1 years ownership

johnbirt

Member
 Blackpool, Lancashire
Nearly 1 year of ownership. Couple of observations on ownership and a question.

Unfortunately broken ribs, collapsed lung and pneumonia shortly after purchase with recent appalling weather have severely restricted mileage covered to <3000miles. Had planned continental jaunt which hopefully will start later in March.

Just getting insurance quotes for renewal in 2 weeks or so. Currently with SAGA as I'm a wrinkly. Their renewal is £30 more than last year whilst everyone else seems to have cut premiums significantly. When I enquired last week where my renewal letter was I was told it was in the post. When I was told the stupid quote of £385 I said "Well I won't be renewing that then" the girl said when you get the documents have a read and get back to us and "We may have a special offer on then". What a stupid game they play.

LV who wouldn't entertain the Z4 last year without a tracker, which was a huge surprise as a friend with an 3 series softtop M3 was not required to have one, now they will do so for £250 +£20 Euro cover. Esure come out cheapest at £232 but no Euro cover. Looks like LV as I had Merc + Porsche with them 12 months ago.

Had a Smartop fitted shortly after getting the Z4. Couple of times lately when parking on my driveway found the following morning the windows weren't closed! It is reasonably common for the closure to get out of sync and ending up open with dooors locked and windows open. Happened as recently as last night. Just went out now to find all windows open. Fortunately no water ingress that I could see despite torrential rain. I had promised myself last time it happened I would be more diligent in checking but clearly I wasn't. Just a warning to others that it can happen and I'm not sure why. Possibly a bug in the SmartTop firmware. It does warn in the manual as I recall. Must check if there is a firmware update.

In the year had only a blown fuse in the cigar lighter circuit fixed free but warned not to do again as BMW headquarters may kick off and a tree branch caught in the floor tray which BMW removed and a scratch from a wheely bin blown against the front end. So pretty satisfied with the Z4 overall. Just needs a good thrashing through France, Spain and Italy which hoepfully it will get in the next few months.

I took out 3 years servicing in advance when I bought it 11 months ago. Despite low mileage should I be getting it checked out at BMW as I haven't heard from them and what should be done in advance of going abroad re service? Presumably I have paid for yearly service but need to check the small print.
 
I don't think the SmartTop is at fault TBH, I have one and have never had open windows. BUT there is an issue with all four windows closing which requires BMW to add a relay or reprogram the windows.
 
Maniac said:
I don't think the SmartTop is at fault TBH, I have one and have never had open windows. BUT there is an issue with all four windows closing which requires BMW to add a relay or reprogram the windows.
Thanks Maniac. Wasn't aware of that.

The worry is that the windows were closed when I 'closed' the car as it was belting down with rain when I parked up and ran into the house.

If I take it for them to fettle they will no doubt blame the SmartTop. I can probably disable the SmartTop but am loathe to take it out as it wasn't that easy to put in for the likes of me!

Will just have to be more careful and disciplined in checking.
 
It could be you're pressing open briefly, which will open the windows if configured to do so in the smart top. The car would then relock itself after a short period if no doors are open but the windows would remain open. So perhaps put your keys, once you lock the car, somewhere they can't be used and see if that helps.

Alternatively program the smart top not to open windows from the fob.
 
Maniac said:
It could be you're pressing open briefly, which will open the windows if configured to do so in the smart top. The car would then relock itself after a short period if no doors are open but the windows would remain open. So perhaps put your keys, once you lock the car, somewhere they can't be used and see if that helps.

Alternatively program the smart top not to open windows from the fob.
Thanks. I was perhaps being drawn to a similar conclusion re unintentional button presses. I don't really need the windows open/close from the fob - well not in this climate, so will do as you suggest and re-program to not open windows.
 
Just had mine a year and they offered to do a free safety check for free at Strastone Chesterfield which I took them up on

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my year comprised of a scratched nsr alloy and a scratched nsf bumper both done whilst on holiday and fixed to my satisfaction

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Just renewed my insurance with Churchill for £193 fully comp protected ,legal cover etc 6,000mls a year there renewal was £315 so rang them ah will put you through to the loyalty department they say 5mins phone call will match internet quote why do we have to do this every year. :!: :headbang:
 
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