Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your BMW Z4
BMW Z4 Models:
BMW Z4 Problems
Burning Smell or Oil Drips on the Ground Due to Engine Oil Leak
Valve cover gasket leaks are common after 60,000 miles. Symptoms will include oil drips under the vehicle and burning oil smell from the engine compartment.
Clunk or Jolt Felt in Steering Due to Worn Bushings in Front Suspension
Failure of the front control arm bracket bushings—often referred to as thrust rod bushings—is moderately common. One symptom is a clunk or jolt felt in the steering when braking.
Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank
An engine coolant leak may develop from the expansion tank resulting in engine overheating. When a cooling system component fails the entire cooling system should be inspected. It is not uncommon to find additional component have failed or are leaking.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Water Pump May Develop Coolant Leak
The low coolant light may illuminate and/or the engine may overheat as a result of a coolant leak from the water pump. The leaking pump will require replacement and the entire cooling system should be inspected for leaks as it is not uncommon to find multiple leaks on higher mileage vehicles.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and hav...
Coolant Leak From Radiator
It is not uncommon for the radiator to develop a coolant leak. A leaking radiator will require replacement. When a leaking radiator is replaced the entire cooling system should be inspected and if any additional leaks are found they should be repaired also.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towed to a repair s...
BMW Z4 Recalls (Recent)
Air Bags May Not Deploy
RepairPal Expert Overview:
On 51 vehicles, some electronic air bag system processors may not be compatible, which may cause the air bags to not deploy if they are needed in a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag system processors if needed. The recall began June 11, 2004.
Learn more »BMW Z4 Recall 03V032000
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CONNECTION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TO THE STEEL ROPE OF THE TENSIONER DOES NOT MEET BMW SPECIFICATIONS. IN SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES, THIS CONNECTION CAN DETACH.
Learn more »Tire May Be Damaged
RepairPal Expert Overview:
On 180 vehicles equipped 18 inch tires, a front tire may have been damaged during production, when it was mounted on the rim. This could lead to tire failure, which could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will unseat the tire from the rim and inspect the tire for damage. If damage if found, the tire will be replaced. The recall began July 14, 2003.
Learn more »Fuel Pump May Vapor Lock
RepairPal Expert Overview:
In certain environmental conditions, the fuel pump may vapor lock causing the engine to stall. If this were to happen while moving, the driver would not be able to maintain speed or accelerate increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will install a resistor in the electrical line powering the fuel pump in order to prevent an occurrence of vapor lock. The recall began May 11, 2004.
Learn more »BMW Z4 Questions and Answers
My car stopped running and had to have it towed to family mechanic. Mechanic said I will have to replace entire engine because there was oil/water contaminating the entire engine. I never received...
Occassionally in heavy rain the wipers will stop working. If we turn off the engine and wait a few minutes and restart the engine the wipers will operate normally for a period of time (varies) and...
i need a new motor for my softop convertible. the dealership wanted to charge me $2100 and i said no way. any ideas on how to get this repaired? thanks
is replacing breaks pad and sensor on BMW the same as other cars or there is a trick to it.
what is the cost to replace the parking brake shoes on a 2003 bmw Z4? Is it difficult to do?
BMW Z4 Stories
Overall this is a great sports car, in my humble opinion.
The styling is not for some, but I happen to love it -- nice not to see yourself coming and going, as they say. Handling and steering response like a go kart, and the 2.5 liter is quite peppy (but yet gets good gas mileage and is said to be indestructible).
The overly harsh ride and squirlyness over pavement imperfections can be much improved by replacing the stock Bridgestone Potenzas with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 runflat tires. (Actually it's the ride that's much improved; the squirlyness disappears altogether.) (Or you could switch from runflats and go with Goodyear Eagles and probably notice vast improvement as well, but there are trunk space and other benefits to runflat tires...)
Basically it's your classic late-60s British sports car updated by BMW, and thus with rock-solid reliability, impeccable handling, and great overall sporting driveability. (They don't call them Ultimate Driving Machines for nothing...)
In short, a perfect car for canyon roads, weekends, and mid-life crises of all sorts.
It is worthy to purchase a new z4 or in maintenance warranty. After purchase a used under warranty z4 would spend a lot of money on maintaining the car in good condition except you have some mechanical background and do your work and research every problems on your own.
It is a great convertible little beast but you may need to pay for the beast to keep in a good shape.
Freeway driving rough and too sensitive with run flat tires. Replace will ride and handling much better.
I had manual transmission and have to run RPM to above 4000 to get shifting to feel right.
Exhaust did not sound as it should be.
When set to Vent. Warm breeze came out.
Steering a little too sensitive.
Great weekend car. Handling phenomenal.Remove the runflats and smooth out the ride.
My E86 Z4 M Coupe is an awesome driving machine that is equally at home on the street and the track. Steering is precise and handling is superb. This high-strung machine is not for everyone as the ride is rather harsh.