Zed of its head

[Joker33]

Hi all although I am new to the forum I have been stalking you all since November when I picked up my beautiful new Z4.

Sorry this is a long one.

Since I bought the car I have had multiple issues with it but fortunately they have all been covered under the 6month warranty I managed to blag of the retailer.

So far they have replaced:
-a set of warped brake discs
-two rear tyres
-two o2 sensors and wire of some sort
-flushed the exhaust system
-a full set of break pads
-and a left calliper

However right from the start I have had a very annoying issue with the steering. It is like it is possessed or totally of it’s head lol. There is slight vibration in the steering but the main problem is that the steering has a mind of its own.

While driving along the road wether it is bumpy or smooth or wether I am driving slow or fast the steering wheel will pull both left and right in my hands (mainly left)

I have been complaining about this issue from the start and the retailer has looked over the suspension and steering and feels as if there is nothing wrong. He said the bushes are perfectly fine and the suspension is perfect. The tyres are wearing fine and has blamed it on the low profile tyres the whole time. I am sorry but this is not a low profile tyre issue. I have lpt on my Astra h and know the difference. I nearly feel like something is getting looser each time I drive it.

When the brake discs were changed the issue went away so we thought that was it but then it came back after a few long drives.

When the left caliber was replaced. The same thing happened and it was perfect and I was in love all over again. But then after a few long drives it came back. It seems to be every time the left wheel is removed and put back on again the issue is fine for a period of time and then bam the car is of its head again.

Can someone please please help me. I really am confused as to what is going on. I am starting to wonder are the bolts on my wheels coming loose each time but I thought that was a bit random.

I took it to Charles hurst for alignment and balancing but they said the alignment wasn’t out that much to be causing any issues but that I needed a front set of tyres. The thred is fine but it was waring more in the inside. The retailer said that Charles hurst were chatting outta their ass. To be fair I also thought that. I then asked a few companies for pricing a full 4 wheel wheel alignment and one guy tried to tell me it was because I had two run flats on the front and two ordinary on the back. But again I felt like he was just trying to get me to buy a set of run flats.

I am not bothered by a rough ride or it pulling to one side or even vibrations but the steering is so unpredictable I feel like I cannot enjoy the car as I don’t trust what it’s going to do next.

Please can someone help me

 

[enzed4]

Ditch the run flats on the front, pronto. Also, I don't think you said if you have an E85/86 or 89. I believe the E85's have a known issue with tramlining (many threads/comments on here).
How about some pics of the Z4?

 

[Steve67]

Which wheels are on your car? Is the inset / offset correct? My E85 had E60 wheels on when I bought it which made it twitchy (E60 has IS20 compared to IS47/IS50)

 

[Marlon]

As mentioned - first step is to replace the run flats and then take things from there

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. Another joker, perfect. :lol: :wink:

 

[Zoomer]

Assuming all bushes are ok then I would look at tyres to start with but are the wheels standard offsets etc.
Run flats are awful on the z4 especially when they are older or cold and worn.

 

[road warrior]

Welcome to the forum. Another joker, perfect. :lol: :wink:

i resemble that :lol:

 

[road warrior]

wait.. you have run flats on the front and normal tyres on the back ? and you think its gonna go in a straight line ?
ditch the run flats or you may well end up in a ditch yourself. :thumbsdown:

also show us the car and give details, there are as many issues with different models as farts in a cow - model year and engine would help

 

[Joker33]

Thanks guys for all the replies. I haven't really got a clue as to the E number lol but it is a 2009 2.0i sport. Also not sure what you mean buy inset offset. Is that where the wheel is properly centerised? I haven't done a proper alignment yet but maybe you could recommend a place. I am in Coleraine Northern Ireland.

Also I put the car up on the jack today to check if the wheel wobbled but nothing really and the nuts are all staying put and once again driving it has been perfect since. Could this be something to do with it re settling onto the suspension? Hmmm

Oh yeah am I also checked the thread on the tyres and allow they are wearing fine the inside 2inches isn't as wide as the rest of the tyre. Is this a run flat thing or a poor wearing thing?

And finally yes the run flats are on the front and ordinary on the back. I didn't even know I had run flats until I took it to Charles hurst lol.

 

[road warrior]

e number.. look on your log book
offset - how much it sticks out or sits inside the wheel arch - different cars have different offsets, and is another reason why you cant stick any wheel on any car.
bin the run flats - get it tracked

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome.

E85 is a Roadster, E86 is a Coupe and E89 has the folding metal roof.

Good luck getting your problems sorted.

And we'd love to see some photos!

 

[firebobby]

Welcome to the forum, the earlier Z4 (E85) had issues with the electric steering set up, this can be made better with adjustment. I didn't think the face lift or later Z4 (E89) had this problem, we need photos of your Zed.

 

[Jollyjoiner]

Sorry but no pics then no helpy we like pics of new members cars.

Like others have said, the first thing to do is get shot of the run flats and then see what it's like.

 

[Joker33]

I think mine is the roadster perhaps. I shall check my log book. Thank you

I do think they are the original wheels but maybe you guys will be able to tell straight away.

Is getting it tracked the same as an alignment. Wow so many things to learn lol

Ok I think I have a few photos I shall post now

 

[Joker33]

Some photos but all crappy snap chat ones lol. Hoping to get some good photos taken soon.

 

[Z4Sparky]

Yup, it's an E85.

 

[firebobby]

And we can see you reg number, I used to blank my plate, but we attend quite a few meets and your plate is shown when another member posts.
I see your zed has front parking sensors, a good idea with the length of these bonnets :wink:

 

[Joker33]

Yeah I only really blank it out when I put it on snapper chatter or bakebook.

I do have front parking sensors and also rear but when I turn the front ones on they just beep constant I think there may be a fault with them so I just keep them off lol

Do you guys meet up in Northern Ireland anywhere. Would love to go to a meet if it was possible.

 

[Joker33]

Help again. I was moving the cars about in the driveway today and the zed was left running in idle for a bit and I noticed a burning smell and when I lifted the bonnet smoke was coming from the arrow and then I noticed what also looks like a pool of oil? circled

I guess what I would like to know is what is that part of the engine called the arrow and is this pool of oil normal? I did have a rocker valve cover leak a while back and I thought it was the cause of the smoke but now I’m not so sure.

 

[firebobby]

Have a look around the rocker cover as the gaskets can leak, if that's OK, what you need to do is remove the bottom engine cover and see what side of the engine, the oil is coming from.