A few questions from a Z4 newbie

[blazej]

Hello folks. A new ‘11 E89 30is owner here with a few new-used car issues. I've only had it for a couple of weeks and it’s also my first BMW so trying to wrap my head around a few things.

• Battery: I got a warning for a “very low battery charge” a couple of times already. First question: is this indicative of a battery that is reaching the end of its life and needs replacing? The battery that’s installed is something called Platinum Prestige 096E, 74Ah. I can’t tell how old it is.
  I’ve read conflicting statements about whether an AGM or a regular battery is required for this car. Is there a definite current state of knowledge answer to that?

• Salmon relays: The ones in the car say Tyco Electronics, 12.63-1 742 690/01, V23134-E52-X344. Is there a way to know if these are the factory ones or more recent replacements?

• Tyres: I've got 19" 326M on with some horrible budget tyres. They've already given me a fright in the wet - I nearly ended up in the ditch on day 1 going around a bend at about 30mph... I don't want to open a can of worms so I won't ask for tyre recommendations, I just want to check on sizes. The consensus seems to be non-runflats with the front sized up from 225 35 to 235 35 and the rear from 255 30 to 255 35, does that sound right?

• I logged a new service interval by mistake on the onboard computer... It now says the next service is due in 2027... Is there a way to reset this?

Thanks in advance

[javis20]

Concerning Salmon relays. The Tyco ones are original. I used to work for Tyco.

[Chippie]

Hi blazej and welcome to the forum, I don’t think that will be the original BMW battery, you can check the age by looking on top of the negative terminal it will have 2 sets of numbers stamped into it, manufacture month and year, eg 01/19 January 2019, the low charge could be because of short trips, sitting admiring the inside and listening to music with the door open and the engine off , I’d definitely put it on charge for 24hrs and see if that helps, but if the battery is over 5 years old I’d be changing it, it should be an AMG type.
For the cost you’re better off fitting new salmon relays and change them every 5 years or so.
Tyres are 225/35 front and 255/30 rear, I’d stick with that and probably put non run flats on, buy a can of tyre weld and a tyre inflator.
I’m afraid I can’t help with the service reset.
It would also be nice to see a photo of your new purchase

[Marcoose]

OP, it seems you can go up 5mm in each tyre width without any rubbing issues. I use PS4S. Good enough for me. Word is PS5 is out. Don’t know about PS5S.

Congrats on your purchase. Got pics ?

[Busterboo]

Congratulations, blazej, on buying a very good model. I've had mine for 6+ years & 73,000 miles.

Now, buy BMW Insured Warranty. You'll need it.

[matsmith749]

My 2 cents:

Battery - if it's older than 5 years get it replaced regardless. You have a slight niggle now, but a whole pile of random strandings / alarms / seeminginly unrelated electrical issues are all on the horizon. It's a service part - get it changed.

Salmon relays - don;t check too hard, just assume they are original. get them changed - it's cheap & easy, just do it & thank me later. Change them again in 3 years time.

Tyres - don;t mess about with changing the sizes. Stick to orignal sizes, and I would strongly recommend any of the modern non-runflats. It will hugely improve the ride & grip levels. Join the AA or get a can of tyre gunk for the boot. Definitely dont go from 30 to 35 on the rears - that will throw out your speedo.

Service reset - no idea. Learn a lesson not to mess with things you don;t understand (we all have limits).

Enjoy it!

[Jasonn]

Change that battery, I found the stop start became erratic, got a power steering fault/alert the I drive screen opened halfway - new battery fitted all good.

Halfords own brand battery was a rebadged Yuasa

[biZ4rreMids]

I’ve been running 255/35/19 Goodyear F1s on the rear of my E89 since July 2020 with no issues. The decision for this was based on sound advice from other forum members who had followed the same path.

[Christopher72]

If it's not a daily driver, then get a battery tender if it sits a month+ to support the health of your new battery. Also, where are you from? Goodyear F1's here as well -- ditch the MF run flats, and your rims will thank you. Salmon relays... because. Also learn to love you some Gummi Pflege Stift.

[Silverstar]

Now, buy BMW Insured Warranty. You'll need it.

Welcome OP, the battery should be the AGM type, if you buy a new one make sure you register it to the car. Before you go changing it, it might be worthwhile getting it tested to see if it is holding the charge. My car recently started giving me these warning despite the battery being less than 2 years old, seems like I have some sort of current drain!

Busterboo is yours the 30i? I shouldn't think the 30i if in good nick to begin with needs a warranty, that's for the 35i(s) folks Had mine over 3 years now and the only issue so far is the current drain I mentioned above.

[enuff_zed]

Busterboo is yours the 30i? I shouldn't think the 30i if in good nick to begin with needs a warranty, that's for the 35i(s) folks Had mine over 3 years now and the only issue so far is the current drain I mentioned above.

Tbh, I started typing a similar reply, but then I thought about the roof issues that are starting to crop up as they get older and wondered if it's worth it just for that?
But without all the turbo-ey faff you may be just as well off sticking £500 a year in a 'just in case' pot instead.

[Silverstar]

But without all the turbo-ey faff you may be just as well off sticking £500 a year in a 'just in case' pot instead.

Better off sticking that £500 in the pot! To be honest I'd probably do the same with a 35i as well but that's just me.

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum OP.

I think your questions have all been answered - so now all we need are photos of your Z4!

[Busterboo]

Now, buy BMW Insured Warranty. You'll need it.

Busterboo is yours the 30i? I shouldn't think the 30i if in good nick to begin with needs a warranty, that's for the 35i(s) folks Had mine over 3 years now and the only issue so far is the current drain I mentioned above.

No, it's a 35is, the same as the OP's.

[Marcoose]

Surprisingly no smart arse has suggested OP to check if he's got old summer air in those tyres.