Bent my "chassis stiffening plate"

[jragan]

Originally Posted by chickdr

...BMW should make sure every Z4 is checked when it comes in for service(under warranty or not) to make sure the bolts are where they are supposed to be and not missing/broken(better yet, all bolts should be upgraded to a higher spec)...

The problem with your logic here is that BMW Service Techs at even good dealers are generally lazy and since it takes a lot of work (pulling wheels off, dismantling covers, etc) to just check the bolts, they just won't do it. Even if they're told to. I've seen a number of reports (me included) where the owner requested that the bolts be checked, and even though the SA says the job was done, a few months later, the bolts end up broken/missing/loose/etc -- So obviously they were not, in fact, checked.

[AWM3]

Originally Posted by jragan

The problem with your logic here is that BMW Service Techs at even good dealers are generally lazy and since it takes a lot of work (pulling wheels off, dismantling covers, etc) to just check the bolts, they just won't do it. Even if they're told to. I've seen a number of reports (me included) where the owner requested that the bolts be checked, and even though the SA says the job was done, a few months later, the bolts end up broken/missing/loose/etc -- So obviously they were not, in fact, checked.

BMW should recall all of the cars that are in the production range that could possibly be affected, replace all the bolts with new parts that don't break, and give the owner some written proof that the work was done. Probably a 100,000 mile unlimited year "goodwill" warranty would be appropriate also. For those who wish to take matters into their own hands rather than hoping that nothing bad will happen, here are the links to the parts you need to replace the left and right engine mount bolts:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#90854a172/=368vky

http://www.mcmaster.com/#90854a167/=368w9d

and two packs of these:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#91812a230/=368wzf

[Ron Stygar]

Originally Posted by car62

BMW should recall all of the cars that are in the production range that could possibly be affected, replace all the bolts with new parts that don't break, and give the owner some written proof that the work was done. Probably a 100,000 mile unlimited year "goodwill" warranty would be appropriate also. For those who wish to take matters into their own hands rather than hoping that nothing bad will happen, here are the links to the parts you need to replace the left and right engine mount bolts:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#90854a172/=368vky

http://www.mcmaster.com/#90854a167/=368w9d

and two packs of these:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#91812a230/=368wzf

If you want to use BMW stuff MotorSport Z4 uses the following:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=384257

Screw 07 11 9 913 653 $0.47r
Screw 07 11 9 913 673 $0.62r
Washer 07 11 9 903 078 $0.35r

[AWM3]

Originally Posted by Ron Stygar

If you want to use BMW stuff MotorSport Z4 uses the following:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=384257

Screw 07 11 9 913 653 $0.47r
Screw 07 11 9 913 673 $0.62r
Washer 07 11 9 903 078 $0.35r

Ron,
I have noted that your posts are very knowledgeable and informative 100% of the time. You are truly an authoritative source of information. Regarding this particular situation, having been given bad parts by BMW once, I won't give them the opportunity again and will take my business elsewhere. It does appear that you can get those for less than $10 altogether, while McMaster-Carr sells the bolts only in lots of 25 and you will spend about $30 with them. So there's an opportunity to save $20. However, the Nord Lock washers from McMaster are pretty unique and add an additional safety margin against bolts loosening.

[Ron Stygar]

Originally Posted by car62

However, the Nord Lock washers from McMaster are pretty unique and add an additional safety margin against bolts loosening.

I know. I posted them and have them on my rear sway bar screws.

I didn't use them on the motor mount brackets since they didn't have the OD of the stock washer.

[Ron Stygar]

Originally Posted by car62

It does appear that you can get those for less than $10 altogether, while McMaster-Carr sells the bolts only in lots of 25 and you will spend about $30 with them. So there's an opportunity to save $20.

The stock ones are grade 8.
Motorsport ones are 10.9.