the voltage regulator for £30.
And sucess
Unfortunately, while poking around I found a suspicious coolant puddle on the undertray
First thought was the expansion tank, so I pulled that out to find out it'd already been replaced in 2015 (that was in the service history, ooops).
I noticed the seals on the expansion tank cap were looking a bit worn out, but that wouldn't explain that much coolant.
Some more poking around and I spotted a little bit of coolant around the temperature sensor
Pulled it out and it looks fine
Having looked online they never leak... unless they've been in there a while, then if they are ever removed they never seal again.
I removed it when doing the VANOS seals so fair enough.
The O-Ring isn't a separate part, and all the measurements I could fine online were imperial, so I got a new one for £15.
I originally thought the leak was from the thermostat above, but although I'd realised it wasn't, I got a brand new Wahler one on eBay for £15 so I thought I'd change it anyway.
The bolts were really rusty, and there was coolant stains around the outside of the gasket so I think it has been leaking for a while, although probably not badly. And obviously new bolts too.
Baby monitor makes nap time, car time
Put it all back together, trying to bleed the system and the stupid plastic bleed screw rounded
I get why it's plastic, and i'm probably guilty of overtightening it slightly, but I think the real problem is that I don't know what tool is best to use on it.
It's a cross head, but no depth so you can't use a crosshead screwdriver.
And if you use a flat head it needs to be really wide but also thin to fit in the grooves without putting the torque in the weak centre.
I borrowed the one off my 335d to bleed it and then replaced both cars with brass ones
I've bled the system before but this time I wasn't happy with the heat coming out of the vents, it was probably the scare stories of the M54 being difficult to bleed.
One suggestion was to raise the front - I couldn't be bothered to jack it up so found a nearby incline instead.
I think the drive probably did the job though as it was fine when I got there!
I worked out how many miles it's done this year and i'm genuinely embarrassed… need to drive it more, pandemic dependant.
Thought it was just lack of use, so took it out later and it was fine.
Stopped on the way back to make a phone call and noticed the roof wouldn't go up. And then the power steering stopped working again.
Very luckily I wasn't far from home, started to run poorly before eventually conking out on the drive.
Although it was on the drive, unfortunately it was blocking my other car - and had the roof down - so I tried jumping it and it started fine.
With the engine running, the problem is obvious
Airbox out
Alternator off
I thought it'd be a straight replacement, but it was a bit more expensive than I was expecting - the fitment is unique to the Z4, but I suspect any M54 one would fit - even then it was £130 for the cheapest recon unit.
I took a chance and replaced just the voltage regulator for £30.
And sucess
Unfortunately, while poking around I found a suspicious coolant puddle on the undertray
First thought was the expansion tank, so I pulled that out to find out it'd already been replaced in 2015 (that was in the service history, ooops).
I noticed the seals on the expansion tank cap were looking a bit worn out, but that wouldn't explain that much coolant.
Some more poking around and I spotted a little bit of coolant around the temperature sensor
Pulled it out and it looks fine
Having looked online they never leak... unless they've been in there a while, then if they are ever removed they never seal again.
I removed it when doing the VANOS seals so fair enough.
The O-Ring isn't a separate part, and all the measurements I could fine online were imperial, so I got a new one for £15.
I originally thought the leak was from the thermostat above, but although I'd realised it wasn't, I got a brand new Wahler one on eBay for £15 so I thought I'd change it anyway.
The bolts were really rusty, and there was coolant stains around the outside of the gasket so I think it has been leaking for a while, although probably not badly. And obviously new bolts too.
Baby monitor makes nap time, car time
Put it all back together, trying to bleed the system and the stupid plastic bleed screw rounded
I get why it's plastic, and i'm probably guilty of overtightening it slightly, but I think the real problem is that I don't know what tool is best to use on it.
It's a cross head, but no depth so you can't use a crosshead screwdriver.
And if you use a flat head it needs to be really wide but also thin to fit in the grooves without putting the torque in the weak centre.
I borrowed the one off my 335d to bleed it and then replaced both cars with brass ones
I've bled the system before but this time I wasn't happy with the heat coming out of the vents, it was probably the scare stories of the M54 being difficult to bleed.
One suggestion was to raise the front - I couldn't be bothered to jack it up so found a nearby incline instead.
I think the drive probably did the job though as it was fine when I got there!
I worked out how many miles it's done this year and i'm genuinely embarrassed… need to drive it more, pandemic dependant.
Edited by Jakg on Saturday 27th January 20:19
helix402 said:
LosingGrip said:
I’m half tempted by one, although the one I’ve looked at is auto.
What are they like for tall people? I’m 6ft 4 and not sure if I’ll be able to drive it comfortably.
You’ll fit. What are they like for tall people? I’m 6ft 4 and not sure if I’ll be able to drive it comfortably.
I can't fit in one at all, but I'm 6ft 4 and 22 stone.
Even a lot lighter at 18stone I couldn't fit in one comfortable enough to drive more than a spirited drive...
d_a_n1979 said:
Depends on your build.
I can't fit in one at all, but I'm 6ft 4 and 22 stone.
Even a lot lighter at 18stone I couldn't fit in one comfortable enough to drive more than a spirited drive...
Ah I’m the same weight give or take. Will see if I’m allowed to test drive one with COVID etc. I can't fit in one at all, but I'm 6ft 4 and 22 stone.
Even a lot lighter at 18stone I couldn't fit in one comfortable enough to drive more than a spirited drive...
LosingGrip said:
d_a_n1979 said:
Depends on your build.
I can't fit in one at all, but I'm 6ft 4 and 22 stone.
Even a lot lighter at 18stone I couldn't fit in one comfortable enough to drive more than a spirited drive...
Ah I’m the same weight give or take. Will see if I’m allowed to test drive one with COVID etc. I can't fit in one at all, but I'm 6ft 4 and 22 stone.
Even a lot lighter at 18stone I couldn't fit in one comfortable enough to drive more than a spirited drive...
I'm a competitive powerlifter and stone lifter, so it's my build that makes it awkward for me unfortunately...
Sports seats were hellish but I managed Edinburgh to the Nurburgring for 8 laps and back 10 years ago and I was 6ft 2" and 22 stone then. I'm broad as well as a bit husky but it was the legs that killed me, had to replace the door handle trims as my knees rubbed off them the whole trip.
LosingGrip said:
I’m half tempted by one, although the one I’ve looked at is auto.
What are they like for tall people? I’m 6ft 4 and not sure if I’ll be able to drive it comfortably.
I'm 6'5 and I fit, albeit it can get a bit uncomfy for longer journeys. If you're anywhere near Surrey/Hants border you're welcome to try mine (once I sort the squeaky steering!)What are they like for tall people? I’m 6ft 4 and not sure if I’ll be able to drive it comfortably.
The wipers never parked properly and always ended up a little way up the screen.
It's a common fault - usually fixed by cleaning the contacts on the wiper motor, but I did this a while ago and it didn't help.
Remembered I still hadn't resolved it so swapped the relay over which seems to have fixed it.
Finding the relays was a little tricky - the fusebox is behind the glovebox, and the relays are on the back, but are only accessible once you remove a couple of screws and the whole thing drops down.
My wifes been driving my E91 a lot more and while it has a spare key, the (rechargeable) battery is dead. I can't solder, so sent it off to someone on eBay to replace. Same situation for the Z4 so did both.
The spare was missing the BMW badge so bought one on eBay.
It made the original key look shabby so I swapped that too. I used some superglue to help hold it, but every time I use superglue I always end up gluing myself to something - and this was no exception!
Despite all the work last time, the coolant light came on again, quick look and I still have a problem...
The coolant was only on the expansion tank - so probably that.
Pulled it out for a proper look but couldn't see anything. I've mentioned before it was swapped in 2015 - seems to be one of those "OE with the logo ground off parts".
Swapped it for a new Meyle one anyway - just a shame that was just £31, but I then spent £25 on coolant again - should've swapped it last time!
Hopefully that cures it.
Also put some fuel in for the first time this year... need to get it out more!
It's a common fault - usually fixed by cleaning the contacts on the wiper motor, but I did this a while ago and it didn't help.
Remembered I still hadn't resolved it so swapped the relay over which seems to have fixed it.
Finding the relays was a little tricky - the fusebox is behind the glovebox, and the relays are on the back, but are only accessible once you remove a couple of screws and the whole thing drops down.
My wifes been driving my E91 a lot more and while it has a spare key, the (rechargeable) battery is dead. I can't solder, so sent it off to someone on eBay to replace. Same situation for the Z4 so did both.
The spare was missing the BMW badge so bought one on eBay.
It made the original key look shabby so I swapped that too. I used some superglue to help hold it, but every time I use superglue I always end up gluing myself to something - and this was no exception!
Despite all the work last time, the coolant light came on again, quick look and I still have a problem...
The coolant was only on the expansion tank - so probably that.
Pulled it out for a proper look but couldn't see anything. I've mentioned before it was swapped in 2015 - seems to be one of those "OE with the logo ground off parts".
Swapped it for a new Meyle one anyway - just a shame that was just £31, but I then spent £25 on coolant again - should've swapped it last time!
Hopefully that cures it.
Also put some fuel in for the first time this year... need to get it out more!
The interior light was always a bit intermittent, the circuit board inside was a bit distorted. Luckily an E46 part so very cheap.
New spark plugs
Saw a tip online about greasing the shifter pivot bearing.
The leather on the handbrake gaiter wasn't seated correctly and wasn't folded over. I took it to bits and saw a cable tie and thought "oh no, someone's bodged this before", but it turns out that's how it is from the factory - easy to cut it off, reseat and replace though at least.
The door pull trims are a chromed plastic with a matt layer over the top.
Mine have some scratches, but I couldn't seem to find any second hand and are too expensive new to justify.
I saw some recommended from AliExpress and I thought I'd give them a go for £30 - I was nervous the "aluminium" finish might look cheap so went for the carbon option (they are just dipped plastic).
Bit garish up close but blends in well with the rest of the interior.
New spark plugs
Saw a tip online about greasing the shifter pivot bearing.
The leather on the handbrake gaiter wasn't seated correctly and wasn't folded over. I took it to bits and saw a cable tie and thought "oh no, someone's bodged this before", but it turns out that's how it is from the factory - easy to cut it off, reseat and replace though at least.
The door pull trims are a chromed plastic with a matt layer over the top.
Mine have some scratches, but I couldn't seem to find any second hand and are too expensive new to justify.
I saw some recommended from AliExpress and I thought I'd give them a go for £30 - I was nervous the "aluminium" finish might look cheap so went for the carbon option (they are just dipped plastic).
Bit garish up close but blends in well with the rest of the interior.
Edited by Jakg on Wednesday 24th August 10:13
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