Head Gasket?

F

FAARN

Member
 Bremerhaven
As ever, I know you guys/gals will be able to help. Finally test drove my first Z4 after four other failed attempts. The car has a few problems and feedback would be appreciated.

1. On the boot, at the back where the lid joins, the paint has worn to the undercoat (at least I think it is this, cream/white speckling). It is the same along the sides where the bonnet meets the engine bay. Normal for a car of this age (2003 and it doesn't look like a respray/body damage).

2. The service history seems good, all done within 2 years or 15k but having looked at the oil cap the below picture was seen. Is this normal for a 70k car? Of note (possibly), looking into the radiator there was no coolant near the top. There were no warning lights on the dash.

3. The roof seems to work but as I haven't tried others, once it has seated down, does it take a few more seconds to fully operate (ie is there a locking mechanism at work). There was also a cm gap or less, it wasn't fully flush with the body.

4. Finally, the drivers window doesn't work. Is this a big/costly fix? They said about £200.

Advice welcome please...


IMAG0246.jpg
 
Wouldn't worry about the oil cap. It's typical on m54 engines that only do short runs. It's been covered before on the forum in depth.

The roof will take 2-3 seconds after it touches the screen to actually close and lock in. Ive never looked at my roof that closely, although if there's a gab..it's a problem.

Paint around the boot doesn't sound good. Is it just unpolished?


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Thanks, found a few posts on the oil so thought it would be this but as I had a picture thought I'd double check. I should have taken a picture of the paint bits I mean. Like I said, no crumpling of signs of a re-spray.
 
I had the same paint in the same place, not sure if this is normal, but I was assured by the dealer it was usual due to the way the paint these cars, could be BS though.
 
oil cap is the same as mine. lots of short runs in moist winter air causes this. i just wiped it off and when i had the engine really hot, removed the cap to let the last of the moisture steam out
 
Paint sounds normal to, the finish around the boot and engine is crap witch lacquer and colour coat fading out to primer.
 
nothing really to worry about as most have said.

1) this is quite normal

2) this is quite normal

3) probably OK. Photos?

4) Yup about 160 GBP and an average DIY job. 2hrs ish. so maybe 1 1/2 hrs at an indy.
 
Found a thread with a picture of the roof and it looks right so no longer at all concerned. As far as the window, a good negotiating point me thinks. TINO, last time I did that she got pregnant!!!!!!


Guys, thanks for all the advice, will put in an offer tomorrow, then if accepted will get some pics posted :D .
 
Paint on the boot is normal. Oil cap is normal after a short run. Probably all covered above anyway, but I suppose the more people that confirm it's ok should help put your mind at rest.

Is it a dealer or private sale? If the former, why not ask them to fix it before/if you buy it?
 
To reassure you, I have the crap paint problem round the inside edges of my boot and engine bay like many others. The rest all sounds good too, but as Stuart says, be sure you're happy as there are loads out there. Good luck :thumbsup:
 
I finally purchased for £5900 (got it down for work needing doing). 2003(03), 69250 miles, full service history, extras inc... 6 CD Changer, Cruise control, folding mirrors, xenons, rear PDC.

Needs a service in 5000 miles, the drivers window fixing (presume the motor) and a scuff/scratch removing from rear wheel arch. I think I got a pretty good deal, just need to get the bits fixed, install some sort of bluetooth and get rid of the awful tyres (terrible tramlining on small country roads!!).

Pick it up next week so will get some pics on then. :)

Cheers for all the advice.
 
Congrats, and well done on the negotiation. Welcome to the Mad House formally - do you got your stubby yet ? :D
 
Congratualations :thumbsup:

The window issue will almost certainly be the regulator, I had mine done for well under £200, lots of info on the forum if you search for window regulator. And again the oil cap and paint are normal.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=33488&p=454194&hilit=+regulator#p454194
 
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