Budgeting for running costs Z4 E89 35i

[Pixelpeep Z4]

Hi Guys,

As subject line really - i'm running some figures and trying to work out what kind of annual figure i should be looking at for maintenance/wear and tear etc on my 74,000mile 2009 e89 Z4 35i N54 DCT - basically everything except fuel.

I've only had the car 9 months so far, it's going to need 4 new tyres soon, it's just had a service, will need an MOT in July etc, but wanted to get other owners views to see if my estimation of £1500 a year would be realistic ?

[Collectingbrass]

Might be better asking on the Z4 forum https://z4-forum.com/forum/

[mmm-five]

Annual mileage (and the type) will greatly effect the spend!

Some years I pay next to nothing but insurance/VED/fuel (about £1k) - by missing out on track days, and commuting.

Other years I spend £15k - multiple trips around the UK/EU and lots of commuting.

[twokcc]

As said above great buying guide on z4 forum which covers the things known to go wrong

Bought my 2009 35i DCT Nov last year and previous owner gave me a printout from dealers of work that had been done under BMW insured warranty .Its along list will see if I can do a summary tomorrow

[Pastie Bloater]

As an average over a few years I think that's reasonable, what I mean is 1 year could be £3k and the next year next to nothing.

[twokcc]

Warranty work done on my car Dec 2009 35i. DCT
Z4 warranty claims


06.2011 8313 Replace rear vent
10.2012 13104 Shift quality in “D” downshift double clutch DKG too rough
07.2013 15021 Control unit electronic damper control EDC short circuit note unit replaced
05.2016 37461 Wiring harness roof module,(retractable hardtop) interruption
04.2017 51360 E*x(RHD petrol engine)positive battery terminal line repair cable
04.2017 52365 Both front shock absorbers serious fluid leak -note both replaced (EDC)
07.2017 56790 Drive cylinder, rear module RHT(retractable hardtop). Permanent failure
04.2020 68686 (main)electric coolant pump. Permanent malfunction
06.2020 70272 Rocker cover gasket leaking
“ “ Fuel injector. Permanent malfunction- note all replaced
“ “ Rear spring broken

Current Faults
05.2021 Cylinder head cover gasket leaking
Leak from oil filter mounting
Whistle on turbo at low speed
o.s rear shock absorber leaking

Anyone want to make a guess(ps no info on cost just curious) it so as to how much that cost, warranty still in place otherwise I wouldn't have bought the car

Edited by twokcc on Saturday 1st May 09:13

Edited by twokcc on Saturday 1st May 09:16

Edited by twokcc on Saturday 1st May 09:18

Edited by twokcc on Thursday 17th June 08:46

[Pixelpeep Z4]

twokcc said:

Warranty work done on my car Dec 2009 35i. DCT
Z4 warranty claims


06.2011 8313 Replace rear vent
10.2012 13104 Shift quality in “D” downshift double clutch DKG too rough
07.2013 15021 Control unit electronic damper control EDC short circuit note unit replaced
05.2016 37461 Wiring harness roof module,(retractable hardtop) interruption
04.2017 51360 E*x(RHD petrol engine)positive battery terminal line repair cable
04.2017 52365 Both front shock absorbers serious fluid leak -note both replaced (EDC)
07.2017 56790 Drive cylinder, rear module RHT(retractable hardtop). Permanent failure
04.2020 68686 (main)electric coolant pump. Permanent malfunction
06.2020 70272 Cylinder head cover gasket leaking
“ “ Fuel injector. Permanent malfunction- note all replaced
“ “ Rear spring broken

Current Faults
05.2021 Cylinder head cover gasket leaking
Leak from oil filter mounting
Whistle on turbo at low speed
o.s rear shock absorber leaking

Anyone want to make a guess(ps no info on cost just curious) it so as to how much that cost, warranty still in place otherwise I wouldn't have bought the car

Wow, thanks for this.

So far, in the 8 months of ownership for me

o.s rear shock absorber leaking - not done yet and MOT due soon ...
Cylinder head cover gasket leaking - done @ indi @ £120
iDrive unit temperamental - screen not revolving and car saying NO SOS on the dash - Going in to a main dealer tomorrow
Washer jets need replacing - Going in to a main dealer tomorrow
rattle (like a stone trapped) in one of the rear mufflers - that can wait!
Locking wheel nut adaptor snapped whilst trying to take a wheel off - Going in to a main dealer tomorrow
Full service including brake line flush - Done at indi @ £400

Gonna need four new tyres in the next 3 months, as well as pads all round i think.