As said in other post lm going to view a Z4 tomorrow.. apart from the roof operation what else should l look out for? What are their other faults and weaknesses of note?
What to look out for Z4
- Thread starter Alan W
- Start date
Hi Alan, best advice really is to make sure that everything the car has, works. When I bought my car I was aware that the Navigation disc was missing and that the CD multi-changer cartridge was also missing. I replaced the CD cartridge in Florida for £25 as opposed to £50 + from BMW in the UK. The Nav disc can be got in the UK too. Make sure the roof operates as it should but also smoothly too. Central locking, elec. windows any thing and everything. Road test keeping an eye on the temp. guage, check oil level and oil clean? Service history, M.O.T. history. Tyres for wear, a good sign of hard use if edges are well worn (like mine) check for brake judder too it may need discs and pads. See if AC is cold, if only cool may need re-gas. Good luck with it mate.
Tony.
Tony.
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2011
- Points
- 226
- Location
- Langley Mill
- Model of Z
- Z4 3.0si Individual Ruby Black Last one produced in this colour combo
Also lift the bonnet before starting then check the engine on idle when cold listen for any kind of rattle could indicate Vanos or Disa require over hauling
raymond
Zorg Guru (I)
As above but do the usual MOT history check. Pre facelifts can suffer from "sticky" steering so take the car out for a long run and check the steering is alright when warm. Also try a motorway run to see if the car is stable at speed. Check all the warning lights go off and all electrical things work. Thermostat housings can fail along with water pumps so look through the service records to see if they have been replaced. A good sign is low owner numbers and matching tyres.
Thanks guys
Car was a dog!!
raymond
Zorg Guru (I)
You now know what a bad one looks like so it was not a total waste of time !
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The main one is that they are not a Z3.
make sure engine runs well, make sure bodywork ok. Suspension - make sure you have a budget to replace it in first month of ownership.
I had no idea what to look for, but I just wanted this specific car. So in the first 2 months of ownership I changed all the bushes, the run flat tyres were too harsh so they were changed, the rear springs, the steering system was sticky, so that was repaired exorbitantly, some body panels were loose so had them reattached, a new starter motor in Denmark and last, but not least a new stronger battery. The odd warning lights come on such as the ABS and power steering, but it has not affected the performance, although before the MOT next year, I'll get it sorted.
I love the car and will spend what is needed to keep it running sweet and allow me to drive it hard and fast - safely!!
I love the car and will spend what is needed to keep it running sweet and allow me to drive it hard and fast - safely!!
raymond
Zorg Guru (I)
What did you do to fix the steering ?
raymond
Zorg Guru (I)
The new unit is £2500 plus VAT from BMW . I converted mine to hydraulic steering instead
Leaking valve cover gasket is another common fault. Look for oil collecting just above the exhaust manifold at the end nearest the firewall. Not a difficult fix but worthy of negotiation if evident.
Quote of the day
Have a look at my thread. I removed my whole column and stripped it down. The locking ring between the motor and column is to blame for the issues.
Too loose - wandering steering
Too tight - Notchy feeling hard to central