Looking at a 06' Z4 this weekend! (110k miles)

[basuni90]

Hello all,

I've been looking to buy a z4 for a while now and am finally checking one out this weekend

It's a 2006 Z4 3.0i manual and has 110,000 miles. I just wanted to ask what people's experiences were with problems they might've encountered at this mileage. Common and specific problems are both welcome. It's all just so that I have an idea of what to look for when I'm checking the car out.

Any other input on what I should be on a lookout for would be appreciated too.

Thanks for reading!

[Huz-Z]

Z4's produced in the first half of 2006 can exhibit sticky steering when its really hot outside. Check that either your car was produced after June 2006, or make sure the steering does not feel sticky.

Lifter tick is a known issue with some N52 engines. On cold start, you should hear noisy lifters in the top of the engine which goes away as the engine warms up. I'm told its not harmful but ask the owner if he had this addressed.

Check for smooth and quick operation of the power top. Cars kept outside can have leaves and other debris accumulation in the drains for the power top motor, which can lead to failure of the power top motor. If the car has a manual top, check that it works smoothly. A manual top car means you don't have to worry about that power top motor issue.

[mtownerman]

I bought a 2006 3.0i in the spring with around 125k miles. Took it into an independent repair shop after purchasing for an oil change. They said he needed nothing else. Hasn't been in since .. no problems thus far..car drives great! (manual trans. with a manual top btw)

[m3griff]

Is the oil changed regularly? Has the cooling system been flushed, new coolant, new hoses, belts and waterpump ($400 part)? Brakes ok?

Check the under tray beneath the engine for signs of oil leaking. There are several potential leak points on the N52. None are deadly but something to know going in.

If the car has had deferred maintenance then stay away - you are likely to have problems.

[basuni90]

The guy flaked and I wasn't able to see it this past weekend. He called me today though to set a meeting for me to see it this upcoming weekend. I'll be considering all of your advice.

Thanks for the feedback!

[basuni90]

Done deal! I committed to the transaction today woohoo!! I'll be posting up pics as soon as the details are settled.

Thanks again everyone for the input!

[Vanne]

spill it, more details required, condition? mods? future plans?

[Koevoet]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

Check for smooth and quick operation of the power top. Cars kept outside can have leaves and other debris accumulation in the drains for the power top motor, which can lead to failure of the power top motor. If the car has a manual top, check that it works smoothly. A manual top car means you don't have to worry about that power top motor issue.

How smooth should it be, for example no stuttering through the closing and the opening of the roof.

Will the roof motor make a noise if there is something wrong with it?

Regards

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by Koevoet

How smooth should it be, for example no stuttering through the closing and the opening of the roof.

Will the roof motor make a noise if there is something wrong with it?

Regards

The top motor can make a noise even if its dead, so I'm told.

Thee should be no stuttering while opening and closing. Like this: