2007 or 2008 Z4 issues? locking center console?

[wiseguy]

Gents,

I'm new to the forum, and just drove my 1st Z4 today. I'm now hooked and will be buying one soon.

As I've not owned a BMW before, I'm not aware of the parts that are known to fail on their cars. Are there some parts on the 2007 or 2008 Z4 that are prone to fail early? While looking around this forum, I kept seeing complaints about rear springs. Anything else I should be aware of?

Question 2: is there a way to make the center console storage area a locking console?

Every dealer in my area had only black 2007 models for sale, but I test drove a manual SI, an auto I and an auto SI anyway. I'm holding out for a titanium silver, space grey or (preferably) orion silver, and definitely going with the automatic SI. The difference in acceleration in the 3.0i and 3.0si was very noticeable.

Thanks,

WiseGuy

 

[mrmason]

5.7 seconds 0-60 mph vs 5.8 seconds very noticeable ?

Maybe the turbo kicking in makes it feel a lot faster

 

[wiseguy]

Maybe it's the same as attaching a bayonet to a rifle, which causes the shooter's aim to improve... :wink: Or adding a Brembo sticker to the window, and thereby adding 20hp.

 

[Smokin]

I have a black 07 coupe 3.0 Si. I don't know of known parts to fail. Some 2.5s had ignition coil issues. Some pre 2006-2007 had problems with rear springs. Most will say ditch the run-flat tires, but I don't have a problem with them and the Michelin PS2 ZPs I put on are marvelous. Sure you don't want the 6- speed?????

Oh, and black sure cleans up pretty!

 

[wiseguy]

Thanks for the response, Smokin. That's the kind of thing I need to "hear" to finalize my decision to get a Z4.

Black tends to show dust quite easily, and living deep in the South, it will make the car hot as an oven most of the year. But regardless of that, I just like the look of Z4s in silver or grey.

I originally thought I wanted a manual, but with the steptronic automatic, what's the advanatage of buying a manual? As I'm still researching the car, any insights would be appreciated.

By the way, that coupe of yours is nice! I especially like the seats.

 

[lamlp640]

Apparently, the window regulators break at an early-ish stage! They are £125.00 inc. vat from BMW. If they fit it also the total cost is £313.00 inc vat.

 

[Smokin]

Haven't heard too many window regulators (really just a piece of plastic the bottom of the window sits in). Suspension bushings need replacement occasionally, but I consider it maintenance like brakes and stuff.

I can't comment on the steptronic in a Z4 as I didn't want one. Hubby has an X5 with it and it does fine.

What part of the South are you from? I'm in NC. Yep, the black coupes get a bit warm, but ANY color is gonna be hot here. On the upside, the AC in the Z is a really good one.

The seats in mine are the M version. Love 'em.

 

[Andy]

Smokin, every time you post I drool over your seats

Wiseguy if you go looking for faults you'll find them on any car, but these are largely bombproof. Rear Springs are about the only thing but for the replacement cost it's not worth a second thought. I've had my 2006 for almost 4 years and my springs are fine.

By the way, I thought the center storage was lockable anyway? I think the issue was that the button in the center console to unlock the doors will also open the console.

Good luck & enjoy!

 

[Smokin]

I may be wrong, but I don't think the center console is lockable in the coupe. Really not much need as you don't have a drop top like the roadster.


Oh, and Andy, you drool on the seats and you have to clean 'em!

 

[wiseguy]

Smokin, I'm in MS.

Andy, even some of the dealers I spoke with were unsure if a locking center storage was an option on the 2007 or 2008 roadster. With the roadster I'm considering, I'd sure like some locking storage besides the glovebox that is (literally) the size of a pair of gloves. This must have been what the original Ford Model T glovebox looked like. 8)

Smokin, did you order those seats after you bought the car? That, and the DICE IPhone dock, are about the only 2 mods I've seen thus far that I would consider.

Thanks,

WG

 

[Andy]

I don't think it was an option - mine just locks. I think you can hear it clicking when you lock the doors. Are you locking something in the car that would be naughty over here ? 8)

Those lovely saddle brown seats were an "Individual" option but that's how it left the factory.

And if you're looking at Ipod integration, check out the Intravee if you plan on getting Navigation too.

 

[wiseguy]

(Andy)- "I don't think it was an option - mine just locks. I think you can hear it clicking when you lock the doors. Are you locking something in the car that would be naughty over here ?"

Naughty in England? Yes, it would be naughty over there. Here, it's fine.

I'll check this feature out more thoroughly the next time I test drive one. I wasn't going to be picky about the interior (all the ones I've seen in person are black), but after seeing Smokin's interior, I may hold out for something better than black.

WG

 

[Shipkiller]

wiseguy, the center console does lock. When I get home from work, I will post a link on how to do it.

 

[wiseguy]

Thanks, Shipkiller; I'd appreciate whatever you can tell me on that point.

WG

 

[Shipkiller]

Wiseguy, does the center console lock when you lock the car or push the button?

If so, with the car locked, and you push the button on the console the car stays locked but the center console UNLOCKS?

If this is what is happening use this procedure: http://www.shipkiller.com/Disable_Lock_Button.html

With out this procedure (fix) when you press the button, the car will not unlock but the console WILL unlock..
This procedure allows you to lock the car with the top down and someone cannot just reach in and press the button to unlock the center console. The console stays locked.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
If the console never locks, most likely you have a bad solenoid.
Part number 18.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT33&mospid=47798&btnr=51_4939&hg=51&fg=35

The best way to tell if the solenoid is bad is to remove trim piece number 14, then pull the white connector off the solenoid and put a volt meter on it, push the unlock button on the console and look for a momentary 12V spike. If you have voltage, then the solenoid is bad.

I had to replace mine (the solenoid) last year on the Roadster.

 

[nfc]

Hi wiseguy,

Not sure if it's standard on all models, I presume it is, but when the car is locked, so is the centre console..

Cheers,

Nelson.

 

[Shipkiller]

I just realized something. You have a 07-08. It may be different from my 03.

I will check my Coupe tomorrow morning and see what it does.

 

[wiseguy]

Thanks guys. Shipkiller, I'll be sure to test this on the models I test drive in the near future. I found a few more within a day's drive that are worth checking out further. Besides, it's a good excuse for a road trip.

Also, I just came across this in the 2007 Z4 manual PDF:

"Locking/unlocking
The storage compartment between the backrests is automatically locked and unlocked with the central locking system."

I will definitely have to perform the unlock disable procedure described in Shipkiller's link, if BMW hasn't fixed this issue in the 07-08 models. I wonder if the "general Module" behind the glovebox and its pins are the same for the 2003 and 2007-2008 models... Perhaps the Coupe will tell us if the problem has been fixed.

Grazie,
WG

 

[Shipkiller]

I checked my Coupe this morning when I fired it up to go to work. The center console compartment does NOT lock.

This must be a Roadster only feature. Learn something new every day.

 

[aquazi]

I didnt even know that locked!

So why does the glovebox have a key lock and not an auto lock?!

Will have to give it go later today.