PPI Questions to ask

cooticooti16 · 07-16-2015, 08:02 AM

Does the PPI include VANOS diagnostics? Also, could I have the dealer look into possible subframe damage as part of the inspection? These are more common in M3's but, since the Z4M shares its engine I want to make sure buying an out of warranty will not begin with headache.

I narrowed my choices to a local E46 M3 (among another Z4M and CLK 63 AMG) and the car passed its last oil change inspection with all green check marks for Under the Car, Under the Hood, Car Exterior and Road Test. The only yellow mark was for the rear brake pads.

What else should someone looking into a S54 Z4M / M3 ask during the PPI?

R.

JCF · 07-17-2015, 02:11 PM

There really aren't "vanos diagnostics" other than listening for rattle. Anything deeper would require pulling it apart.

Motor mounts would be something to have them check. Previous owner service records are really what you're looking for.

dschultz · 07-17-2015, 08:24 PM

^whs

Re sub-frame damage... A typical PPI involves a visual inspection only. They may see evidence of rust, damage or repair, but won't go as far as checking frame alignment.

dc_wright · 07-17-2015, 08:52 PM

The Z4 doesn't have a history of rear sub frame cracking like the E46M3 so no worries there. If you go the M3 route find someone who's familiar with the E46 sub frame issue and knows what to look for. The least expensive sub frame crack repair cost I know someone has found was $1,500. Also for the M3 if you go with one older than late 2004 make certain the engine had the final rod bearing recall performed. Rod bearing wear in all S54 engines is something to monitor (many get a Blackstone oil analysis at each change) but the S54's in the E46M3 up through late 2004 builds had rod bearing issues that caused a very high incidence of catastrophic engine failure.

dc_wright · 07-17-2015, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dschultz

^whs

Re sub-frame damage... A typical PPI involves a visual inspection only. They may see evidence of rust, damage or repair, but won't go as far as checking frame alignment.

It's not an alignment issue, it's a design defect in the E46. The E46M3 has the highest failure rate because of the added torque from the S54.

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07-16-2015, 08:02 AM	#1
cooticooti16 Private First Class 44 Rep 168 Posts Drives: Lexus Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (0)	PPI Questions to ask Does the PPI include VANOS diagnostics? Also, could I have the dealer look into possible subframe damage as part of the inspection? These are more common in M3's but, since the Z4M shares its engine I want to make sure buying an out of warranty will not begin with headache. I narrowed my choices to a local E46 M3 (among another Z4M and CLK 63 AMG) and the car passed its last oil change inspection with all green check marks for Under the Car, Under the Hood, Car Exterior and Road Test. The only yellow mark was for the rear brake pads. What else should someone looking into a S54 Z4M / M3 ask during the PPI? R. Last edited by cooticooti16; 07-16-2015 at 08:10 AM..
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07-17-2015, 02:11 PM	#2
JCF Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 218 Posts Drives: 07 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	There really aren't "vanos diagnostics" other than listening for rattle. Anything deeper would require pulling it apart. Motor mounts would be something to have them check. Previous owner service records are really what you're looking for.
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07-17-2015, 08:24 PM	#3
dschultz Private First Class 26 Rep 195 Posts Drives: 07 Z4MC Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	^whs Re sub-frame damage... A typical PPI involves a visual inspection only. They may see evidence of rust, damage or repair, but won't go as far as checking frame alignment.
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07-17-2015, 08:52 PM	#4
dc_wright Captain 249 Rep 758 Posts Drives: 2006 Z43.0si Roadster Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	The Z4 doesn't have a history of rear sub frame cracking like the E46M3 so no worries there. If you go the M3 route find someone who's familiar with the E46 sub frame issue and knows what to look for. The least expensive sub frame crack repair cost I know someone has found was $1,500. Also for the M3 if you go with one older than late 2004 make certain the engine had the final rod bearing recall performed. Rod bearing wear in all S54 engines is something to monitor (many get a Blackstone oil analysis at each change) but the S54's in the E46M3 up through late 2004 builds had rod bearing issues that caused a very high incidence of catastrophic engine failure. __________________ Top Down 365
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