Z4 lemon?

[xtina0]

Don't be consoled by this inaccurate thought.

Hi Busterboo, can you list the common failure modes of the N20 auto E89s pls?

My understanding is timing chain failure is the biggest issue and some gasket leak issues but they pale against N54 issues.

So it would make sense that my gasket pan was leaking and needed to be changed?

I’m just hoping I will fix these issues then I should be good for another 1-2 years. If not maybe I can trade the car in while it’s still worth something?

That’s what I’m trying to decide right now.

 

[Busterboo]

Unlike the 35i(s) I would not expect it to be a money pit...

Don't be consoled by this inaccurate thought.

I agree, I think Pbondar secretly would love a 35iS

 

[javis20]

Something sounds fishy about your indie friend. Even though BMW said the shocks needed repair, I would not have taken that as fact. Shocks should not need to be replace that early, if at all. And some off the other things he is coming up with sounds very suspicious. Did you take it back to the dealer and let them have a look at the other issues?

 

[Anonymous]

Unlike the 35i(s) I would not expect it to be a money pit...

Don't be consoled by this inaccurate thought.

I agree, I think Pbondar secretly would love a 35iS

It’s true when I started my Z4 odyssey I hankered after the 35i....

However even then the horror stories of injectors, turbos, shocks, fuel pumps seemed daunting...

Then I heard how effortlessly the N20 engines could be tweaked..

Then I drove a 28i and 35i...it was clear that although down on power the 28i was a better balanced, sweeter handling car than the 35i..

I’ve often bought the car/motorbike with the bigger engine..only one the TR8 was better for its extra weight/horsepower..

If you are into traffic light Grand Prix the 35i is king..if you are going around corners the N20 engined Z4s win..

So much as I like/respect the 35i it doesn’t float my boat as much as my tweaked N20..

 

[Anonymous]

Don't be consoled by this inaccurate thought.

Hi Busterboo, can you list the common failure modes of the N20 auto E89s pls?

My understanding is timing chain failure is the biggest issue and some gasket leak issues but they pale against N54 issues.

The timing chain pre 2015 seems to be an issue , although it seems that it’s the plastic parts that are the main issue..

I’m preemptively replacing the timimg chain and oil pump subsystem next week along with plugs n coils which should be give happy motoring for the rest of the Z4s life..

 

[xtina0]

Something sounds fishy about your indie friend. Even though BMW said the shocks needed repair, I would not have taken that as fact. Shocks should not need to be replace that early, if at all. And some off the other things he is coming up with sounds very suspicious. Did you take it back to the dealer and let them have a look at the other issues?

So I called BMW the thermostat is covered under the Federal Emissions Warranty
I'm going to get the rest fixed with my friend since I really do trust him and let BMW handle the rest.

Will let you all know how my car holds up !

 

[Christrong]

That’s a pretty pic of the car! It’s worth trying to get through the problems to be able to drive a car like that

 

[spikec]

I'm brand new here, just bought a '14 35is. First Z series, but I learned long ago that whatever BMW you have, best to learn how to wrench it yourself. None of these issues sounds like too big a job.
Nothing magical about these cars - fortunately, they're not Ferraris
Cheers,
Spike

 

[enzed4]

Something sounds fishy about your indie friend. Even though BMW said the shocks needed repair, I would not have taken that as fact. Shocks should not need to be replace that early, if at all. And some off the other things he is coming up with sounds very suspicious. Did you take it back to the dealer and let them have a look at the other issues?

So I called BMW the thermostat is covered under the Federal Emissions Warranty
I'm going to get the rest fixed with my friend since I really do trust him and let BMW handle the rest.

Will let you all know how my car holds up !

That is great news on the thermostat, especially since it's one of the most difficult and expensive items on your problem list . Those are nice looking wheels, haven't seen them before on the Z4.

 

[Christrong]

I’ve got the same wheels; maybe it’s a New York thing.

 

[enzed4]

I’ve got the same wheels; maybe it’s a New York thing.73677C2B-EC75-4987-A0EA-9E80F53D9C19.jpeg

Don't look the same to me, but yours look good as well

 

[Christrong]

You are right I just glanced quickly.