`06 E85 3.0i ... what to look for?

JuanM · 06-15-2021, 02:50 PM

Newb question.

I'm about to look at a 2006 3.0i automatic w/ 45K.

I've owned a `02 E46 325i auto for 15+ years, so I already know about their problem areas. I've also read here about the `vert top drainage issues.

Anything else I should look at? Wife & I are treating ourselves to something fun. We love the Z4 styling.

TY for any other suggestions.

Huz-Z · 06-15-2021, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuanM

Newb question.

I'm about to look at a 2006 3.0i automatic w/ 45K.

I've owned a `02 E46 325i auto for 15+ years, so I already know about their problem areas. I've also read here about the `vert top drainage issues.

Anything else I should look at? Wife & I are treating ourselves to something fun. We love the Z4 styling.

TY for any other suggestions.

Check that the top opens and closes smoothly and quickly without slamming down on the windshield frame.

Any water in the trunk? Lift the floor and check the battery spot etc.

Good luck and post pics !

Huz-Z · 06-15-2021, 04:31 PM

Also check that the rear defogger works, that the back glass is undamag and the canvas is in good shape. The top and glass are one part so a broken glass means a new top.

Gamb1t · 06-15-2021, 04:48 PM

Generally this generation of Z4s are fairly simple. N52 is solid. Looks like this is a detuned version with 215hp as opposed to the 260hp si version. Typical N52 maintenance includes VCG, OHFG, Vanos Solenoid etc. Apart from VCG, the others are easy DIY.

I think the biggest worry is the convertible top motor that can malfunction. If you see water residue in the rear compartment then chances are the motor was subjected to the water.
I think the most expensive part is the canvas top. Make sure it's well cared for.

Emmrbee · 06-15-2021, 05:08 PM

I would have a good look underneath for missing or damaged panels. Check the steering for play during your test drive. Missing plastic bits under hood or in wheel wells.

JuanM · 06-15-2021, 06:57 PM

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Owner says that the top previously malfunctioned, but was replaced under warranty. Most of the car's maintenance supposedly was done by my local BMW dealer, with documentation.

We'll see.

06-15-2021, 02:50 PM	#1
JuanM New Member 4 Rep 21 Posts Drives: E46 325i; Outback 3.6R Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	`06 E85 3.0i ... what to look for? Newb question. I'm about to look at a 2006 3.0i automatic w/ 45K. I've owned a `02 E46 325i auto for 15+ years, so I already know about their problem areas. I've also read here about the `vert top drainage issues. Anything else I should look at? Wife & I are treating ourselves to something fun. We love the Z4 styling. TY for any other suggestions.
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06-15-2021, 04:31 PM	#3
Huz-Z Brigadier General 851 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Also check that the rear defogger works, that the back glass is undamag and the canvas is in good shape. The top and glass are one part so a broken glass means a new top.
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06-15-2021, 04:48 PM	#4
Gamb1t Major 598 Rep 1,343 Posts Drives: 330i,X1,Z4,Solstice GXP, RX-8 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Canukistan iTrader: (0)	Generally this generation of Z4s are fairly simple. N52 is solid. Looks like this is a detuned version with 215hp as opposed to the 260hp si version. Typical N52 maintenance includes VCG, OHFG, Vanos Solenoid etc. Apart from VCG, the others are easy DIY. I think the biggest worry is the convertible top motor that can malfunction. If you see water residue in the rear compartment then chances are the motor was subjected to the water. I think the most expensive part is the canvas top. Make sure it's well cared for.
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06-15-2021, 05:08 PM	#5
Emmrbee Retired 96 Rep 174 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4M Roadster Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	I would have a good look underneath for missing or damaged panels. Check the steering for play during your test drive. Missing plastic bits under hood or in wheel wells.
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06-15-2021, 06:57 PM	#6
JuanM New Member 4 Rep 21 Posts Drives: E46 325i; Outback 3.6R Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Owner says that the top previously malfunctioned, but was replaced under warranty. Most of the car's maintenance supposedly was done by my local BMW dealer, with documentation. We'll see.
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