Z4C Buyer's Guide?

There's really not much of a guide. The coupe was only out from 2006-2009, and other than the addition of the Aux In port just above the ash tray in 2007 I'm not aware of any changes. Same engines, same body panels, same options.
 
The December 2008 issue of Bimmer Magazine had a great market update/buyer's guide for the Z3 and Z4. It covered lots of bases, including upgrades from model year to model year, KBB values, and common maladies both minor and major for the cars. I don't think there's an online version of the article, but you can order a back issue (see link).

But I'm with you... The roaster is nice and all, but the coupe is an instant classic (both Zeds 3 and 4). Good luck and cheers! :D

http://www.bimmer-mag.com/back_issues.html
 
IK. said:
Is there anything to look out for in particular?
Click to expand...

I'm too lazy to type the full "maladies" section, but it does state that overall the Z4 is largely bulletproof compared to the more tech-laden 3 Series, with which it shares many parts. Here are highlights from the article. Read on and cheers! :thumbsup:

Overall, engine problems are rare with the earlier M54 (the N52 magnesium block was introduced with the 2006 model year facelift). However, it does suggest that the M54 might have Camshaft Position Sensor issues resulting in a "check engine soon" warning. A faulty camshaft sensor won't normally cause driveability problems because the engine has two – one for each cam – and the DME can extrapolate the required information from the other CPS. But if both fail you'll be on walkabout.

Listen for Belt Tensioner Noises on earlier models. If you live in an extremely cold climate and drive in the winter, you may want to replace the Crankcase Vent Valve and Hose with the new style (updated in BMW Info Bulletin 11 08 03).

The Cooling System is the earlier M54 engines use the same substandard water pumps that have been around since 1992. It is recommended to replace every 60,000 miles. The article state that radiators are often problematic with BMWs, but that the Z4 largely hasn't been around long enough to rack up the miles for an opinion to be rendered on this.

The quintessential Fuel Level Sensors continues to be problematic in earlier models (I recall this from my old Zed 3 days). Newer gold sensors were put into production models as of 05/2004, but them may still cause issues. They are repairable under warranty, but expensive if not covered by warranty.

BMW's newfangled Self-adjusting Clutch has yielded a rare problem in which the pressure plate fails to adjust itself, causing clutch overheating and shuddering. While rare and hard to diagnose, the word is that dealers will replace one clutch under warrantee or for goodwill. A popping or clicking sound in clutches up to 06/2003 production has NO effect on performance or operation but has been addressed by an updated pressure plate.

The Manual Gearboxes on all Zed are pretty stout (including the Getrag 5-spd manual and ZF 6-spd). The jury is still out on the Steptronic and SMG.

Most complaints for the Z4 relate to the Ride Quality – some folks find it too harsh with the OEM Run Flat Tires, especially in conjunction with the SPorts Package (the M versions don't come with RFT). There are COUNTLESS threads on this subject throughout the forum... a simple search will fill and flabbergast your mind on these round rubber things.

The Power Convertible Tops always present service issues on BMWs so equipped. BMW has ten Service Info Bulletins on the Zed tops alone. But if you are looking for a Coupe, no worries (though I did just have my window seals, which were prematurely degrading, replaced under warranty).

Z4s also have an issue with the Intermittent Wiper Failure on all cars up to 2005. This is the result of a faulty relay (part number 61 31 6 919 113).

Lastly, the Z4 seems to suffer a problem with the climate control system in which No Heat is Produced during cold-weather operation except on the highest setting. This is covered by BMW Service Info Bulletin 64 07 05, and the fix involves recoding or replacing the IHKA control module.

It also notes a few Bluetooth and GPS/NAV issues, but that seems inherent to these devices for all BMWs.
 
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