Many issues, break for parts or fix?

[matthewpri]

Hi all,

I am having a frustrating time with the Z4, a flurry of things has popped up recently and I am in the unfortunate position of either not understanding what is wrong with it or simply not being able to afford fixing it. I will detail the issues below any help on advisory fixes would be hugely appreciated.

1) Most pressing issue - Over the past 2 weeks the cluster has suddenly started dying whilst driving at the same time the dash goes, the engine power dies. I had a 2002 Vauxhall Corsa and exactly the same thing happened as the connector on the back of the cluster started getting loose, could this be the same problem? It seems to happen for a fraction of a second before resuming as normal, sometimes rapidly back to back, it hasn't fully knocked out as of yet but it's a worry!

2) Most Expensive Issue - The good old roof motor has stopped working, classic. I have checked all fuses and they are all fine, the roof unlocks but doesn't retract leading me to presume the issue is the motor, would you recommend purchasing a second hand one or new? I can get slightly cheaper OEM parts through a mate working at BMW.

3) Excessive oil consumption - According to a useful thread started by Mr. Shanahan I believe this may be a ccv, I am getting very slight blue smoke when accelerating but not enough for me to be able to see whilst driving. Currently using around 5L/1000 miles. If you have any suggestions on fixing this as well, it would be hugely appreciated.

There are a host of other problems such as loose drop links, boot lid hinges not working properly, needs new brakes etc but I can live with these for the time being.

The OTHER option - I either need to find what money I can to fix the pressing issues with the car, or the other very frustrating option would be to sell it or break it for parts. The car has now done around 142,000 miles and I am really unsure what do with it. The ideal scenario would be to fix it but I don't have the funds to do so at the moment.

If anyone has any advice on either fixing certain issues or the overall problem of keep/sell I would really appreciate some guidance. Thank you very much, Matt.

 

[Zedebee]

Hey Matt,
Sorry you are having problems with your MB 2.5i. I have one on 132k going strong.

1. Sounds like a connection issue for sure. Before pulling anything apart, check your battery terminal connections are tight.
2. We need some more information about the symptoms. Does the motor not work at all, or does the roof not fully open or close? Could be motor, hydraulic or a break in the loom (increasingly common) where the roof folds.
3. There was a thread on oil consumption and smoke recently, which would be worth a search. If your CCV is on the way out there is often mayo under the filler cap. Check that. I have always associated blue smoke with worn piston rings, so you could have an engine problem brewing, but not necessarily. The M54 can consume a fair bit of oil for many reasons, but 5l/1000 miles is A LOT.

The car is not worth much at all, even if working properly, although that depends on what condition it’s in and what goodies it has.

All the above could be easy fixes, if you do it yourself, but sound expensive if you need professional help. Parts may be the way to go. Bigwinn recently parted out a similar car if you need some advice on this route, (and I may be interested in some bits).

 

[john-e89]

Also check the connections on the alternator, and the earth cable to the chassis, could just be it needs taking off, making bright metal again and re-fitting.
Roof motor isn't necessarily dead, may just need taking out, cleaning and a night in a bowl of diesel.
That mileage is no concern unless it's been run for ever on the same oil.

Best of luck.

 

[jock156]

Location & engine variant might help to

 

[SonnyA85]

"I either need to find what money I can to fix the pressing issues with the car, or the other very frustrating option would be to sell it or break it for parts. The car has now done around 142,000 miles and I am really unsure what do with it. The ideal scenario would be to fix it but I don't have the funds to do so at the moment."

You don't have money to fix it so I would say sell it. It doesn't sound like you have the expertise to break it so I am not sure why you think that would be a good option to go down.

Sure you are going to lose maybe £1500 selling it as is compared to selling it working but fixing it also will likely cost the same amount if it turns out be more of an issue than a simple fix and you are paying someone to fix it for you.

 

[enuff_zed]

Take it one thing at a time.
The roof can be put down manually for now.
If you keep the oil topped up and don't do excessive mileage that will hang on a while too.
So concentrate on the electric issue. Lots of stuff you can try before it actually costs you anything (assuming you do your own work)
Keep posting progress on this thread and you'll get help, advice and plenty of moral support.
Hopefully a logical step by step approach will get you through this.
If you're struggling to finance it then asking here first for good secondhand parts will save you a fair bit too.

