BMW Z4 Convertible 2009 Facelift

[David-wt7ob]

Hi folks. I’m thinking of buying a Z4 as above with the hard top metal roof that folds into the boot.
My main concern is that as I live in the West Coast of Scotland and I believe it is subjected to the odd bout of precipitation ie it pisses down most of the time, will the roof be up to the job?
Any thoughts
Thanks

[ZX10R NIN]

The roof will be fine, just make sure the drainage holes are working properly.

[David-wt7ob]

Thanks I will do..

[edc]

With good roads around I'd probably buy a 987 Boxster and a hardtop if I really needed the hard roof option. I realise that doesn't answer your question but a Boxster roof will survive outside too but as already mentioned drains should be cleared regularly.

[David-wt7ob]

Thanks for that

[Mr Tidy]

There is no resaon why running an E89 Z4 in Scotland should be a problem - there are plenty of E89 owners in that part of the world.

I've had Z4s but earlier ones. From what I have read replacing the Hall sensors on the folding roof mechanism is a good preventative measure, and look out for broken wires where the loom for the roof folds. Worth spending some time doing searches on z4forum or similar.

[healeyneil]

I’m using an E85 Z4 ( with its fabric roof ) as my daily now and it’s absolutely fine. I live in Glasgow. Getting to drop the top on the occasional sunny day is bliss
Oh and it lives outside

Edited by healeyneil on Wednesday 24th November 23:19

[David-wt7ob]

Thanks gents great advice !

[ajguk]

Mr Tidy said:

There is no resaon why running an E89 Z4 in Scotland should be a problem - there are plenty of E89 owners in that part of the world.

I've had Z4s but earlier ones. From what I have read replacing the Hall sensors on the folding roof mechanism is a good preventative measure, and look out for broken wires where the loom for the roof folds. Worth spending some time doing searches on z4forum or similar.

Salmon relays are also a good preventative on these, I need to do mine. I had the red bong of death earlier this year with my roof, it would stop halfway through its cycle. Eventually diagnosed it as being a faulty hall sensor thanks to a hugely helpful chap on the Z4 Forum. The Z4-specific part was around £200 I believe, but it's the same as the £25 1-series 'vert part just with a different plug. An hour or so later of soldering, unbolting/bolting, praying and swearing and she was good to go again. I love mine (N52 engine).

[Mr Tidy]

ajguk said:

Salmon relays are also a good preventative on these, I need to do mine. I had the red bong of death earlier this year with my roof, it would stop halfway through its cycle. Eventually diagnosed it as being a faulty hall sensor thanks to a hugely helpful chap on the Z4 Forum. The Z4-specific part was around £200 I believe, but it's the same as the £25 1-series 'vert part just with a different plug. An hour or so later of soldering, unbolting/bolting, praying and swearing and she was good to go again. I love mine (N52 engine).

That's good advice and highlights exactly why it is worth spending some time on a forum specific to any car you are thinking of buying.

N52 is a great engine BTW - I'm on my 4th (but in a 3 Series this time),

[David-wt7ob]

Thanks for that.. my first post on PH and I’m suitably impressed

[ukpolak]

I had a 2009 Z4 before kids arrived (59 / hard top). Such a lovely car and a looker - made them in the same shape until like 2 years ago so with a private plate on it, you didn’t know it was from 2009. As compared to eg 3 series which changes looks a lot more often as it is so more popular.

Per the above posts, exactly the same issue on roof not folding correctly after a few years of ownership. I foolishly took it to an Indy who had no idea how to sort (was charged for some work which didn’t rectify) but I had read about sensor issues and took it to BMW and they replaced it without any issues thereafter.

Seeing it go up or down was so impressive, one bit lifting for another to go in, all the motors and moving parts. So impressive.

I only had a 2.0 but with looks like that, I didn’t care for performance. It still shifted as it is a light car.