BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe - Daily / Fixer
Discussion
Always admired the Z4 coupe shape, so recently I started a search to find one and tick it off the list. As I'm based in Dubai, the number of coupes here are limited and the only odd one would pop up for sale, also seems no sport models were sold here, only the 3.0si version (Z4M were sold here, but are demanding silly money now). I also did not want to spend big money, since I already have two cars (Discovery LR3 and 911 4S), plus I wanted something I could tinker with myself when it breaks, needs parts replacing etc.
I spotted this car around the corner from where I live (I was out running one night), it was very dusty and had not moved for a few weeks. I stuck a note on the car with my phone number to see if the owner was interested in selling it. I heard nothing for weeks and the note disappeared but the car didn't move. Eventually the owner messaged, said he'd sell it if I was interested.
The cons:
Firstly, it's leggy by most standards at circa 120k miles on the clock (2008 registered car). I've never owned a high miler before, but did some research and these 3.0 engines are strong by all accounts.
The bodywork has a few dings (which could be pulled out) which is very typical in this country, it's rare to see a car without a ding (people don't give a s
t when opening doors), but other than that it's not visually too bad and the paintwork is in half decent condition.
The drive was a bit ropey. The engine is smooth as you'd expect, there are the usual thuds and groans on and off the throttle. Assuming this was a shot engine or gearbox mount etc.
Run-flat tyres are noisy as hell.
Stupid dark tinted windows. Ruins the look of the car and hides the lovely cream leather interior.
Rear view auto-dim mirror has leaked and stopped working (very common fault).
It's an auto box (but with sports steering wheel and paddles). No manuals here apart from the Z4M. No sports seats either. I couldn't be too fussy!
The pros:
Full BMW dealer service history. Brand new BMW OEM discs and pads all round. 1 owner from new (a Brit as well, always a good sign out here), new front wishbones (OEM) and recently fitted rear springs. Optional M-sport suspension and finished in a lovely Rubystone-black. The interior has worn remarkably well for the mileage and the relentless Middle East heat. Rubber seals have not perished (common fault here as well).
Price. Approx. £3,450 (at today's exchange rate). Not too bad I thought, considering these are £6k+ in the UK.
Few pics:
Work planned/done so far:-
Done - Replaced all the tyres with non-runflats. This solved the road noise by about 50%! Huge improvement. Plus the seller contributed to the cost as part of the sale.
Done - Replaced the rearview mirror from a 1-series mirror for £20 .
Done - Oil/filter service done.
To do - Ordered engine, gearbox and differential mounts from Germany. I'll fit these myself in a few weeks. Big job as you need to drop the diff, but I've got the tools, so I'm happy to tackle it.
To do - Tints to be removed very soon.
To do - Install an AUX port. Cannot believe this car was not spec'd with one.
To do - clean/polish and treat the leather.
Other than that, it's a lovely drive and hopefully it will be loads better once the new mounts are fitted. It also seems nicer to drive the more I've driven it these last few weeks.
I spotted this car around the corner from where I live (I was out running one night), it was very dusty and had not moved for a few weeks. I stuck a note on the car with my phone number to see if the owner was interested in selling it. I heard nothing for weeks and the note disappeared but the car didn't move. Eventually the owner messaged, said he'd sell it if I was interested.
The cons:
Firstly, it's leggy by most standards at circa 120k miles on the clock (2008 registered car). I've never owned a high miler before, but did some research and these 3.0 engines are strong by all accounts.
The bodywork has a few dings (which could be pulled out) which is very typical in this country, it's rare to see a car without a ding (people don't give a s
t when opening doors), but other than that it's not visually too bad and the paintwork is in half decent condition.The drive was a bit ropey. The engine is smooth as you'd expect, there are the usual thuds and groans on and off the throttle. Assuming this was a shot engine or gearbox mount etc.
Run-flat tyres are noisy as hell.
Stupid dark tinted windows. Ruins the look of the car and hides the lovely cream leather interior.
Rear view auto-dim mirror has leaked and stopped working (very common fault).
It's an auto box (but with sports steering wheel and paddles). No manuals here apart from the Z4M. No sports seats either. I couldn't be too fussy!
The pros:
Full BMW dealer service history. Brand new BMW OEM discs and pads all round. 1 owner from new (a Brit as well, always a good sign out here), new front wishbones (OEM) and recently fitted rear springs. Optional M-sport suspension and finished in a lovely Rubystone-black. The interior has worn remarkably well for the mileage and the relentless Middle East heat. Rubber seals have not perished (common fault here as well).
Price. Approx. £3,450 (at today's exchange rate). Not too bad I thought, considering these are £6k+ in the UK.
Few pics:
Work planned/done so far:-
Done - Replaced all the tyres with non-runflats. This solved the road noise by about 50%! Huge improvement. Plus the seller contributed to the cost as part of the sale.
Done - Replaced the rearview mirror from a 1-series mirror for £20 .
Done - Oil/filter service done.
To do - Ordered engine, gearbox and differential mounts from Germany. I'll fit these myself in a few weeks. Big job as you need to drop the diff, but I've got the tools, so I'm happy to tackle it.
To do - Tints to be removed very soon.
To do - Install an AUX port. Cannot believe this car was not spec'd with one.
To do - clean/polish and treat the leather.
Other than that, it's a lovely drive and hopefully it will be loads better once the new mounts are fitted. It also seems nicer to drive the more I've driven it these last few weeks.
Edited by Rich_AR on Monday 3rd July 08:51
Edited by Rich_AR on Monday 3rd July 08:52
Edited by Rich_AR on Monday 3rd July 08:57
irvine1 said:
Always liked the look of these, how's the paint holding upto the sun? We have the same problem with the heat and sun here in oz, turns everything crap in just a few years.
Neil
Really well actually. No fade or anything. Front lower bumper is a little dull due to the sand blast its probably received over the years, but a good polish will solve that I'd like to think.Neil
-UPDATE-
Yesterday and today I had the time to tackle the following jobs.
Replace 2 x jacking point cups/rubbers (2 were missing)
Replace 3 x differential mounts
Replace 2 x gearbox mounts
Replace 2 x engine mounts
Replace 1 x prop donut/guido
Replace 2 x rear ARB bushes and stabiliser bars
Replace 2 x front drop links/stabiliser bars
I ordered the new parts in Germany and had them delivered to the girlfriends parents (since I was going to be in Germany for holiday) as they are loads cheaper than here in Dubai, plus I doubt I could get all the parts I wanted, especially OEM quality parts (Lemforder and Meyle) let alone a decent price. I also ordered a special bush extractor kit for the diff bushes (not in the pic)
Jacked up on stands, and ramps for extra safety, also had a jack at the front:-
I started with the diff mounts. After reading a few guides, I got down to business and removed the skid pan, re-inforcement plate, support bars, support bracket, ARB, , exhaust, heat shield ,drive shafts and main input shaft. Three large bolts and the differential was finally loose and slowly dropped with a jack. The diff weighs bloody loads, more than I expected!
(very clean for a 120k car, Dubai weather I guess!)
Bagging and labelling the bolts/nuts as I go, plus including the torque setting for ease and speed of reinstall:-
The three bushes were a total pita, both removing and pushing new ones in.
Old main diff bush, totally shot (it fell to bits):-
Old front diff bush, split (both were like this):-
New bush pushed in:
Special tool I used to remove and install bushes:
New rear stabiliser bar vs old:
After that I refitted the diff, and all the parts, I left off the exhaust as I had the below to fit. Main diff support bolt needed to be torqued to a hefty 176nm!
Replacing the prop donut/guido, you need to drop the propshaft. The donut/guido had small cracks and was brittle, so was worth replacing. I visually checked the centre bearing, and all looked good:-
Replaced the gearbox mounts, probably the easiest job with the exhaust off and centre support bracket removed. As you can see, the old ones were compressed:
Engine mounts were goosed as well, both cracked. Drivers side was easy to do, but the passenger side has a support bracket which is bloody fiddly to remove, took various attempts of jacking the engine up in certain areas to get it:
Old vs new:
I didn't take any pics of the front stabiliser bars, but these were split and no doubt the reason for the front end rattle.
I torqued everything up to spec (I did use some loctite on certain bolts, driveshaft, prop bolts etc) and finally I refitted all the undertrays, exhaust, support brackets.
It was roasting outside (circa 45c) and was only able to do the work with a massive welders fan I borrowed off a mate. This saved my life. I still managed to drink loads of water and lots of tea!
All in all, it took me about 6 hours for the removal of the diff, fitting the bushes and reinstalling most of the parts I removed. Few more hours for the prop donut, gearbox mounts and engine mounts etc. I have to say, it was quite a job and physically draining. I look loads of breaks and took my time to make sure everything was done properly.
Test drive was great! No more knocking, gear change is smooth and the lurching from 2nd to 1st has been eliminated. Happy days!
Overall, all the parts (and bush extractor tool) costs me approx £250. I was quoted £900 alone for the bush mounts and engine mounts by a local BMW specialist. So a tidy saving, satisfying DIY and learnt a few things along the way. However I ache like fk and realise I'm getting older!
Yesterday and today I had the time to tackle the following jobs.
