Drove my, new to me, 2004 Z4 home yesterday

[Old-Duckman]

I live in SW, Pennsylvania and drove down to Knoxville, Tennessee yesterday to pick it up (about 530 miles each way). Of course a friend drove me down in my truck and we drove back separately...me in the Z of course.

As stated, it is a 2004. It is nicely speced with the 3.0L, premium package, Sport package, heated seats and it is in Black Sapphire Metallic. Had 52K and change when I started home.

Ran great the entire trip, only two concerns. The rain sensing wipers don't seem to be working though the high, low and single sweep work (thankfully as most all of the drive home was in mist, light to heavy rain and/or fog). I read the post on wiper motor grease clean out but don't know if that is my issue or...?

Second concern is that the previous owner only had the one key. I never like to have only one key for any vehicle. He told me a new key/fob is about $300, any suggestions for getting a second key and getting it programmed for less than that would be appreciated !

Glad I found your forum and hoping to have some enjoyable years with the Z4. Am selling my 98 Z3 (1.9L) to help pay for the Z4. Had that for about 5 years and put about 60K on it. Thoroughly enjoyed the Z3 but was ready for an upgrade.

 

[Jembo]

Welcome on board - don’t forget pics, the more the better!!!

 

[ph001]

Welcome. The wiper motor cleanout won't help with the rain sensor element unfortunately. That is bonded to the back of the mirror where it is attached to your windshield. There could be a bubble in the sensor which can cause problems. Have a read of this.... https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3136&hilit=wipers+sensor

 

[Chippie]

Hi and welcome
did you have the chance to get the roof down at all on the way back,( presuming it’s an e85), that must have been about a 9 hour drive.
Let’s see some photos when you have given it a wash and polish

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

That's some drive home too - you must be used to it already!

On the subject of keys there are a couple of forum members in the UK who can cut and code them, so I'd be amazed if you can't find someone in the US who can do that for BMW keys.

Did anyone mention photos yet? :lol:

 

[firebobby]

Welcome to the forum...we like photos :wink:

 

[Old-Duckman]

There could be a bubble in the sensor which can cause problems. Have a read of this.... viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3136&hilit=wipers+sensor

Thanks ph001, that link is what I needed, I have a series of "bubbles" on mine. Will take care of this once the weather warms up...I can surely deal with it till then.

 

[Old-Duckman]

That's some drive home too - you must be used to it already!

On the subject of keys there are a couple of forum members in the UK who can cut and code them, so I'd be amazed if you can't find someone in the US who can do that for BMW keys.

I called several "automotive locksmiths" today and only one guy gave me hope but when he checked his book...the 04 Z4 was not listed. ALL of the others..."We don't do BMWs." One was in Pittsburgh, PA which is a fairly large city, I thought if anyone could do it, they could.

I did call a Youngstown, Ohio BMW dealer and they will sell me one for $226.30 USD. Not as bad as some people warned me of. The man I bought it from said it would be $350 USD...so I dodged a bullet there. I have to fax or email a photo of my title and drivers license. Bad thing is that I will not be getting the title work done until next week, not too long a wait.

 

[Old-Duckman]

did you have the chance to get the roof down at all on the way back,( presuming it’s an e85), that must have been about a 9 hour drive.
Let’s see some photos when you have given it a wash and polish

Well it is winter in this part of the world and, thank God, I didn't hit any snow or ice (read road salt, yeech). But, tons of rain, mist and fog, probably 90+% of the trip both down and back. Rather tense drive home really. Around here it seems like if they paint reflective lines on the roads once every 15 years they seem to be Okay with that. Not really I'm sure but on some long stretches of the road it sure seemed to be true. Some had center line reflectors but far from the majority.

I did wash it and took some photos, I'll see if I am able to upload a couple.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I called several "automotive locksmiths" today and only one guy gave me hope but when he checked his book...the 04 Z4 was not listed. ALL of the others..."We don't do BMWs." One was in Pittsburgh, PA which is a fairly large city, I thought if anyone could do it, they could.

I did call a Youngstown, Ohio BMW dealer and they will sell me one for $226.30 USD. Not as bad as some people warned me of. The man I bought it from said it would be $350 USD...so I dodged a bullet there. I have to fax or email a photo of my title and drivers license. Bad thing is that I will not be getting the title work done until next week, not too long a wait.

US$226.30 is better, but I got a Bentley flip-style key cut and coded in the UK for £80 in 2016!

Surely you can find a better deal than $226.30 though, after all BMW sold plenty of cars in the US. The keys are the same type as E46 3 Series and R50/R53 generation Minis, among others. I would hope Google could find you a cheaper option.

 

[Old-Duckman]

Welcome to the forum...we like photos

Thanks all for your help so far, I hope to have many years of enjoyment with this Z.
I did order this DISA, Radiator cap combo from German Auto Soultions...Just thought they would be a good preventative move.

https://germanautosolutions.com/store/m54-30l-disa-coolant-cap-combo/

 

[Haggisman]

Nice looking car, the wheels really suit it imo. Well done on the photo’s and see that you have already found this great forum to have been helpful to you already. Enjoy.

 

[BSVA]

Old-Duckman, welcome to the forum. I'm from SE Virginia and own a 2004 Z4 3.0i as well. bought it new and just turned 56,000 mi.

 

[LugoZ4e89]

Welcome!! Beautiful car. The Rims are a perfect match for the gorgeous black paint.

 

[Singapore stag]

What a beautiful paint job, mirror like shine!

 

[Chippie]

The car looks great, I cat see why you made a 1000 mile round trip in the middle of winter to get her, let’s hope you get some nice sunny days and you can enjoy a little open top motoring in her.

 

[firebobby]

Love the look without the front number plate (Licence plate) and 107's are the best wheels for the MK1 Z4

 

[Old-Duckman]

Love the look without the front number plate (Licence plate) and 107's are the best wheels for the MK1 Z4

Agree about the front plate. ONE good thing about Pennsylvania ! Any car looks better without one IMO. Personally the wheels are not my favorite from those available from BMW that year/model but they are what came on it so I'm keepin' em' on.

I ordered a V2, titanium plated, stainless steel gear shifter knob from Storm Motorwerks today. Got an email that they just sent off a batch to the plater so I should have that in a couple weeks...A bit pricey but I think it's gonna be a good choice.

Weather looks like it's looking up come next week so I should be able to get the title transferred into my name and get on the road...legally and without road salt.

 

[ronk]

No front number plate in the US is a definite bonus in the looks department !