Things to watch for on z3's / z4's ?

NYSpeed Automotive
1

My gf is looking to purchase a z3 or z4, 2000 or newer. Anything major to watch for? Problems in specific years? Any engines to stay away from (performance probably isn’t a huge concern). I’ve never really cared for these so never paid them much attention. Any info would be good.

2

The common Crankcase vent issues. If the retrofit kit hasn’t been done its some what costly at a shop besides just normal engine gaskets and such. I never liked the Z4 until i drove a customers 3.0 stick. Pretty nice car and the exhaust is has a nice sound for stock.

E85 (Z4) all with M54 engine
SITUATION
Certain areas of the US experience extremely cold climate conditions during the winter months. A small number of
vehicles in the above-listed Series have experienced problems ranging from leaking or broken valve covers to complete
engine failure.
CAUSE
Moisture accumulating in the engine oil separator; hose to oil dipstick guide tube; or the orifice in the dipstick guide
tube can freeze. When this occurs, depending on the position of the internal valve, it may either cause high crankcase
pressures (stuck closed) resulting in valve cover leakage and/or breakage, or cause an oil hydro-lock condition (stuck
open), which could result in engine damage.
CORRECTION
Replace the crankcase vent valve, crankcase vent hoses, and dipstick guide tube.

3

06+ have crappy electric waterpumps. also no oil dipstick.
bmw suck at coolant systems. (overflow tanks explode, water-pumps fail, thermostat housing will throw random codes)
as mentioned the ccv system will need updating if prior to 06 (requires removal of intake manifold and sucks.)

oh and avoid the automatics. i hate ZF transmissions with so much hate

4

Watch the rear end mounts they are known to rip off the chassis. look for popped spot welds

5

Any easy way to see if the retrofit for the crankcase vent has been done?

Thanks for the input.

6

Z3’s rip the trunk floor out at the diff mount. That’s really the only major problem with them. Top sucks on both of them as they age, so consider the fact that you’ll need to work on them at some point due to leaks.