2004 BMW Z4

Like it or hate it, everyone seems to have an opinion about most BMWs and the Z4 is no exception. The styling has made Chris Bangle famous, but sometimes fame is not a good thing.

The BMW Z4 is a typical BMW; reliable (for the most part) none-too-cheap to own and maintain but loads of fun on any road. There are a few irritating complaints I hear from folks (irritating to them, not to me). I’ve heard some complaints about interior trim rattles and squeaks but these are the exception to the rule for sure.

I have known of a few customers needing to have the convertible top of motor(s) replaced. Fortunately these were under warranty. You will need a new top at some point in the life of the vehicle, the good news is that this appears to me to be a very sturdy top with quality materials so should last a long time. When top replacement time comes, I’d rather not have to pay for it though, after all, this is a BMW and quality doesn’t come cheap.

For those who live in (or at least THINK they do) no crime areas, leaving your keys in the ignition isn’t a good idea. Not only will it invite theft but also there is a small switch inside the ignition lock that sensed the key so it knows when to activate the immobilization circuitry. As long as the key is in the ignition these computers will stay “awake” and will kill the battery in 2004-2006 vehicles. If you put your beloved Z4 up for the winter or long periods of time you may connect a battery charger to the battery or tender. If you do this, connect it directly to the terminals under the hood, NOT the battery itself. One of the car’s computers monitors the battery state of charge and the fluctuations that are part and parcel of a battery charger can set off trouble codes on some 2003-2005 cars. On some 2003 cars there was an erroneous low oil-warning lamp that would come on. BMW was replacing the faulty sensor for those customers who complained loud enough.

Some 2003 cars had faulty ignition coils. This causes the check engine light to come on and a poor idle. These cars need to have the Bosch coils installed. Look for the word “Bosch” on the coils or budget about $500 for replacement.

On a (much) more major note, please remove the #2 spark plug wire and look for oil in the spark plug well or on the boot itself. If this is present on a 2003 model car, assume the cylinder head is porous. This cannot be fixed with a cylinder head gasket replacement. You will need a new cylinder head. I’ve not had to do one but I would expect it to cost every bit of $2000.

Now on to some routine replacement parts for the BMW Z4. A/C compressor will set you back about a grand, brakes will be a bit more than that and a clutch will be not a lot less. The constant velocity joints will be closer to 6 grand, yes that’s $6,000.00! Shocks all around will be almost $4,000. As always, these are estimated dealer prices and will vary by state, dealer, lunar alignment and whim.