2007 BMW Z4

[melcdreyer]

Hi. I just purchased a 2007 BMW Z4 with just over 75000 miles, but I’m starting to have buyer’s remorse. I need some encouragement. I thought I asked all the right questions, did all the research but I now have a Service Engine Soon light on and I’m scared to death. The car seems to be idling rough when you brake and bring the car to a stop. I had noticed this and actually already had an appointment to have the car checked out and the light came on today. I notified the dealership today, took a picture of the service light and the mileage - I have 30 days or 1000 miles after purchase. But even with that there is only so much they are going to cover. I love the car and have wanted a sporty car for years and felt quite comfortable purchasing a used BMW with 75000 miles because it’s a BMW. I know you have to go into a purchase of a used car with the knowledge that issues will come up, but you hope it isn’t the Service Engine Soon light less than 2 weeks after you purchase it.

Please tell me that it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s something huge! I can tell you that one of the last service records on the car right before the dealership put it up for sale was listed as “computer Reprogramed” which could be as simple as updates, or could be trying to hide an issue hoping it would not pop up again before they would have to deal with it again.

Needing good vibes please.

[Mike6]

Firstly congratulation on purchasing what I think is a brilliant car. Is it the e85. If so I think the engine is brilliant in 2.5 or 3.0 litre form
Whenever I purchase a car I always give it a full service, oil ,filters and plugs as a minimum. If you are reasonably competent it is a fairly simple job and you are likely to notice a significant improvement and it is a useful starting point, irrespective of when the car was last serviced. When I got my zed it had a full BMW service history but when I checked the air filter it was so dirty and date stamped 2005 so had never been changed.
Rough running could simply be down to a split on the intake boot, a cheap and easy fix .

[patriot66]

Hi Melcdreyer. What engine is your Z4 ? I see it is 2007 so probably either the 2.5/3ltr 6cyl N52 or 2ltr 4cyl N46.

[melcdreyer]

Thank you for your reply. It’s an E85. Unfortunately I am not at all competent mechanically. Now that’s not to say I couldn’t learn but I typically have someone else service my cars. I’m a 69 yr young female but not completely helpless. Grew up in the South and learned to take care of quite a lot of things myself, but never learned the basics of car maintenance. Actually wish I had. I also have a Ram 1500 truck that I dearly love, so go figure. That being said I hopefully will find out this morning what is going on with the service engine soon light.

[N4LLY]

Welcome to the forum and congrat's on your purchase

Oh and we pictures here

[melcdreyer]

Patriot66 it’s a 3.0 let 6 cylinder

[melcdreyer]

Well, we have a diagnostic of the service engine soon code. 2A82: VANOS INTAKE - Solenoid intake/exhaust - parts and labor $830 - estimate. I looked this up and it looks like such an easy fix but not something I feel I need to tackle. I’m working with the dealership we got the car fro to see if they are going to take care of it. We shall see.

[patriot66]

Patriot66 it’s a 3.0 let 6 cylinder

N52 ? Post a photo

[melcdreyer]

From what I see the 2007 BMW Z4 models have the N52 engine. Photos attached.

[Zulu4]

The solenoids are easy to change for any competent mechanic. If I were you, I'd search for the parts online and get someone to fit them.
It should come to much less than you've been quoted. No need for remorse.

P.S. I'm not sure what you are seeing, but a warning such as "service engine" just means a regular oil & filter change etc is due, whereas amber engine management light(s) would be for the faulty solenoid.

P.P.S. Nice car

[MikeyH]

Hello and welcome to the forum, sorry to here you are having trouble with your new car, not a nice thing to happen. However it looks great, so hang in there.

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Your car looks great so I hope you can get it sorted soon. It must be quite a contrast with a Dodge Ram!

[melcdreyer]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Your car looks great so I hope you can get it sorted soon. It must be quite a contrast with a Dodge Ram!

It is quite a difference from driving a Dodge Ram, but loving it! I think we are about to sort through the issues. I knew going into buying a used car that things will come up, but you hope it doesn't come up quite this soon. It's all good, working on it!

[deltasierra]

The 2007 6 cyl is an N52 engine, it’s complex and needs servicing correctly, Vanos solenoids are easy DIY to clean and usually don’t need replacing, do change oil and filter, use correct oil.

[Z4Mariner]

Congratulations on your 'new' 2007 Z4 convertible. I have a 2006 Z4 coupe - and my RAM 1500 pickup is my hauling / winter vehicle (my Z4 is in the garage for the winter, since I live in Minnesota).

Echoing previous responses, plus my own opinion: it's a fun car, and it can be quite reliable. I searched for a Z4 this past year and ended up with a 2006 Z4 Coupe. I shopped 2006 through 2011 Z4's, and specifically wanted a 3.0L N52 versus an N54/N55. The N52 is complex, but less so than the turbocharged, direct injection engines. It gives up some power, but 260 is enough for both fun and to get oneself into trouble when exercised without good judgement. I do most of my own mechanical, but if you don't, just find a good independent mechanic and you'll be fine.

Good luck and happy driving with your 'new' car !