Z4 2.0i N46 ~2008 - things to look for?

[Shiv_P]

Hi all

Just wondering whether anyone has any experience of this engine in the Z4 (N46) in a 2008 Z4
Yes I know that it is the worst engine to go for due to power, torque delivery etc but due to insurance prices this is the engine I am looking for at the moment

I can't find anything concrete as to whether timing chain issues affected this as well as the diesel N47 engines? Are these ones to avoid as well?

Thanks

[helix402]

2008 will be the direct injection evolution of the N46, the N43. They are terrible engines and suffer from oil leaks, stretched/slipped/snapped timing chains, faulty injectors, faulty low rail pressure sensors. Why not go for an older 6 cylinder M54?

[Shiv_P]

OK I'll give it a miss

N54 would be great but insurance :/ I'm 19 and will have 2 year ncb but will still be around £2k insurance which I can't justify

Is this the same engine as in a e90 320i of similar vintage? Similar problems?

[anonymous-user]

We had a March 08 Z4 2L. Sold it in October 14, 6.5 yo or so with admittedly a low 26k miles.

It’s not a thrilling engine but isn’t too bad for everyday use and is able to return close to 40mpg.

We never had any issues with the engine, it was oil tight and never missed a beat.

The only failure was the ABS valve module, not unusual. Had it replaced by BMW, total £2300, to which BMW contributed £1600. That was just before we got rid of it.

Unless you need much better performance and don’t mind lower mpg, I think it’s an OK car.

[helix402]

An E90 320i will have the same engine. If you want a 4 cylinder the older M47 4 cylinder diesel is reliable. (Pre 03/07 I think).

[Shiv_P]

Think I'll just have to get something with a st engine for a year or two
Even a 318 or 320d coupe/saloon is coming out at £1600-1800 which is stupid money

[p4cks]

helix402 said:

2008 will be the direct injection evolution of the N46, the N43. They are terrible engines and suffer from oil leaks, stretched/slipped/snapped timing chains, faulty injectors, faulty low rail pressure sensors.

This 100%. They have to be up there with the 1.8 K-Series engine in respect of the woeful reliability IMO

[Shiv_P]

p4cks said:

This 100%. They have to be up there with the 1.8 K-Series engine in respect of the woeful reliability IMO

If it's as bad as K series then fk that

[helix402]

On the plus side, we all get older so insurance gets cheaper!

[iSore]

The E85 was spared the appalling N43 engine of death, retaining the not-quite-as-awful N46.

They're not quite as bad; you avoid the dreaded injector issues and the coil packs are far better but you still have the oil leaks, craptronic system, timing chain and all that bks. A lower mileage one (50k) that looks dry and oil tight isn't a bad unit I guess.

In finding an engine as abysmal as the N43, I reckon the BMW PSA 'Prince' engine in the Cooper S and various Peugeots etc is pretty much up there.

[Z4MCSL]

Out of interest what are your criteria for a new car and why are you looking at this one specifically.

Might be some options out there you havent considered?

[Shiv_P]

Z4MCSL said:

Out of interest what are your criteria for a new car and why are you looking at this one specifically.

Might be some options out there you havent considered?

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1710957&mid=447055

Basically I'm 19 and the insurance on it is cheap for some reason

[Z4MCSL]

ok, so you want cheap insurance and something fun. have you looked at Mazda MX5? Have you considered anything thats not a convertible?

[Shiv_P]

Z4MCSL said:

ok, so you want cheap insurance and something fun. have you looked at Mazda MX5? Have you considered anything thats not a convertible?

Tried quotes on lots of things, "hot" hatches which are extortionate and MX5/Z4 but just a little worried about NVH on a convertible as likely in 2019 I will do a year placement job which will involve a bit of travelling