Z4M Roadster Tips?
Discussion
Does anyone know what the issues are on these things (if any)?
I'm looking to get one in the next few months so trying to get an idea of what will need to be done when I get it. I've only really thought of the things that don't really matter so far like an ipod connector, wind deflector. Obviously the important things.
I'm looking to get one in the next few months so trying to get an idea of what will need to be done when I get it. I've only really thought of the things that don't really matter so far like an ipod connector, wind deflector. Obviously the important things.
Shouldn't have any issues as mechanicals are bullet proof. Look for a full history (natch) and that's about it - ideally gets BMW AUC ten you know it's all up together. Rear springs can crack but they're cheap and easy to replace. I bought one last year and it's been utterly faultless and never fails to thrill.
Water in the headlamps. Can lead to failure of the control unit, which is very pricey. Cycle the controls off and on a few times to check that they fire up properly each time. You don't want to be replacing a complete headlamp. You'll think it's April 1st when they quote you the price.
Rear centre brake light seal perishes over time, particularly during cold winter spells. Cheap to replace, not too fiddly to fit but slight lead time to get the part from Germany.
Sat nav/electrical gremlins. Check EVERYTHING works properly after startup. Mine was glitchy and at times inoperable. Likewise the CD Changer.
Rear springs take some punishment and are known to snap. Not wallet busting but must be replaced in pairs. Can be hard to detect pre-purchase without inspecting fully as the ride is very harsh anyway.
If you can check the battery is right for the car too that might be worthwhile.
Find a decent one and buy it. Ridiculously good value, characterful and residuals likely to hold up well.
Good luck.
Rear centre brake light seal perishes over time, particularly during cold winter spells. Cheap to replace, not too fiddly to fit but slight lead time to get the part from Germany.
Sat nav/electrical gremlins. Check EVERYTHING works properly after startup. Mine was glitchy and at times inoperable. Likewise the CD Changer.
Rear springs take some punishment and are known to snap. Not wallet busting but must be replaced in pairs. Can be hard to detect pre-purchase without inspecting fully as the ride is very harsh anyway.
If you can check the battery is right for the car too that might be worthwhile.
Find a decent one and buy it. Ridiculously good value, characterful and residuals likely to hold up well.
Good luck.
Cheers chaps. Yes I'd read about the third brake light, seems to be that it ends up cracking the lens. Interesting tip about the headlights, I can imagine they'd be pricey. Hopefully will be able to buy from a relatively dry state which may have helped things.
Yes they are reasonably priced over here in America as well. I was considering getting one before all the prospect of emigrating turned up, so its good that the models are over here too.
I'll be spending about $23k (about £15k in proper money) on one, mileage varies on them but usually between 45-65k which really doesn't make that much of a difference. I'm getting quite excited about it now. Annoyingly having little credit history over here I'm having to save up a chunk of change for sales tax and what not which you need to pay on a vehicle when you register it.
Yes they are reasonably priced over here in America as well. I was considering getting one before all the prospect of emigrating turned up, so its good that the models are over here too.
I'll be spending about $23k (about £15k in proper money) on one, mileage varies on them but usually between 45-65k which really doesn't make that much of a difference. I'm getting quite excited about it now. Annoyingly having little credit history over here I'm having to save up a chunk of change for sales tax and what not which you need to pay on a vehicle when you register it.
At 40k mine had ever such a tiny amount of play in the steering (nobody else who drove it noticed this), though I'm not sure if this was down to it having been damaged at some point. It was down to a ball-joint on the end of the tie rod, so I replaced it. BMW 330 price = £25. Similar part for the Z4M = £175. 
TFP said:
Water in the headlamps. Can lead to failure of the control unit, which is very pricey. Cycle the controls off and on a few times to check that they fire up properly each time. You don't want to be replacing a complete headlamp. You'll think it's April 1st when they quote you the price.
Rear centre brake light seal perishes over time, particularly during cold winter spells. Cheap to replace, not too fiddly to fit but slight lead time to get the part from Germany.
Sat nav/electrical gremlins. Check EVERYTHING works properly after startup. Mine was glitchy and at times inoperable. Likewise the CD Changer.
Rear springs take some punishment and are known to snap. Not wallet busting but must be replaced in pairs. Can be hard to detect pre-purchase without inspecting fully as the ride is very harsh anyway.
If you can check the battery is right for the car too that might be worthwhile.
Find a decent one and buy it. Ridiculously good value, characterful and residuals likely to hold up well.
Good luck.
TFP has basically nailed it, but has committed a schoolboy error by omitting one other serious issue which quite a few of these roadsters suffer from.Rear centre brake light seal perishes over time, particularly during cold winter spells. Cheap to replace, not too fiddly to fit but slight lead time to get the part from Germany.
Sat nav/electrical gremlins. Check EVERYTHING works properly after startup. Mine was glitchy and at times inoperable. Likewise the CD Changer.
Rear springs take some punishment and are known to snap. Not wallet busting but must be replaced in pairs. Can be hard to detect pre-purchase without inspecting fully as the ride is very harsh anyway.
If you can check the battery is right for the car too that might be worthwhile.
