Z4 E85 Advice

W

Welshjam

Member
 South Wales
Hi All,

I sold my E85 3.0 at the beginning of the year due to all the expensive faults and issues I had. The most expensive replacing the ABS pump and module which was a common problem. Costing almost £2k to put right. I miss the car, the sound was amazing.

I’m looking at getting the 2.0 E85 version as a daily drive. Do they share the same issues as the 3.0 version, especially the ABS problem?

Cheers,
James
 
Neither share that problem you were rather unlucky and perhaps had your pockets felt for good measure. :wink:
 
As far as I'm aware, the 2.0 is more likely to have ABS pump issues. But having said that, there's a company (ECU Testing maybe?) who refurb and give a lifetime warranty at a fraction of what you probably paid.
But why a 2.0? Better all round to get a 2.2 or 2.5 if not a 3.0 - the 2.0 is a different engine with much more chance of engine issues.
 
I don't like to tempt fate, but I've had my 3.0 z4 for over 7 years and I've not experienced this particular 'common problem'.

Every car has its faults and there appears to be plenty of scare mongering if you search any forum.

The 2.0 has issues with the lambda sensors, if I remember correctly.
 
Welshjam said:
Hi All,

I sold my E85 3.0 at the beginning of the year due to all the expensive faults and issues I had. The most expensive replacing the ABS pump and module which was a common problem. Costing almost £2k to put right. I miss the car, the sound was amazing.

I’m looking at getting the 2.0 E85 version as a daily drive. Do they share the same issues as the 3.0 version, especially the ABS problem?

Cheers,
James
Click to expand...

Had mine as a daily for 7 years and no real issues over that time
 
It will feel painfully slow coming from a 3.0.

I went from a 3.0 pre facelift to a facelift 2.5i 177 bhp and it felt flat as a fart, sold it in 5 weeks and went back to a 3.0si.
 
Sidewaze Samm said:
As far as I'm aware, the 2.0 is more likely to have ABS pump issues. But having said that, there's a company (ECU Testing maybe?) who refurb and give a lifetime warranty at a fraction of what you probably paid.
But why a 2.0? Better all round to get a 2.2 or 2.5 if not a 3.0 - the 2.0 is a different engine with much more chance of engine issues.
Click to expand...

I’ve got a Nissan 350z for something fun to drive.

I do a lot of mileage for work, between 1500 to 2000 miles a month. I do miss the Z4 but wouldn’t go back to a 3.0 with the issues. I’ve seen the 2.0 does 45mpg on the motorway. If they don’t share the same ABS issues, I’d happily have one, even with the lesser power
 
These cars are all about the IL6 engines. They're not particularly engaging or exciting to drive as they're just too big and heavy to be truly sporty.

Lots of other cars Id choose over a E85 if I wanted a 2L.

Aim for a 2.2 as a min, imo
 
You'll regret it, as said there's a whole host of cars to choose over a E85 2.0 as a daily.
 
Having gone from a 2.0 to a 3.0si all I can say is going the other way will leave you very disappointed. My 2.0 was a great car. Was my daily and always put a smile on my face but the downgrade in power is pretty huge. Running costs aren’t too different.

In the years of owing my 2.0 however I never had any issues whatsoever with it. All the reliability issues others report on them I never experienced.
 
Welshjam said:
Hi All,

I sold my E85 3.0 at the beginning of the year due to all the expensive faults and issues I had. The most expensive replacing the ABS pump and module which was a common problem. Costing almost £2k to put right. I miss the car, the sound was amazing.

I’m looking at getting the 2.0 E85 version as a daily drive. Do they share the same issues as the 3.0 version, especially the ABS problem?

Cheers,
James
Click to expand...

What's the budget?

I've had my 2nd E85 for almost 4 1/2 years and not had any of these problems that are always made out to be common issues with the E85's whether it's ABS pump, sticky steering, roof motor drowning, oil leaks or high use of oil.

Window regulator was replaced in the drivers door last year before it failed. New Battery a couple of months ago as the alarm was going off at random. It was on the original battery. Interestingly enough, Carly showed errors with the ABS pump when the battery was dying.

As Road Warrior said you've probably had your pockets felt.

Don't go for a 2.0 as you will only regret it. 2.5si, 3.0 or 3.0si. Have you considered an M?
 
ABS pump a common problem? Not really. :? Sounds like you were unfortunate OP. If your happy with you other Z for fun and just want a economical roof down daily, then why not an MX5. Reading these pages for several years now the 3.0i is the best Z4 for the roof down all round economy, reliability and fun. :)
 
This is the first time I've heard of an E85 ABS pump problem. I've only owned mine for a year, but having spent time on the forum I know all of the common issues now. I agree that a 2.0 would be a dull replacement for the 3.0i. I tried one 2.5 when I was shopping for my 3.0i, just to see how they compared. That one short drive quickly told me that I needed the 3.0i if I was to buy a Z4.
 
Hi OP, the likelihood of an ABS pump issue is probably the same whatever model E85 you choose. But as has been said it's fairly rare, and ECU Testing recondition them for a few hundred and give a lifetime guarantee.

So you might as well get a straight 6, and seeing as the 2.2i, 2.5i and 3.0i all use the same engine, just in different sizes, you might as well get a 3.0i! They all cost the same to run (apart from insurance possibly) and I don't think economy varies much either.

Anyway, happy hunting. :thumbsup:
 
I had the ABS pump go on my 2.0 but it cost less than £500 to be fixed at my local indie. Think you may have been fleeced a tad there OP :(
 
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