Replace 2 x jacking point cups/rubbers (2 were missing)
Replace 3 x differential mounts
Replace 2 x gearbox mounts
Replace 2 x engine mounts
Replace 1 x prop donut/guido
Replace 2 x rear ARB bushes and stabiliser bars
Replace 2 x front drop links/stabiliser bars
I ordered the new parts in Germany and had them delivered to the girlfriends parents (since I was going to be in Germany for holiday) as they are loads cheaper than here in Dubai, plus I doubt I could get all the parts I wanted, especially OEM quality parts (Lemforder and Meyle) let alone a decent price. I also ordered a special bush extractor kit for the diff bushes (not in the pic)
Jacked up on stands, and ramps for extra safety, also had a jack at the front:-
I started with the diff mounts. After reading a few guides, I got down to business and removed the skid pan, re-inforcement plate, support bars, support bracket, ARB, , exhaust, heat shield ,drive shafts and main input shaft. Three large bolts and the differential was finally loose and slowly dropped with a jack. The diff weighs bloody loads, more than I expected!
(very clean for a 120k car, Dubai weather I guess!)
Bagging and labelling the bolts/nuts as I go, plus including the torque setting for ease and speed of reinstall:-
The three bushes were a total pita, both removing and pushing new ones in.
Old main diff bush, totally shot (it fell to bits):-
Old front diff bush, split (both were like this):-
New bush pushed in:
Special tool I used to remove and install bushes:
New rear stabiliser bar vs old:
After that I refitted the diff, and all the parts, I left off the exhaust as I had the below to fit. Main diff support bolt needed to be torqued to a hefty 176nm!
Replacing the prop donut/guido, you need to drop the propshaft. The donut/guido had small cracks and was brittle, so was worth replacing. I visually checked the centre bearing, and all looked good:-
Replaced the gearbox mounts, probably the easiest job with the exhaust off and centre support bracket removed. As you can see, the old ones were compressed:
Engine mounts were goosed as well, both cracked. Drivers side was easy to do, but the passenger side has a support bracket which is bloody fiddly to remove, took various attempts of jacking the engine up in certain areas to get it:
Old vs new:
I didn't take any pics of the front stabiliser bars, but these were split and no doubt the reason for the front end rattle.
I torqued everything up to spec (I did use some loctite on certain bolts, driveshaft, prop bolts etc) and finally I refitted all the undertrays, exhaust, support brackets.
It was roasting outside (circa 45c) and was only able to do the work with a massive welders fan I borrowed off a mate. This saved my life. I still managed to drink loads of water and lots of tea!
All in all, it took me about 6 hours for the removal of the diff, fitting the bushes and reinstalling most of the parts I removed. Few more hours for the prop donut, gearbox mounts and engine mounts etc. I have to say, it was quite a job and physically draining. I look loads of breaks and took my time to make sure everything was done properly.
Test drive was great! No more knocking, gear change is smooth and the lurching from 2nd to 1st has been eliminated. Happy days!
Overall, all the parts (and bush extractor tool) costs me approx £250. I was quoted £900 alone for the bush mounts and engine mounts by a local BMW specialist. So a tidy saving, satisfying DIY and learnt a few things along the way. However I ache like f
k and realise I'm getting older! Edited by Rich_AR on Monday 3rd July 09:11
Saturday I had the gearbox oil and filter replaced at a local gearbox specialist. This is probably the first time this has been done in its 120k life. BMW claim lifetime oil, but their lifetime is 100k (apparently), so made sense to do it. The old oil was quite dark, plus there was an annoying squeak on hard acceleration/or kick down. Strangely replacing the oil solved the squeaking! (little bit like Ed China and that infamous Porsche Boxster gearbox he fixed with fresh oil 
) and the shifting is a little bit smoother now.
) and the shifting is a little bit smoother now.Paracetamol said:
I went to see progress on my projects in an air condtitioned workshop yesterday...and lasted 40 minutes before wanting to get out. How you did this work without a ramp in 45 deg heat is beyond me. The soles of my shoes burn on the outside pavement!
I wish we had a good and honest BMW workshop over here. I have a lovely E30 M3 that I would love to commission but know the heartache of letting one of the shops over here loose on it...one for blightly when I eventually return and safely stored til then...
I tell you, it were bloody boiling! The welders fan is a beast though and helped massively. I just took loads of breaks and drank loads of water, but still it wasn't an easy job on my own. I wish we had a good and honest BMW workshop over here. I have a lovely E30 M3 that I would love to commission but know the heartache of letting one of the shops over here loose on it...one for blightly when I eventually return and safely stored til then...
Agree on the honest BM garage bit. I got a few quotes on the gearbox oil from a well known specialist here whom came back with double the price than I paid Dexol (whom were really good I have to say, very impressed).
markirl said:
Great thread and great spannering!
Looking to replace my prop flex coupling soon - how did you find the quality of the Meyle item? I've heard mixed reports so would be interested to hear your view.
Looked identical and fitted without any issues. I've only read mixed reports on FEBI parts, not Meyle. (However I could only find FEBI gearbox mounts at a decent price, but since they are easy to replace its not issue)Looking to replace my prop flex coupling soon - how did you find the quality of the Meyle item? I've heard mixed reports so would be interested to hear your view.
Edited by Rich_AR on Tuesday 4th July 05:16
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