New Owner, List of Problems

Macker

New member
Hi Guys

So, ive just bought what i now believe to be a 'fixer upper'

Its a 2004 2.2i Z4, Nice and clean, Soft top, but, it comes with some issues, I'll list them below, Any help on them will be massively appreciated, Im handy enough on the tools once i get some direction, The story of the car, has 71k mls, was in regular use until 2/3 years ago and has just sat up since, I just bought it and put a new battery into it and uncovered the following

- Roof Won't open, Buzz's for a couple of seconds, puts windows down but then stops all movement, only moves a couple of mm but doesnt actually open

- Driver side window wont go up, will go down alright but not up, Suspected switch as i put power direct onto motor and it put window up

- Airbag light coming and going

- Run Flat indicator always on, How do i reset this?

- Power steering (or lack thereof) is stiff as hell, Now, it seems to be getting better but when i first got into this it was near impossible to turn, if i continue to drive it will it just keep getting better and better?

- ABS light, Checked fault codes on this matter and it came it with a 'Rotation Rate Sensor, Implausible signal', Anyone care to tell me what sensor this is? the fault cleared but then came back

- Traction Control light is on, Dont know what this could be

Other than i that i think the car has potential with only 71k mls

Hopefully nothing here is too major

Cheers Guys
 
Roof Won't open, Buzz's for a couple of seconds, puts windows down but then stops all movement, only moves a couple of mm but doesn't actually open
Usually a sign of a failed or seized roof motor, can monitor operation in INPA and varify relay/power and switches etc. Motor can be removed without taking roof off by some people.

Run-flat can be reset with a long press of the run flat button in the centre console.

- ABS light, Checked fault codes on this matter and it came it with a 'Rotation Rate Sensor, Implausible signal', Anyone care to tell me what sensor this is? the fault cleared but then came back
rotation sensors are on the wheel hubs, can sometimes be cleaned and reset, or replaced.

Traction Control light is on, Dont know what this could be
could be a result of the implausible ABS sensor, the traction control uses wheel speed for calculations and will disable itself if things dont add up (i.e. faulty ABS sensor)
 
Welcome, you've pretty much got the full house of common E85 problems there :D

You can read a lot about the EPS electronic power steering (and 'sticky steering) but before panicking I'd eliminate basics before messing around with the column. Since the cars been stood for a while the rack may be sticking and need lubricating (or have been faulty) and the two universal joints on the shafts from the bottom of the column to rack are prone to seizing. If they are grotty get some penetrating oil in them, followed by a dose of heavier lube one eased off. Not a biggie if they need replacing, good luck :thumbsup:

....... and remember :worthless:
 
Have you checked the tyre pressures?
Sorry if it seems stupid, but stiff steering and tyre pressure light on could be low pressures up front.
Let's hope it is because it's cheap to fix.
Welcome to the forum.
 
Ewazix said:
Welcome, you've pretty much got the full house of common E85 problems there :D

You can read a lot about the EPS electronic power steering (and 'sticky steering) but before panicking I'd eliminate basics before messing around with the column. Since the cars been stood for a while the rack may be sticking and need lubricating (or have been faulty) and the two universal joints on the shafts from the bottom of the column to rack are prone to seizing. If they are grotty get some penetrating oil in them, followed by a dose of heavier lube one eased off. Not a biggie if they need replacing, good luck :thumbsup:

....... and remember :worthless:

i've heard tons of people talking about lubricating the steering rack.

are there pics of exactly where and how to do this?
 
SonnyA85 said:
Ewazix said:
Welcome, you've pretty much got the full house of common E85 problems there :D

You can read a lot about the EPS electronic power steering (and 'sticky steering) but before panicking I'd eliminate basics before messing around with the column. Since the cars been stood for a while the rack may be sticking and need lubricating (or have been faulty) and the two universal joints on the shafts from the bottom of the column to rack are prone to seizing. If they are grotty get some penetrating oil in them, followed by a dose of heavier lube one eased off. Not a biggie if they need replacing, good luck :thumbsup:

....... and remember :worthless:

i've heard tons of people talking about lubricating the steering rack.

are there pics of exactly where and how to do this?

GuidoK is your man for the steering rack lube procedure mentioned previously here http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=79194

The two universal joints in the lower steering assembly are accessed down the drivers side of the engine, first emerging from the firewall and follow it down to the second. They are very exposed to road muck & water and close to heat sources. Mine were cruddy and dry, I lubed with some high temp gear oil and re-do them every six months.
 
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