If the worst happens and you have to give it up, at least you will have a good record on here to present to anyone who wishes to take it on.

Don't give up on it yet!

 

[enuff_zed]

Location & engine variant might help to

Malvern
2.5i M54 :wink:

 

[enuff_zed]

Sure you are going to lose maybe £1500 selling it as is compared to selling it working but fixing it also will likely cost the same amount if it turns out be more of an issue than a simple fix and you are paying someone to fix it for you.

But if he loses 1500 selling it, or spends 1500 to fix it, he'll still have his car and be no worse off.
The whole idea of this forum (in my opinion) is to help and encourage people to keep their car if they so obviously don't want to part with it.
I'm sure in this case encouragement, support and positivity are worth more to the OP. :roll:

 

[SonnyA85]

Sure you are going to lose maybe £1500 selling it as is compared to selling it working but fixing it also will likely cost the same amount if it turns out be more of an issue than a simple fix and you are paying someone to fix it for you.

But if he loses 1500 selling it, or spends 1500 to fix it, he'll still have his car and be no worse off.
The whole idea of this forum (in my opinion) is to help and encourage people to keep their car if they so obviously don't want to part with it.
I'm sure in this case encouragement, support and positivity are worth more to the OP. :roll:

Problem is he doesn't have the funds to fix it. So rather than it just sit there getting worse and then get less or have to spend more on it sometimes it's better to let it go. Also petrol will soon be £2.50 a litre within 6 months at this rate. If he can't afford to fix it then I doubt he's going to have a lot of money to spend on petrol either at those prices. I know I filled up on friday and paid over £2 a litre and had to double check as the fill up before that a few weeks prior was only £1.77 ish.

 

[DanielS]

Just for some cost indication.

1. Cluster if the connection is just loose, could be a 10 min job. It's one screw and some TLC. Maybe some connection cleaner but nothing special. Also the battery connection is a quick and simple check. Cost between 0 and 10 pounds.

2. Roof engine, had it been relocated to the trunk? If no.. then this a a job to do in the weekend. Find a thread here, check some YouTube and it's a job done in a couple of hours for the amateur. Once it's in the boot you can remove it, clean the pump with some diesel or WD40. Refill with correct fluids. Total Cost 0 to 20 pounds.

3. First check for Mayo in the Engine. If it needs replacing it's a job you can do yourself. Again lots of reading online and some YouTube. Mind you the E85 has a huge engine bay and you can get to most of the stuff without to much hassle. If you need CCV parts check the original partnumbers on real OEM and the order the parts via Autodoc they take a while but are a hell of a lot cheaper than the stealership. The CCV repair kit is I think about 50 euro if not mistaken.

Bottom line, are you willing to spend 100 pounds and hours of work in the car and have a working car and the satisfaction of having it done yourself?

What enuff_zed said, post here online and you will get plenty of support and people will try and help you out!

Good luck with making a choice.

 

[enuff_zed]

Sure you are going to lose maybe £1500 selling it as is compared to selling it working but fixing it also will likely cost the same amount if it turns out be more of an issue than a simple fix and you are paying someone to fix it for you.

But if he loses 1500 selling it, or spends 1500 to fix it, he'll still have his car and be no worse off.
The whole idea of this forum (in my opinion) is to help and encourage people to keep their car if they so obviously don't want to part with it.
I'm sure in this case encouragement, support and positivity are worth more to the OP. :roll:

Problem is he doesn't have the funds to fix it. So rather than it just sit there getting worse and then get less or have to spend more on it sometimes it's better to let it go. Also petrol will soon be £2.50 a litre within 6 months at this rate. If he can't afford to fix it then I doubt he's going to have a lot of money to spend on petrol either at those prices. I know I filled up on friday and paid over £2 a litre and had to double check as the fill up before that a few weeks prior was only £1.77 ish.

