First time BMW owner; BMW Z4 E85 2.5

[Joël D.]

Hi guys,

I am Joël from Holland. I imported my BMW Z4 last summer from Germany:





Really enjoyed the car (and still am btw). However I have a problem with (I supose) the alternator.

When I drove home last night, the Battery light came on. 20 minutes later some other (yellow) warning lights followed, including power steering failure. When I restarted the car (no hesitation of the starter at this moment) all the problems were gone, except a bulb failure (headlights). At the moment everything works, except the headlights (both of them). I replaced the battery, just in case, however the problem still exists.

I also checked the current to the battery, but no current was provided. So, I assume the problem lies in the alternator, however, that doesn't explain the headlight bulb failure for me. Also checked the fuses, but couldn't find anything wrong here.

Is this a common issue? I haven't really driven the car since, so I assume that if I do the battery light will come on after it is drained again. But what prevents the headlights from turning on? Will replacing them solve the issue (and why did both of them die at the same time?) or is there something else wrong?

 

[jabber]

Cannot help with your problems but welcome to the forum

 

[Huz-z]

Congratulations! Your car really looks great!

I’m not sure what the issue is although I expect it’s relatively minor. However I do know that there are a number of guys on the North American forum who may be able to help, here is a link in case you want to ask those guys:

https://www.zpost.com/forums/index.php

I’d try the General BMW Z4 Forum for best visibility. Good luck and enjoy the car!

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum, and well done for putting photos in your first post!

Merlot and M-Sport seats is a great combination.

Sadly I can't help much with your headlight issue, but I'd start by trying to find someone who could look for Fault Codes in the On Board Diagnostics.

 

[futureZ4buyer]

Welcome and congrats!

I love the color, the wheels and the sport seats.

One question. Where did you get those thin license plate holders?

 

[Joël D.]

Thanks all

Bought the plate holder at the local parts store. Costs like an Euro a piece, best upgrade possible.

 

[blunderthumbs]

Welcome aboard . Loving that colour and the wheels are awesome. Hope you get your problems sorted

 

[Chris_D]

Welkom!
Car looks great. Lucky to get sports seats!
If you're anywhere around Utrecht we can make an afspraak and give your car a diagnostics test via Carly.
That exhaust doesnt look stock. Looks like a Scorpion?

 

[Smartbear]

Welkom!
Car looks great. Lucky to get sports seats!
If you're anywhere around Utrecht we can make an afspraak and give your car a diagnostics test via Carly.
That exhaust doesnt look stock. Looks like a Scorpion?

They look like a pair of metal monkey pipes to me, the bevelled edge looks familiar :?
Rob

 

[Joël D.]

If you're anywhere around Utrecht we can make an afspraak and give your car a diagnostics test via Carly.
That exhaust doesnt look stock. Looks like a Scorpion?

Already brought the car to the garage. I'm done with it. Thanks for the offer.

it is, as Smartbear pointed out a set of tailpipes made by Machine Monkey. Stock exhaust is fine by me, just wanted to improve the looks.

 

[Joël D.]

Still going strong!

Added Bilstein B12 suspension and brakes from the 3.0 si all around, so now it handles and brakes like it should.
Furthermore, retrofitted a xenon set since the original halogen headlights are rubbish.

Still really enjoying the car after 30.000 km.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Still going strong!

Added Bilstein B12 suspension and brakes from the 3.0 si all around, so now it handles and brakes like it should.
Furthermore, retrofitted a xenon set since the original halogen headlights are rubbish.

Still really enjoying the car after 30.000 km.

That's great news Joel, and some good upgrades too.

 

[N4LLY]

Most excellent ! Have alway's loved a Merlot

 

[Joël D.]

Little upgrade coming soon! 3.0 si Individual (Rubinschwartz/Amarone).
But first I'll have to find someone for the old Merlot 2.5.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Your new one looks fantastic in that colour combination!

Good luck finding a new home for your Merlot 2.5.

 

[paddy wright]

Another nice Z. Hope the 2.5 finds a loving home.