Hi,
I joined a while back and I can now upload a pic and share some experiences. Hopefully this post is worth more with a pic!
I bought an E86 last January, 3.0si. Love at first sight. Yes the Z4M / Z4MC is the daddy. This was still a satisfying jump from my previous car.
The first year has been good. A few minor issues with the car to share, incase anyone needs help diagnosing similar issues:
44500 - the aerial was long and whippy. Stubby fitted! I went for the Peugeot one. The fm reception isn't as good, but it still works.
45000 miles - new igniter. Far side light would struggle to ignite if the lights were turned on and warmed up, then off, then on again. New igniter diagnosed and changed under AUC (but later recurred and the bulb was replaced). This fault was present from purchase, AUC needs as many checks as the excellent buying guide that's on this forum!
48000 miles - new front control arm rear bushes. Not too badly worn, but I tried to get them changed under AUC and got them sorted without too much persuading.
49000 miles - far side wing mirror glass was drunk. I noticed before it fell off, so I pulled it off, so to speak, and silicon sealed it back on. I read that silicon, no more nails or foam pads work well. I used silicon as I felt a uniform film may transmit the heat more evenly, and 'could' be removed if I ever broke the glass. A few frosts later and it's still stuck firm.
52900 - new far side bulb fitted as the bulb failed to ignite if the lights had been on, then turned off, then turned on again while the bulbs were still warm. Maybe the igniter was not the original problem. Apparently these xenons have no diagnostics other than trial and error fitting. The dealer tried to charge for bulb, until reminded them that AUC doesn't cover bulbs, except xenon. Got to admire their cheek, don't fall for it!
53000 miles - intermittent whirring from the engine that had worsened slightly from 44000 miles. The dealer tried to say it was normal, but with no power steering pump, or supercharger, there's no way it was normal! New alternator fitted under AUC. New tensioner and belt fitted at the same time, at cost, as preventive maintenance.
At present the fogs are wetter than the South West (sorry to anyone with flooding, it's been a crazy few months! Here's to a drier spring!). I didn't try to get them changed under AUC as I'm happy with the warranty efforts so far, and think I can handle it with the excellent repair write ups on here
I've detailed a few times with Autoglym srp, Carlack 68 sealant and Collinite 476s. An orbital polisher and cutting compound is next on the shopping list.
An aero front bumper and skirts would be great, but maybe worth upgrading to the M when I can. Who knows?! I've not driven one yet. Had better not until I can commit to it!
The 108s need a refurb, but I'm considering a harder wearing alloy when the tyres need changing from the tram lining potenzas. Goodyear Eagle F1s worked well on my previous car. Time to start saving...
I'll share info as I experience it. Here's to a good year!
I joined a while back and I can now upload a pic and share some experiences. Hopefully this post is worth more with a pic!
I bought an E86 last January, 3.0si. Love at first sight. Yes the Z4M / Z4MC is the daddy. This was still a satisfying jump from my previous car.
The first year has been good. A few minor issues with the car to share, incase anyone needs help diagnosing similar issues:
44500 - the aerial was long and whippy. Stubby fitted! I went for the Peugeot one. The fm reception isn't as good, but it still works.
45000 miles - new igniter. Far side light would struggle to ignite if the lights were turned on and warmed up, then off, then on again. New igniter diagnosed and changed under AUC (but later recurred and the bulb was replaced). This fault was present from purchase, AUC needs as many checks as the excellent buying guide that's on this forum!
48000 miles - new front control arm rear bushes. Not too badly worn, but I tried to get them changed under AUC and got them sorted without too much persuading.
49000 miles - far side wing mirror glass was drunk. I noticed before it fell off, so I pulled it off, so to speak, and silicon sealed it back on. I read that silicon, no more nails or foam pads work well. I used silicon as I felt a uniform film may transmit the heat more evenly, and 'could' be removed if I ever broke the glass. A few frosts later and it's still stuck firm.
52900 - new far side bulb fitted as the bulb failed to ignite if the lights had been on, then turned off, then turned on again while the bulbs were still warm. Maybe the igniter was not the original problem. Apparently these xenons have no diagnostics other than trial and error fitting. The dealer tried to charge for bulb, until reminded them that AUC doesn't cover bulbs, except xenon. Got to admire their cheek, don't fall for it!
53000 miles - intermittent whirring from the engine that had worsened slightly from 44000 miles. The dealer tried to say it was normal, but with no power steering pump, or supercharger, there's no way it was normal! New alternator fitted under AUC. New tensioner and belt fitted at the same time, at cost, as preventive maintenance.
At present the fogs are wetter than the South West (sorry to anyone with flooding, it's been a crazy few months! Here's to a drier spring!). I didn't try to get them changed under AUC as I'm happy with the warranty efforts so far, and think I can handle it with the excellent repair write ups on here
I've detailed a few times with Autoglym srp, Carlack 68 sealant and Collinite 476s. An orbital polisher and cutting compound is next on the shopping list.
An aero front bumper and skirts would be great, but maybe worth upgrading to the M when I can. Who knows?! I've not driven one yet. Had better not until I can commit to it!
The 108s need a refurb, but I'm considering a harder wearing alloy when the tyres need changing from the tram lining potenzas. Goodyear Eagle F1s worked well on my previous car. Time to start saving...
I'll share info as I experience it. Here's to a good year!
But it must be feeling how it should now at least. My 108s too have some minor bubbling, but it is minor and something that I can live with for now, whilst as you hint at the cost of a refurb could go elsewhere wheel-wise. Which region are you in?
