Check in and say hello!

[richard@jigsaww.co.uk]

Hi I have an 04 Z4 e85 3.0

[Kazansky]

Greetings from New Orleans!
After extensive search of over 6 months (thank you CarGurus app on my phone) I found a car of my dreams- a silver Z4M roadster 2006 with just over 43K mikes on it, red leather, no NAV, clean Carfax. Vehicle was delivered this week from Chicago area on a transport. Very excited and hope to meet here new people and learn some tricks :-)

[Manual Shifter]

Hello All,

This is my first post. I'm looking to purchase an inexpensive sports car, and the BMW Z4 seems to fit what I'm looking for in one. I've been looking at 2003 t0 2004 year models since to seem to fall into the price range that I can afford. however, now I'm reading about the engineering problem with the steering columns in these year models. I've test driven a couple of these year models (a 2003 2.5 and a 2004 3.0) before I heard about this problem. Didn't notice this issue in either, however, from what I've been reading the sticky column problem doesn't show up until after the car has warmed up for about a half hour or so, or on a really hot day. Since this would be strictly a summer car up here in the Northeast, this is a major concern. I'm guessing that since this is an engineering defect then all these Z4 model years would be affected with this problem. The fix, so I've been reading, is to have the column replaced to the tune of about $3800.
So, here's my questions:
1. If one was to go for the $3800 column replacement, would that be a newly engineered column, minus the old defect?
2. Would I be better off adding that $3800 to my purchase budget and buy a latter model year that doesn't have the column defect? If that's the answer, then does anyone know which Z4 model year did BMW start putting in the corrected columns?

Thanks in advance,
Manual Shifter

[B328iC]

I have and drive a 2003 Z4. It has currently 46k miles on it. Recently took a trip to Deals Gap NC to drive the Tail of the Dragon. I was very impressed with the car even on all season run flat tires.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by Manual Shifter

Hello All,

This is my first post. I'm looking to purchase an inexpensive sports car, and the BMW Z4 seems to fit what I'm looking for in one. I've been looking at 2003 t0 2004 year models since to seem to fall into the price range that I can afford. however, now I'm reading about the engineering problem with the steering columns in these year models. I've test driven a couple of these year models (a 2003 2.5 and a 2004 3.0) before I heard about this problem. Didn't notice this issue in either, however, from what I've been reading the sticky column problem doesn't show up until after the car has warmed up for about a half hour or so, or on a really hot day. Since this would be strictly a summer car up here in the Northeast, this is a major concern. I'm guessing that since this is an engineering defect then all these Z4 model years would be affected with this problem. The fix, so I've been reading, is to have the column replaced to the tune of about $3800.
So, here's my questions:
1. If one was to go for the $3800 column replacement, would that be a newly engineered column, minus the old defect?
2. Would I be better off adding that $3800 to my purchase budget and buy a latter model year that doesn't have the column defect? If that's the answer, then does anyone know which Z4 model year did BMW start putting in the corrected columns?

Thanks in advance,
Manual Shifter

Welcome!

Per this thread below, perhaps you can buy whatever car you like and as GuidoK suggests on that thread, get a local BMW dealer to fix this for a lot less than $3800:

https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1616159

Just check with the dealer before you buy the car to confirm that they can do this, and ask them to quote a price.

Its my understanding that all cars built after June 2006 had this issue corrected. My car was built the month just before that but I've never had an issue. Having said that, bear in mind that I live in Canada and in my part of the country, it rarely gets over 85F.

[jxlee0215]

hello. guys. new to forum trying to sell my 03 with 65k miles. just need to build up post i guess.

[fyrmn681]

Hello Everyone, Just acquired an 06 Z4 and hoping I can find some answers here.

[Steeler]

Originally Posted by fyrmn681

Hello Everyone, Just acquired an 06 Z4 and hoping I can find some answers here.

Welcome, ask away. Lots of nice knowledgable people on this forum.

[Fuzz954]

Hello all, new member reporting in.

This is the first Euro car me (or anyone in my family for that matter) has owned so I'm glad you're all here and willing to share. I'm looking forward to diving into your vast wealth of information and enjoying my new toy.

[mike50]

Hello, I bought a 2006 3.0si with 12,500 miles.
I live in sun city az.
mike

[ZeD4Mr]

Originally Posted by Fuzz954

Hello all, new member reporting in.

This is the first Euro car me (or anyone in my family for that matter) has owned so I'm glad you're all here and willing to share. I'm looking forward to diving into your vast wealth of information and enjoying my new toy.

Originally Posted by mike50

Hello, I bought a 2006 3.0si with 12,500 miles.
I live in sun city az.
mike

Welcome to one the best and knowledgeable Z4 forums on the planet.

[ToddBlack88]

Hello all.
I have been lurking for a couple years since I bought my 07 Z4MC, and finally decided to register and say hello.

[Charlie Kim]

Hello!
I just bought Z4 yesterday (2006 3.0 si)

Really fun!

[deemo319]

Originally Posted by Charlie Kim

Hello!
I just bought Z4 yesterday (2006 3.0 si)

Really fun!

Congrats and many happy miles!

[ZeD4Mr]

Originally Posted by ToddBlack88

Hello all.
I have been lurking for a couple years since I bought my 07 Z4MC, and finally decided to register and say hello.

Awesome.. Share your experience on the ownership... We don't bite.. got pics?

[ToddBlack88]

Originally Posted by ZeD4Mr

Awesome.. Share your experience on the ownership... We don't bite.. got pics?

So far so good, no issues to complain about other than it being a bit crashy over crappy roads, but it’s buttery smooth on good roads and track so that counters it. Overall It has been a fun car to own.
When I got it, it felt very fast coming from my previous e30m3, but now that I have gotten used to it I am find myself looking at supercharger kits.

[Mohleri]

2004 Z4 3.0L Black, 98K and runs great

[Danmac]

The Check Engine EML comes on when I start it up and goes away in about 2 seconds. I am concerned or should I be? It runs out great. no issues. 28 mpg
when driven normal. No miss's - runs GREAT!

Thanks for any input!

Danmac

[ZeD4Mr]

Originally Posted by Danmac

The Check Engine EML comes on when I start it up and goes away in about 2 seconds. I am concerned or should I be? It runs out great. no issues. 28 mpg
when driven normal. No miss's - runs GREAT!

Thanks for any input!

Danmac

Welcome..

If you poat in the general or engine section, you'll get quicker answers..

[Nz06lh]

Hello, new to the site. Have an issue with my E85 Z4. Will be making a new post for that.

[Quizman]

Hello all, Z4 owner from East Tennessee. Looking forward to learning some performance tips for my Z4.

[kidnees]

New member here. Just passed the one year anniversary of purchasing my 2005 Z4 3.0i. I've owned other Bimmers previously, but this is my first convertible.