Z4M Reliability - Newbie Questions

[Gatvol]

Hello everyone. A complete forum noob and BMW virgin here looking for some real life advice please.

SHORT VERSION
How much trouble does the Z4 give ? What are design failures/ common issues ?

LONGER VERSION
I am looking to buy a "fast" second car (sub 5 seconds to 60) and wonder about a Z4M Coupe.

The fundamental concerns for me are depreciation and reliability. In my opinion car reliability peaked in the mid 90s, and I have 2x 90s cars for this reason. I have owned various Audis/ Mercs/ VWs since the 1980s and they simply do not make them like they used to.

I nearly bought a Z4M Coupe from new but made the major mistake of buying an Audi S5 instead. My 2007 S5 was a continual stream of problems during the 5 years I owned it. Gearbox thrust bearings, sunroof, intelligent key, petrol flap solenoid, radiator fan (bumper off scenario), starter motor relays, xenon bulbs, water pump, interior fan..... Then the piece de resistance ... The driver's door would not unlock when it was cold, I kid you not.

It is not just the cash, it is also the hassle of dealing with all this nonsense when you live in a village.

Thank you

 

[Jembo]

Reliability of the S54
Statistically looking at any car pushing out 343 ponies is amazing how resilient these BMW engines are compared to other marques. Best to find one that’s been pampered & if possible look to speak to past owners especially if a forum car... ie not just the regular maintenance... and is likely you’ll have much better long term luck.

Yes some things need maintenance (search for shells / rod bearings) though with anything on a M car it doesn’t come cheap, so be wary of those which have had minimalist spend.

As for depreciation... IMO it’s the last normally aspirated M car where it won’t set me up for life in my retirement, nor worse case will it loose that much money... if it does, just owning my Sepang S54 is enough to go to my grave happy

 

[srhutch]

Having just bought a Jag XFR I can say that the ///M will give you. A lot less trouble than a Jag XF. Every other Facebook post is about engine failure.

You’d be unlucky to have many issues with a ///M, but as Jem says big end bearings are probably worth considering around the 70k mark and cost around £1k. You’ll get all kinds of opinions on this though so only you can decide.

 

[Tyreman]

The S54 is very reliable and capable of big miles if looked after correctly, I've owned an E46 M3 with 145K miles on the clock and there are plenty out there with 150K+

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum by the way.

I can't answer your question as I only bought my M Coupe on Thursday, so I'm about to find out!

But I had been watching prices for some time and they seem to be holding up pretty well. It looks like you'd only start to lose money if you put some serious mileage on one.

Then again I'm not too bothered about values - I just decided it was time to scratch the M itch after 5+ years with 3.0Si Coupes.

Once I had driven an MC I knew I had to have one, so if you don't want to be tempted you'd better not test one!

 

[PDJ]

Having gone from a 2.0ltr Z4 to a Z4M

The things I have done to the Z4M due to there being no evidence of the work being done other than the standard servicing and the car being a good condition all round.

Changed all the fluids so that I know they have been changed and the correct fluids.

Replaced the rear brake pipes as they rust.

Vanos full service.

Replaced the rod bearings as these is best done around 80,000 miles as the cost of a spun or failled bearing is just too much money.

Checked the valve clearances and adjusted 2 of them

Done to the amount of work and bits that need to be removed to get to the rod bearings I haves out of choice replaced most of the front steering and suspension bushes inc the control arms due to splitting a couple of rubber ball joint boots also I have replaced the bushes with power flex ones

Also I changed all 4 shocks and springs the original shocks where very tired

There are a few more small jobs I will try and get done before spring

Looking forward the diff could do with a service just a precaution at least one seal is letting out a very small amount of oil the seals can be changed with the diff in the car if the left hand side drive shaft has any play in it up and down it is time for a service

If not already in the boot move the roof motor to the boot

Discs and pads all round are the same as any other car just cost more

Callipers will seize at some point not too expensive and easy to do

 

[buzyg]

Welcome on board. The Z4 ///M. Is a solid reliable car. Find a cared for one and it will run and run. The satvnav is rubbish. The roof motor floods and dies if you drive the car in the wet. Simple fix available, move the motor to the boot? The shells should be replaced before 100k , cost about 1k. The rest is routine maintenance and running costs. Road tax is top band.

Take a few out and drive them. Then buy and enjoy. :wink:

 

[Gatvol]

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

Audi/ VW and Merc build quality went to hell in the mid 2000s. A friend who has always had at least one BMW for the past 25 years has tried to comfort me that the brand has not suffered the same fate. Against my protestations, he bought an Audi R8, got hit with bill after bill then replaced it with an 1990s 8 series. 4x cracked rims on a 40k miler ?, that would be the Audi. The R8 as a reliable/ sensible Lambo ? - nonsense

I will go and try a few examples !

 

[Mr Tidy]

Good luck with your viewings.

Just be prepared to travel as I think only about 1,200 M models came to the UK - that's Roadsters and Coupes. Mine was 140 miles away!

 

[Ed Doe]

As above I'd not be put off by higher mileage - in fact if you intend to drive it you'll find it less of a problem putting miles on and enjoying it!

If you want peace of mind, one purchase strategy is to look for a higher miler at a Lower price point and spend the change on the rod bearings and vanos etc so you know they're done.

They're a cracking car though, suitably special to keep for sunny days, and (in standard form anyway) liveable with daily as well.

Good luck with your search, it's a good time of year to be looking, a good deal can be had!