I'll be honest mate! He needs support and you seem to live in a world of throw money about or throw things away.
Anyone who read your comments about how you are about to spend £30k on your garden, then tell this chap he can't afford it and can't afford petrol will take you as an extremely patronising person.
If you have nothing constructive to say, please say nothing!
I and others will do our damn hardest to help him and others in his position to hang on to their pride and joy.
There are so many ways that caring people can help in this situation.
I have already considered the idea of taking it on to repair at no cost to me other than parts and a few beers.
That is mainly because I too do not have funds to throw at my lawn, but work hard to ensure I can still enjoy my hobby. I know where he's at and can sympathise (look it up, it's in the dictionary between sh*t and syphillis)
I'm sure the OP has read your input and considered it fully.
Now please sit quietly and await his reply while we more sympathetic members try to help him.

 

[bigwinn]

But if he loses 1500 selling it, or spends 1500 to fix it, he'll still have his car and be no worse off.
The whole idea of this forum (in my opinion) is to help and encourage people to keep their car if they so obviously don't want to part with it.
I'm sure in this case encouragement, support and positivity are worth more to the OP. :roll:

Problem is he doesn't have the funds to fix it. So rather than it just sit there getting worse and then get less or have to spend more on it sometimes it's better to let it go. Also petrol will soon be £2.50 a litre within 6 months at this rate. If he can't afford to fix it then I doubt he's going to have a lot of money to spend on petrol either at those prices. I know I filled up on friday and paid over £2 a litre and had to double check as the fill up before that a few weeks prior was only £1.77 ish.

I'll be honest mate! He needs support and you seem to live in a world of throw money about or throw things away.
Anyone who read your comments about how you are about to spend £30k on your garden, then tell this chap he can't afford it and can't afford petrol will take you as an extremely patronising person.
If you have nothing constructive to say, please say nothing!
I and others will do our damn hardest to help him and others in his position to hang on to their pride and joy.
There are so many ways that caring people can help in this situation.
I have already considered the idea of taking it on to repair at no cost to me other than parts and a few beers.
That is mainly because I too do not have funds to throw at my lawn, but work hard to ensure I can still enjoy my hobby. I know where he's at and can sympathise (look it up, it's in the dictionary between sh*t and syphillis)
I'm sure the OP has read your input and considered it fully.
Now please sit quietly and await his reply while we more sympathetic members try to help him.

+1

Malvern is a long way away but stood to happy to help with whatever is needed

 

[enuff_zed]

Problem is he doesn't have the funds to fix it. So rather than it just sit there getting worse and then get less or have to spend more on it sometimes it's better to let it go. Also petrol will soon be £2.50 a litre within 6 months at this rate. If he can't afford to fix it then I doubt he's going to have a lot of money to spend on petrol either at those prices. I know I filled up on friday and paid over £2 a litre and had to double check as the fill up before that a few weeks prior was only £1.77 ish.

I'll be honest mate! He needs support and you seem to live in a world of throw money about or throw things away.
Anyone who read your comments about how you are about to spend £30k on your garden, then tell this chap he can't afford it and can't afford petrol will take you as an extremely patronising person.
If you have nothing constructive to say, please say nothing!
I and others will do our damn hardest to help him and others in his position to hang on to their pride and joy.
There are so many ways that caring people can help in this situation.
I have already considered the idea of taking it on to repair at no cost to me other than parts and a few beers.
That is mainly because I too do not have funds to throw at my lawn, but work hard to ensure I can still enjoy my hobby. I know where he's at and can sympathise (look it up, it's in the dictionary between sh*t and syphillis)
I'm sure the OP has read your input and considered it fully.
Now please sit quietly and await his reply while we more sympathetic members try to help him.

+1

Malvern is a long way away but stood to happy to help with whatever is needed

PM inbound from me, but basically saying the same thing.

 

[matthewpri]

I'll be honest mate! He needs support and you seem to live in a world of throw money about or throw things away.
Anyone who read your comments about how you are about to spend £30k on your garden, then tell this chap he can't afford it and can't afford petrol will take you as an extremely patronising person.
If you have nothing constructive to say, please say nothing!
I and others will do our damn hardest to help him and others in his position to hang on to their pride and joy.
There are so many ways that caring people can help in this situation.
I have already considered the idea of taking it on to repair at no cost to me other than parts and a few beers.
That is mainly because I too do not have funds to throw at my lawn, but work hard to ensure I can still enjoy my hobby. I know where he's at and can sympathise (look it up, it's in the dictionary between sh*t and syphillis)
I'm sure the OP has read your input and considered it fully.
Now please sit quietly and await his reply while we more sympathetic members try to help him.

