Newbie intro and starter question

[Juggernaught5]

Hello All:
Nearly every day, I drive through dealership row on Camelback Road in downtown Phoenix. Lately, there have been a number of Z4s on these lots, and after looking at several, I was romanced by a Black Sapphire 2006 3.0si, 37,000, and very well optioned (M suspension, leather, auto, auto AC, power top, xenons, auto wipers/lights, etc.). This car is stunningly beautiful and fast, as you all know. There are some minor body imperfections that need to be addressed (don't buy a black care at night!), as well as a cigarette hole on the driver's seat and a slight hint of smoke that is still lingering even after a two-day ozone blast. Having been smoked in was almost a deal breaker, until the deal got too good to pass up.

After driving it for a few days, I thought it might have a transmission issue, but it turned out to be shifting normal. The previous owner did not drive it to its potential, and a reset of the adaptive driver memory cured the short-shifting I sensed. Thanks to all who responded to my post about this issue. The site has been a great source of knowledge regarding strut brace squeaks, bluetooth/ipod options, maintenance repairs, and pdf manuals and brochures. I hope to meet local members someday!

I have had another issue pop up. Sporadically, the starter is briefly remaining engaged after the car is running. I've searched the forums and found several potential issues: holding the key too long (possible, as my last car was a Mini with a start button); a worn starter switch; a need to lube the starter gearing; and/or a starter going bad.

I'm teaching myself to release the key quickly. My question: If this is parts-related, is there a self-diagnosis I can complete to determine which might be the issue, other than replacing parts, cheapest to most expensive, or going to the mechanic?

Finally, if you ever buy a car that's been smoked in, be sure to clean the underside of the dash and trim pieces for ash residue. As the attached photo shows, the inside of the console UNDER the ashtray was quite nasty as were the undersides of several trim pieces...

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Huz-Z]

That is a lovely car - congratulations! It seems to me that these cars are typically not truly appreciated until they are in the hands of their second owner. Enjoy!!

And re the starter, is there a decent local dealer or indy shop who could look at this for you without a major charge?

[Vanne]

Awesome car mate, enjoy her to the max. Nice job of cleaning the ashtray, also please don't forget the cabin filter.

[gas-can]

Jugger,

First congrats on a beautiful automobile. However, having brought a black car, let me warn you that you will go insane in trying to keep it clean. I wash mine every week (unless the blasted pipe is frozen) but 2-3 days later, its all dirty again. It's like trying to keep a puppy clean. But for those 2 days, it's so worth it!

Now regarding the starter, does your one sound like this (the screech at end of starting): http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=939203

If so, please see my post at the bottom of that thread. If it's that screeching noise, it's probably your starter bendix. It may just need to be regreased, but this may not be a very simple job as it looks like the intake manifold has to come off to gain access to the starter. I have the same thing and it seems to be a common issue with the N52 engine family. It seems to only happen to me when the temperature is cold, which makes sense. I'll address mine this spring when I do my spring maintenance routine.

Again, congrats on a beautiful car. With regards to the smoke smell, just drive the car with the top open more. Problem solved!

regards,
gc

[Juggernaught5]

Gas-can - I had seen your post during my search and this is very similar to what I'm getting. I would point to this directly as the root problem, only I've also experienced a random "turn the key and nothing happens" moment as described in other posts.

I've found a repair shop within walking distance of the house, and am going to stop by tomorrow. I was hoping to do some self-diagnosis to eliminate simply replacing the starter (the most expensive solution) when it might be something else u can resolve on my own.

Vanne: I was replacing the cabin filter, per instructions I found on the forum, when I learned of the ash problem - the underside of trim panel under the glove box was caked with soot. I started cleaning all the unseen areas as a result. Going to have to get a new aux port insert for the console cubby, as this was used as an ashtray and the smell is embedded in the melted plastic!

[Vanne]

Mate I hear ya, de-smoking the car is extensive. I bought a golf gti once on the cheap cos it had been a heavy smokers car.. Bloody hell the biggest drama was the roof lining.. I ended up having to replace the liner as no mater what I did I couldn't get the smell out if it. Luckily you've got a soft top I'd recommend lots of driving with roof down ; )