Z4 E89 20i noisy tappets ?

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Dayvee

Member
Can anyone help been to see a 2011 Z4 20i with 90k on it tappets sounded noisy from stone cold , are these hydraulic hence they quietened off when warm are are we looking at a bigger picture thanks and are the 2.5 E89 tappets the same ? Thanks guys
 
The 20i has the N20 engine, very little in common with the N52 engine fitted to the 23i.

There are no tappets.

Usually a rattly / clacky sound comes from the vacuum pump on the N20.

I’d check the cam chain and tensioner for sign of wear and damage :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for your help , are both these engine good for big mileages as i have heard the 6 cylinder engine is a better unit than the 4 cylinder or is this just peoples personal opinions!!
 
It’ll have hydraulic lifters (or tappets) but the noise is probably the injectors. N20 engines are well known for it.
 
Dayvee said:
Thanks for your help , are both these engine good for big mileages as i have heard the 6 cylinder engine is a better unit than the 4 cylinder or is this just peoples personal opinions!!
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The earlier N20 engines have a major problem with the cam chain and it’s associated tensioner. Slightly inter related is the oil pump drive.

They start to fail typically from 50k miles onwards , seemingly getting much worse around 80k miles.

They can either fail spectacularly or parts detach some of which blocks the oil pump which is less spectacular but fatal.

Not everyone has this an issue.

Oil change intervals and extended use of auto stop start seem aggravating factors.

Later engines and those revised should do better than 150k miles..one public documented one has done 500k miles.

The N52 engines seem to go on forever bar plastics cracking, gaskets leaking and water pump failing.
 
Interesting info that thanks ! , really wanted a 6 potter engine to be honest , think you might have swayed me back from the 4 potter now thanks again
 
Dayvee said:
Interesting info that thanks ! , really wanted a 6 potter engine to be honest , think you might have swayed me back from the 4 potter now thanks again
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Well as a 4 pot owner as well as N54 powered Zed I find myself conflicted.

If you want a car that is as assured as it can be not to be caught out with big bills then either a N52 powered 23i or 30i is a good bet or a later N20 powered ( or one updated) car are your choices.

If you ‘need’ a 6 pot because it’s a 6 pot then the 23i or 30i are your choices.

If you want the best handling, most capable, quick car then a later re-mapped N20 (or one that has had its cam chain sorted) is your choice.

If goodies are important then later N20 cars tend to be better spec’s.

Plenty of choices and options :thumbsup:

Another option is an unmodified N20 and burning £1,200 on a full service and update to latest spec.
 
I looked at all the E89s when I decided to purchase one. There is much more in common with all second generation Z4s than their differences.

Might be useful to ask a few questions of yourself.

Are you planning to keep the Z4 for a long while, more than 2 years ?
No/Don't know/yes

Do I like altering / tinkering with cars?
No/ a little / yes

Am I willing to invest /update the car?
No/ maybe / yes

Can I cope with unexpected costs?
No / maybe / yes

Do I need a 6 cylinder car cause it has 6 cylinders?
Yes / maybe / no

Do I want the 'extras' auto, cruise, Hi-Fi, idrive/PDC?
No / not sure /yes

If your answers are mostly the former then you would be better off with an early 23i or 30i manual, if your answers are mostly the latter then you should maybe think of 18i/20i/28i with lots of options, get it re-mapped and look at the cam chain issue.

I drove all the versions over a 4 month period on the same rough 40-50 mile test drive and for me ended up getting a 20i Auto and getting it re-mapped. I've got it booked in with my local garage to get the camchain and a few other bits done, as I plan to keep it and don't want to be spending more money in the future. I have flying as m new hobby which is burning too mcuh cash.
 
If you went into this wanting a 6 cylinder, then I'd recommend getting a 6 cylinder. The 4 pots might be objectively better, but I suspect you're more interested in the sound and feel of the engine than the numbers on paper. One of my must haves when choosing my car was 5+ cylinders, because that's part of the experience that I wanted, if you're the same then you'll 100% regret getting a 4 pot.

Personally, if I hadn't decided on going for a larger engine, I'd probably be driving around in a supercharged MX-5...
 
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