Any major problems in first 6-7 years / 100,000miles (161,000kms)?

[Sangers]

Hey Guys,

I just started the process of owning my first BMW. I am moving to Seattle (from Australia) and have paid for the transfer of a E89 Z4 across the country.

Quick question for all BMW owners: Did you experience any major problems in your first 6-7 years or 100,000miles (161,000kms)?

The reason for my question is I'm weighing up taking a $3700 option for an extended warranty from the dealership that will cover either 5 years or the next 50,000miles (the car has already done 50,000). The only catch is there's a deductable (like an excess) payment of $500 for any repair I claim under the warranty. Therefore it would only make sense to claim major problems.

I set up a quick pole to assist.

Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

[Z4_35i]

We have a September 2009 build Z4 35i which we've owned since May 2012 with no issues, mileage is only just over 44K though.

[matsmith749]

I had a 35is for 2 1/2 years & 15k miles - no real issues.

Minor fails (rear light letting in water fixed for £300, 2 damaged wheels a few hundred also). Probably would not have been covered on a warranty.

Gearbox / engine / major stuff all perfect.

[sixspeed]

My only failure/issue on my car in 9 years and 98,000 miles has been a voltage regulator which cost £80 to fix.

[Sangers]

Sweet. Thanks for sharing your histories guys. Sounds like it's not worth it.

[jimbo1958]

All injectors and footwell module replaced at 68k.
Would of been close to £3000 if I didn't have warranty.

[extaz]

If it already has 50k miles, any issues probably have been taken care of. The issues I see on the forums are: HPFP, replaced under warranty, Vanos parts, replaced under warranty, Battery cable, replaced under warranty. The new fuel pump and the vanos now has a higher mileage warranty . Style 296 wheels crack and are replaced under certain conditions. All these happen early on. Valve covers and gaskets seem to be frequent failures also from my reading.
If you recently acquired the car you need to get a good history which the dealer can get off the key fob/vin, and can tell you what has been taken care of. Later models after 2010 apparently had these issues fixed.
I also noticed in the U.K. a lot of water leak problems in the top and the lights. Seattle has a similar climate.
That warranty is pretty expensive and the deductible is too high. Is that valid in the USA?
Wish you well.

[ric19]

28i registered Oct 2012 done 20k, I have had a few issues, the bluetooth module was faulty when I got her, I have had a new rear cluster due to a hairline crack developing, and I had both seat covers replaced due to the stitching coming adrift on the pull out section on the passenger side and excessive wear on the bolster on the drivers side, all done under warranty, and since then all has been fine.

[Ozie]

I have 2010 35is
- 2nd owner
- 86.000 km / 53.000 miles when I bought it 11/2014
- 104.000 km / 65.000 miles at the moment

Problems so far:
- DCT oil leak (random drops) under warranty

[flybobbie]

2009 23i. Bought at 28k. By 29k banging noise from rear, like rubber mallet hitting bottom of boot.
When joined the US forum discovered similar issues reported there.
BMW couldn't fix, so much for warranty.
I replaced anti roll bushes and finally removed and turned rear spring on the right side through 90 degrees, problem cured.
At 34k I replaced the rear shocks with Koni as wasn't happy with them.
Tail light water ingress.

[Sangers]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I've decided not to get the extended warranty.