Hi Guys,
I'm looking to purchase a manual Z4 3.0si coupe and am basically looking for some pointers on common problems to look for, and any advice on reliability/running costs/aftermarket warranties etc. My current car is a 59 Lexus GS 450h which although very fast and comfortable, is as dull as ditchwater to drive, hence me wanting to swap to something more sportier (also the possibility of the complex hybrid system failing as well as high servicing/parts prices). I've looked at an S2000 and although great fun with superb handling, they are very basically equipped which is hard to accept after owning a fully loaded Lexus. I've done my homework with the N52 Z4 and the only real major problems I've read are people suffering with the electric waterpump and with ticking/noisy hydraulic lifters - apart from that it seems a reliable engine. Other problems are things like snapped springs but I couldn't really find much else apart from the odd differential leak - is there anything else to watch out for?
From what I understand running costs aren't that bad either for the Z4, my average fuel economy currently is around 26MPG for the Lexus - I'm pretty handy with DIY having done quite a bit on my previous EP3 Type-R, and I understand the Z4 is quite an easy car to work on so quite a few things I would do myself but I would probably have servicing done at an independent (or is BMW recommended?). Would you guys advise running some kind of warranty on a Z4 to protect against anything major happening or is it a reliable enough vehicle to run without one?
I'd appreciate any responses any of you have,
Many Thanks,
Josh
I'm looking to purchase a manual Z4 3.0si coupe and am basically looking for some pointers on common problems to look for, and any advice on reliability/running costs/aftermarket warranties etc. My current car is a 59 Lexus GS 450h which although very fast and comfortable, is as dull as ditchwater to drive, hence me wanting to swap to something more sportier (also the possibility of the complex hybrid system failing as well as high servicing/parts prices). I've looked at an S2000 and although great fun with superb handling, they are very basically equipped which is hard to accept after owning a fully loaded Lexus. I've done my homework with the N52 Z4 and the only real major problems I've read are people suffering with the electric waterpump and with ticking/noisy hydraulic lifters - apart from that it seems a reliable engine. Other problems are things like snapped springs but I couldn't really find much else apart from the odd differential leak - is there anything else to watch out for?
From what I understand running costs aren't that bad either for the Z4, my average fuel economy currently is around 26MPG for the Lexus - I'm pretty handy with DIY having done quite a bit on my previous EP3 Type-R, and I understand the Z4 is quite an easy car to work on so quite a few things I would do myself but I would probably have servicing done at an independent (or is BMW recommended?). Would you guys advise running some kind of warranty on a Z4 to protect against anything major happening or is it a reliable enough vehicle to run without one?
I'd appreciate any responses any of you have,
Many Thanks,
Josh
