New Z4 Owner- Should I Be Worried?

O

Ommadawn

Member
Hi there

I have just joined this forum as I about to pick up my Z4 2.2 04 plate which have long been looking forward to owning having dreamt of one for many years.
Before I finally part with my hard earned cash I wanted to ask about the problem of sticky steering which have only just found out about as slightly concerned to hear it appears to be a common problem with 05 and earlier models and in the US resulted in a recall.
Should I be worried about this problem?
I have read as much as I can about this issue but to be fair mainly on US forums so keen to hear from any UK people what they have experienced.
The car is from a dealer so will have a 3 month warranty but that said want to know what I might face longer term.

Any help much appreciated.
Thanks

David
 
I believe the problem only shows up under hot conditions. I have heard of this problem but it's not common from my understanding. Don't let it ruin your zed experience I love mine now although the same as you was scared out of my mind about broken springs and sticky steering.
 
That's very good of you to advise. As a new owner and not yet actually picked up the car I am a bit nervous about this problem from a safety issue.
 
It's not quite as common as you may think, but is obviously very concerning if it does occur. In the early days, especially in the USA, many complete new steering columns were replaced under warranty. BMW made a change around 2006 as they found that heat caused an internal component to expand thus binding and tightening the steering. A full official investigation by a regulated authority in the USA decreed that it was not a safety issue as, in 99% of failures, the steering just felt 'stuck' briefly and that the car could continue to be driven in safety, albeit with steering that was no longer as smooth as it should be. Some may disagree, stating that any interference with normal steering feel is potentially dangerous. It appears that a lot of owners who's cars were affected by the genuine sticky steering problem were able to cure it by drilling into the underside of the column housing and introducing a lubricant into the area. There are many write ups on this on the internet, mainly from the USA. Several reports on this forum also claim a great improvement by greasing the 2 steering column universal joints in the engine bay. It is difficult to understand fully how this works, as UJ's are completely sealed units, but just goes to show that not all tight feeling steering issues are the dreaded sticky steering.

The other main concern is to ensure that the roof drains (in the floor of the soft top storage area when down) are checked every 3 months or so to make sure they are not blocked. Failure to do this could see the roof motor and hydraulics swimming in water with eventual complete breakdown. Again, this is a much discussed topic on this forum with a vast amount of information that should ensure it never becomes a problem.

Good luck with the Z4, once you start driving it the few possible problems tend to be rapidly forgotten.
 
I've had my 03 Z4 through 3 summer's, 2 of which have had temperatures in the mid 30's and have had no such issue with the steering, so I wouldn't worry about it.

You're more likely to suffer from other common problems such as roof motor failure, broken rear springs, seized calipers, rocker cover gasket leaks airbag lights.
 
ben g said:
You're more likely to suffer from other common problems such as roof motor failure, broken rear springs, seized calipers, rocker cover gasket leaks airbag lights.
Click to expand...

:D Nice one Ben , that should ease any nerves for the new buyer :P
 
Really appreciate all the comments many thanks.
The roof motor has actually just been replaced as it was a known problem so touch wood that will last for a while but I will regularly check the drains so appreciate the tips.
Not heard about the springs issue so good to know that too.
Sounds like an inexpensive thing to sort out too.
Thanks all and when I pick up the car finally will post a few photos.
 
mr wilks said:
ben g said:
You're more likely to suffer from other common problems such as roof motor failure, broken rear springs, seized calipers, rocker cover gasket leaks airbag lights.
Click to expand...

:D Nice one Ben , that should ease any nerves for the new buyer :P
Click to expand...

:lol: i'm just making sure the buyer is aware of the Z4's flaws and that, truth be told, they're not difficult to fix, just annoying.
 
Make sure while under warranty you take the car on some long runs around 2 hours minimum with the heater on full have the blower on the right of the steering wheel operating as the ECU that causes this problem sits behind that vent mine started when I used to go out on early morning runs top down which meant I would pop on the heater lucky for me my mate is a BMW tech and he got it sorted I just paid 200 quid towards the labour as my car was only just out of the 1 year warranty.
 
Ommadawn - I'm on my second Zed and like you, with my first one, I was quite spooked by all the possible issues and potential problems. You'll find every noise and odd feel will be a worry and concern until you get to know your Zed better.

I found the steering felt very different and you'll find it tram-lines and weaves about a bit (especially if it's still on runflat tyres). keep both hands on the wheel during spirited driving as you'll find the wheel can kick and pull a bit on uneven roads. This is now all part of the character of my Zed and it's a lovely involving drive.

All I can tell you is that by driving your Zed you will build up confidence - doesn't mean there might not still be some things crop up but you'll find you'll build a relationship with your Zed and get to know and accept it's idiosyncrasies and character - which I found it had in spades. It took me a while to get used to the Zed and to get the best from it. Now I love it and every trip out is an event :thumbsup:

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
Have an in depth search for any car any you will find a list of 'common faults'.. forums are generally full of people moaning about faults and looking for solutions..... so its easy to over estimate how common these problems are.

Saying that, mine has the sticky steering, you just learn to be less alarmed when it happens, its not really a big issue, not like the steering wheel is coming off!
 
Update!!

The purchase of the Z4 has just fallen through. So on the hunt once more for a 04/05 2.2 on Maldives Blue in top condition. Any ideas or anyone have one they want to sell please?
Bit annoyed as the dealer pulled the sale not me after taking my deposit and we had a signed agreement.
Many thanks
Ommadawn
 
Ommadawn said:
Update!!

The purchase of the Z4 has just fallen through. So on the hunt once more for a 04/05 2.2 on Maldives Blue in top condition. Any ideas or anyone have one they want to sell please?
Bit annoyed as the dealer pulled the sale not me after taking my deposit and we had a signed agreement.
Many thanks
Ommadawn
Click to expand...


How the hell can he do that :( still may be that car was not meant to be nice colour choice especially with the cream leather good luck with you search
 
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