+1

Malvern is a long way away but stood to happy to help with whatever is needed

PM inbound from me, but basically saying the same thing.

Hey guys,

Thank you so much for the replies. This is genuinely the reason I love this forum, the few meet ups I have been to everyone has been amazing and I really do appreciate all the help and advice. On the fixing front, this generally isn't an issue. I purchased the car for £1000 crashed and repaired everything myself, mechanically I'm fairly confident and have done engine rebuilds and stuff before. It's typically electrical issues that I am useless on, it's slightly out of my depth and that seems to be the majority of the issues. With the current issues, it seems its stuff others have had happen before and there are work-around options and if its a bit of time working on it myself and some minimal financial input and a bit of guidance that would be perfect.

The last resort is to either break or sell it really, whilst its definitely not the cheapest car to run, I have had it for 3-4 years and over 35k miles, I also did the NC500 in it last year and have loved every second of it, never fails to make me smile.

All the helps is hugely appreciated, I will start by tackling the electrical issue. Thank you John for the advice, I will have a check over the connections. I have amazingly never had to do an oil change due to the excessive use of oil, its always run nice and honey coloured, but that is another problem to fix at a later date haha!

Thanks Daniel as well, I will have a look at relocating the motor after I have tried fixing the cluster. Thank you all I will keep everyone posted on this thread!

 

[DanielS]

Another Z saved!! Praise the lord!!! We will get you there!!!

Just keep posting stuff online, take pictures... We all love pictures.

 

[matthewpri]

Another Z saved!! Praise the lord!!! We will get you there!!!

Just keep posting stuff online, take pictures... We all love pictures.

Thanks Daniel, I will try and take a look at the cluster tomorrow and update with pictures of course.

 

[enuff_zed]

I will have a look at relocating the motor after I have tried fixing the cluster.

Great news that you'll start working through it. With the history you've detailed it's no wonder you want to keep it going.
Have to say the electrical issue could be a challenge, but everything else sounds like basics tbh with you.
I'd offer to do the roof motor for you, but you'd basically have to drive past bigwinn to reach me, and then there's Number5 in Bristol who is the roof-daddy!
As we've said, keep us posted and don't fork out a fortune on parts until you've asked the forum.
Look forward to reading all about the next phase of your adventure.

 

[john-e89]

I need a new roof motor too, mine is 100% toast, I'll ask if there's a bit of discount available for buying two if it's of interest and yours is caput too Matt. Probably going with a seller on the bay. No hurry.

 

[zriha]

Mate, from my experience with Z4, there will always be an issue. And I am a relatively fresh owner. I came from Mazda MX-5, where there were no issues at all, you just change the oil regularly, do the checkup and drive.

So to help you, I also have issues with the roof, mine is wiring, and I am saving money to leave the car and the official service to finally sort this out. Also, if you check the forum, I am seriously considering converting to the manual roof and just saving my nerves on this faulty motor one. I also found out that you can buy a new motor for Peugeot model, and the motor is the same (you should definitely investigate this option).

Oil consumption? Yeah, drink like hell, and I have another symptom that I can't find what it is - I don't have a smoke on the exhaust, but I have speckles of black oil residue on my rear bumper, not always, so it's crazy. I switched back from 5W-40 to 5W30 and lately I experiment with Forte seal conditioner, but still don't have a solid answer. With 212.000 km on the clock, I suspect hard valve stem seals to be referred in the near future.


Why I am sharing this with you, just to give you an insight that you are not alone, these cars aren't perfect, but, you know how it is, when it's parked, you look at it, when you drive it, you enjoy it. I just did an amazing road trip (2.800 km) on the French Riviera, and I can't imagine doing that in any other care.

So, what I want to say is, if you can, give it a chance, try to do small fixes, and just enjoy the car.

 

[matthewpri]

I need a new roof motor too, mine is 100% toast, I'll ask if there's a bit of discount available for buying two if it's of interest and yours is caput too Matt. Probably going with a seller on the bay. No hurry.

Hey John,

I will have a play around with it and see if its fixable, if not I would definitely be interested in a new one if it works out a little cheaper for both of us! Thanks for the heads up.