Z4-forum.com

Hi everyone

I’ve had BMW’s most of my driving life. Love ‘em to bits
I’ve currently got a 5 series M Sport Touring - and adore it. However, I’m thinking of a second car - being a BMW Z4.
I specifically want a 2016 plate E89, so I can put a personal reg plate on it, to match my 5 Touring

Options…..
Initially, I thought of a getting 35iS. Have had a couple of 325i Coupes, with 6cly engines, and loved the sound, however, after reading about the troublesome N54 engine, and blowing turbo’s etc., now I’m not so sure???
That leaves the 4 cyl 2.0l 28i as the only option left for me.
Pointless getting a 20i, as I’d rather then be in my 5 series. I’d like a ‘fun’ car.

I’d love to hear any thoughts, and suggestions!

If you have either, I’d like to get a general idea on potential repair costs

i.e. Twin turbo replacement cost, on the 35iS etc..

Last option…..do I stretch myself beyond sensible, and try and get a new G29 30i ? (and probably a divorce hahaha)

Pleasure to be part of the forum
Bri

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I can't help with your question about N54 turbo costs, but if you end up looking for a 4 cylinder one don't discount the 18i or 20i models. They all use the same N20 engine as the 28i, so can produce the same power with a remap.

Welcome, can thoroughly recommend the G29 30i.

Scubaregs wrote: ↑Thu Jul 20, 2023 6:35 pm Welcome, can thoroughly recommend the G29 30i.

He's only just joined and you are already pushing him towards a possible divorce.

omegabri wrote: ↑Thu Jul 20, 2023 3:02 pm I’d love to hear any thoughts, and suggestions!

You did ask! Not a 2016 but you won't find a better 2 litre E89 (with more go than a 28i too). Am sure you could come up with a compromise on reg number!
viewtopic.php?t=142368

Mr Tidy wrote: ↑Thu Jul 20, 2023 6:39 pm

Scubaregs wrote: ↑Thu Jul 20, 2023 6:35 pm Welcome, can thoroughly recommend the G29 30i.

He's only just joined and you are already pushing him towards a possible divorce.

Win/win surely?

Welcome to the forum Bri
I can’t speak for the 4 pots as I jumped straight in with a 35is but apparently they can be re mapped and be lots of fun, the trouble with reading up on the internet is that you always get reports of problems ie n54 turbos, personally unless you are buying a high mileage example I think you would be unlucky to have turbo problems, more likely oil leaks as a late 35i/is will have a lot of the earlier issues resolved.

Hi all
Thanks for your answers and welcomes
I just missed out on a 2016 11,000 mile 35iS. Gutted
Early days looking for anything. I'm trying not to make snap decisions.

Love the look of that red G29 30i Nice !!

If a 2016, low mileage 35iS comes up, I think that would outweigh any 28i that I saw.
My 5 Touring is remapped, and has the odd little fault flash up on the display/screen. It's never an actual fault, and vanishes upon restart/reboot, so I'm keen on keeping the Z4 all factory - meaning standard 28i, or 35iS.....or G29 30i

Can turbos be served, and kept maintained? I've aways had NA engines, and know nothing about turbos

Cheers all
Bri

Of the two I would keep a look out for a low mileage late year 35i / 35is that way hopefully you will have little issues with it and if you are really bothered than take out a BMW warranty or keep a couple grand aside just in case. For me BMWs just feel that much more special with 6 cylinders than as a 4 pot. Others more experienced with the 35i/S can tell you the common issues specific to the N54 that you might expect but I believe the main culprits are the HPFP, Injectors, waste gates.

Silverstar wrote: ↑Thu Jul 20, 2023 9:22 pm low mileage late year 35i / 35is that way hopefully you will have little issues with it

You say that, but I had an N54 that at 37k miles had already needed:
Both turbos rebuilt
New injectors
New HPFP
New coils

And it was owned by a mature lady for all those miles. I don't think she tracked it!

Pondrew wrote: ↑Thu Jul 20, 2023 10:34 pm

Silverstar wrote: ↑Thu Jul 20, 2023 9:22 pm low mileage late year 35i / 35is that way hopefully you will have little issues with it

You say that, but I had an N54 that at 37k miles had already needed:
Both turbos rebuilt
New injectors
New HPFP
New coils

And it was owned by a mature lady for all those miles. I don't think she tracked it!

How old was it?

Silverstar wrote: ↑Fri Jul 21, 2023 12:08 am How old was it?

I think it was around 6 years old when the turbos went.

Silverstar wrote: ↑Thu Jul 20, 2023 9:22 pm MWs just feel that much more special with 6 cylinders

Proper agree with that. Nothing like the howl of a straight 6

Maybe it's time to get in touch with a divorce lawyer, and look at the M40i

Welcome along

omegabri wrote: ↑Fri Jul 21, 2023 9:09 am Maybe it's time to get in touch with a divorce lawyer, and look at the M40i

Can't go wrong with the M40i, all the goodness of the inline 6 and none of the drama of the N54!