Find a decent one and buy it. Ridiculously good value, characterful and residuals likely to hold up well.
Good luck.
The roof motors can become flooded due to poor drainage (lift the car and you can get a couple of holes drilled to allow rain to flow out). One of these on a standard Z4R cost me a shade over a GRAND to replace, as it's in a difficult position for access; needs the entire roof to be taken out and the new motor inserted. A real ball ache.
Good luck... buy one... you won't regret it
cerb4.5lee said:
The windscreen washer bottle used to leak on mine but I don't know if its a common fault or whether it was just my car.
Ah, good point. I think back in that serious winter of 2010, many Z4's extending headlamp washers froze up and cracked, rendering them a leaky mess. I sold my car before I replaced mine, but it was on the to do list.bennyboysvuk said:
At 40k mine had ever such a tiny amount of play in the steering (nobody else who drove it noticed this), though I'm not sure if this was down to it having been damaged at some point. It was down to a ball-joint on the end of the tie rod, so I replaced it. BMW 330 price = £25. Similar part for the Z4M = £175.
And both completely interchangeable as with most M car parts.That is the BMW M car tax for you
NorthernSky said:
TFP has basically nailed it, but has committed a schoolboy error by omitting one other serious issue which quite a few of these roadsters suffer from.
Schoolboy error?? Wow, you're a charmer aren't you. Care to re-phrase?I note the OP is asking about the nuances of a Z4MR, which you don't appear to have ever even owned.
Are you a graduate of The Varoufakis School of Diplomacy ?
Schermerhorn said:
bennyboysvuk said:
At 40k mine had ever such a tiny amount of play in the steering (nobody else who drove it noticed this), though I'm not sure if this was down to it having been damaged at some point. It was down to a ball-joint on the end of the tie rod, so I replaced it. BMW 330 price = £25. Similar part for the Z4M = £175.
And both completely interchangeable as with most M car parts.That is the BMW M car tax for you
Gas struts for the boot will probably be weak by now.
Also check the front 'fangs', they are easy to grind out. Having said that, the Zed is fine over practically all speed bumps I've tried.
The filters for the washer pumps can clog and need cleaning. I had some green junk growing in there.
The rear tyres tend to wear heavily on the insides, which can be misleading.
Overall, great cars though, I'm really enjoying mine.
Cheers.
Also check the front 'fangs', they are easy to grind out. Having said that, the Zed is fine over practically all speed bumps I've tried.
The filters for the washer pumps can clog and need cleaning. I had some green junk growing in there.
The rear tyres tend to wear heavily on the insides, which can be misleading.
Overall, great cars though, I'm really enjoying mine.
Cheers.
The DSC hydro unit can fail at any time without warning and your worst case scenario is a ~£2200 repair bill from BMW. The failure is indicated by the ABS, DSC and handbrake warning lights remaining illuminated (the latter in also in amber) plus the warning buzzer sounding when you first move off after starting the engine. There are specific error codes which confirm the problem.
If you're covering the repair out of your own pocket, there is a discretionary goodwill discount available from BMW UK (up to 80% off the part's list price) but this is heavily dependant on the vehicle's mileage and service history. If it hasn't been maintained by the BMW service network then you're unlikely to get any reduction. Replacement units are covered by a two year pan European warranty.
A money saving alternative, particularly if you're running the car on a very tight budget (not recommended), is to buy a refurbished unit from ECU Testing. These are supplied with with a limited lifetime warranty.
If you're covering the repair out of your own pocket, there is a discretionary goodwill discount available from BMW UK (up to 80% off the part's list price) but this is heavily dependant on the vehicle's mileage and service history. If it hasn't been maintained by the BMW service network then you're unlikely to get any reduction. Replacement units are covered by a two year pan European warranty.
A money saving alternative, particularly if you're running the car on a very tight budget (not recommended), is to buy a refurbished unit from ECU Testing. These are supplied with with a limited lifetime warranty.
TFP said:
NorthernSky said:
TFP has basically nailed it, but has committed a schoolboy error by omitting one other serious issue which quite a few of these roadsters suffer from.
Schoolboy error?? Wow, you're a charmer aren't you. Care to re-phrase?I note the OP is asking about the nuances of a Z4MR, which you don't appear to have ever even owned.
Are you a graduate of The Varoufakis School of Diplomacy ?
For the record I have owned the 3.0i and the roof motor is the SAME unit.
One day maybe I will also get hold of a Z4MR and feel god-like on the roads.
cerb4.5lee said:
If you want to be god-like on the roads you need something far better than a car with a crappy fabric roof...go for the Z4M Coupe.
Adds weight and raises centre of gravity On mine I've had the leaking headlamp washer hoses (amazing auc bmw checks didn't notice that one) a new Air flow meter , two rear coil springs and two throttle position sensors to address engine hesitation.
If you buy carefully and not a vehicle needing break disc renewal or an inspection 2 then the costs shouldn't be too bad. VED £500 is irritating for a weekend toy.
WRT roof motors the later cars have additional weatherproofing in that area. Consider if the car has spend time living outside, particular under trees.
GL
Adam
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