Z4 Alpina Rough Idle on startup
Discussion
On startup my alpina z4 runs rough and even the slightest throttle opening leads to what can only be described as bouncy revs (fluctuate between 800 and 3000rpm) - quite entertaining! Car has just been serviced by BMW prior to sale. Is this normal? Anything else I should know about how to look after the new toy? Any help apreciated!
Mine was the same right from new.
They do run rough until warmed up.
Don't drive it hard until properley warm (Oil not water) as you will put excessive wear on the engine. Give it 10 - 15 mins steady driving first.
How old is the car/Is it still under Warranty?
A known issue is slight corrosion around the tyre valves.
Alpina replaced all 4 of my wheels when the car was two years old, just before the warranty expired.
Other than this I had no issues at all with the car in over three years of ownership.
I went all over Europe in it, including a visit to Buchloe where I met the technician who built my engine.
Check the oil level regularly as they all use it to some extent. Mine used to get through 1ltr every 5K miles but I know of other cars using much more. Again, this is normal and nothing to worry about.
Only 369 built of which just 167 were RHD.
Great car ... I still get pangs about trading mine in.
They do run rough until warmed up.
Don't drive it hard until properley warm (Oil not water) as you will put excessive wear on the engine. Give it 10 - 15 mins steady driving first.
How old is the car/Is it still under Warranty?
A known issue is slight corrosion around the tyre valves.
Alpina replaced all 4 of my wheels when the car was two years old, just before the warranty expired.
Other than this I had no issues at all with the car in over three years of ownership.
I went all over Europe in it, including a visit to Buchloe where I met the technician who built my engine.
Check the oil level regularly as they all use it to some extent. Mine used to get through 1ltr every 5K miles but I know of other cars using much more. Again, this is normal and nothing to worry about.
Only 369 built of which just 167 were RHD.
Great car ... I still get pangs about trading mine in.
Edited by Gimlet on Saturday 13th October 13:15
Thanks for the advice, the alloys were replaced 2 weeks ago under warranty. The gentleman I bought it from said exactly the same stuff you've just said, just wanted to double check. Its an awesome bit of kit and I'm not sure that I'll change it like I've changed all my other cars! I actually quite like the rough idle - I'm sure my neighbours don't!
zoommer said:
Thanks for the advice, the alloys were replaced 2 weeks ago under warranty. The gentleman I bought it from said exactly the same stuff you've just said, just wanted to double check. Its an awesome bit of kit and I'm not sure that I'll change it like I've changed all my other cars! I actually quite like the rough idle - I'm sure my neighbours don't!
One of my neighbours refers to my car as the best alarm clock in the world. Seriously though, you'll notice that the engine runs higher revs to start with and as a bugger to drive smoothly as a result - I often bounce round the neighbourhood as I leave for work if I'm not on the ball with my clutch control. I'm having a bit of an issue with my alloys, three are losing air and I've noticed this weekend that I've got some bubbling round the valves too. Looks like it is a warranty thing for me too!
It's a fantastic piece if kit though. Drove from Glasgow to Cornwall and back last month and it didn't miss a beat.
Gimlet said:
I used higher octane fuel if I could get it but it ran quite happily on normal unleaded.
Just another point on oil .... whereas other Z4's have a monitor that highlights when oil is needed the Alpina does not, so regular manual dipstick checks are advisable.
I always run mine on V-Power. I can tell the difference when I don't as the engine is definitely 'rougher' on normal unleaded particularly between 2000-3000rpm in a high gear. I didn't know about the oil indicator (thought there was one)! Will be checking that at lunchtime...Just another point on oil .... whereas other Z4's have a monitor that highlights when oil is needed the Alpina does not, so regular manual dipstick checks are advisable.
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