Known issues on 2010-2012 models?

[puma1552]

Since we are going into winter soon, come springtime I might pick up a Z4, I've wanted one for a decade.

Most likely would be a 2010-2012 30i, or maybe a 2010 35i. Most likely pickup would be a 2011 30i but by then I might be able to find a '12. Car would need to have 25k miles or less. Preferably M-sport. Car will be an AT.

Are there any known issues to watch out for on these years/models? Any reason to avoid one of those particular choices over another?

[CedarZ4]

The only thing to look out for that is specific to your MY or engine level is that the earlier 35i models had HPFP (high pressure fuel pump) issues, but were all fixed under warranty and later models were given different parts. Despite this, there have still been HPFP failures (but significantly less). Other then that, nothing that pertains to one MY or engine level and not the others.

In general though for the car, "common" problems seem to be:
Squeaky Roof
Squeaky Navi Screen
Headlight Projector Issue (light projection angle off)
HVAC Issue (doesn't turn on)
And most recently, getting hit by elderly drivers

Unfortunately for me, I am currently experiencing all of the above, minus the latter... knock on wood.

[ManiacGT]

Not forgetting cracking 19" wheels.. Most commonly 296 style but not limited to.

[CedarZ4]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

Not forgetting cracking 19" wheels.. Most commonly 296 style but not limited to.

Ah, yes. I was staring over my list for a while trying to figure out what I left out. Similar to HPFP issues though, there are speculations that the 296s have been reinforced to resist cracking.

[rking117]

also note the HPFP issues were only on the 35i turbo models.

[nicknaz]

Hey OP,

One thing I would recommend doing in general is checking out the front tires to see if the sidewall is discolored (slightly yellowish instead of black/grey) and if the outside edge of the tread block has a "feathered" (uneven) wear pattern.

This is a consistent discoloration and wear pattern I have seen happen in E82, E90, E89 and F30 that have been consistently driven hard.

Another factor is the difference in tread depth between the rear and the front. A 35i that has the full throttle used often will have significantly higher wear of the rear tires.

Of course, the seller could just mount new tires and you would not be able to detect this, but I wanted to share, in case you are concerned of getting a used car that has been someone else's leased track day toy.

Best of luck getting a Z4 and welcome to the community

[jparnes1]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Another factor is the difference in tread depth between the rear and the front. A 35i that has the full throttle used often will have significantly higher wear of the rear tires.

True enough Nick, but the rears are going to wear at twice the rate of the front no matter what. You've got 300 ft/lbs of torque driving those back wheels.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

True enough Nick, but the rears are going to wear at twice the rate of the front no matter what. You've got 300 ft/lbs of torque driving those back wheels.

Yup, I'm sure that I don't drive my car as hard as some of you guys and I practically turned my rears into slicks, the tire tech freaked out telling me that I needed to change them ASAP because they were completely stripped lol.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

True enough Nick, but the rears are going to wear at twice the rate of the front no matter what. You've got 300 ft/lbs of torque driving those back wheels.

That's a fair point, and the torque comes on early in the power band so even a casual user would be calling on the 300ft/lb. Perhaps then it is more insightful to look for a wear gap greater than 2x

The overall (perhaps somewhat obvious) point I was trying to make is that careful inspection of the tires can yield important clues about how the previous owner treated it and drove it.

Another random point for the OP is to check on the alignment. The former owner might have made some alignment choices to slightly alter the handling at the expense of higher tire wear

I personally would prefer a used Z435 with higher miles that shows signs of casual weekend cruiser use as opposed to a newer lower mileage example that has the signs that I've described

[jhentr]

My MY 2011 35i has the low pressure fuel pump noise. Others have heard of it too.

[puma1552]

Thanks guys, glad to see there are no real systemic issues that should steer me clear of any specific year/model.

I did have a concern about the reliability of the top...I'd be opening/closing it 2-5 times per day. How reliable are the tops and can they sustain that many actuations? I'd be terrified of a $3k-$4k repair bill if the top goes out.

Also although I'm not ready to buy yet, I found two that I wanted your opinions on:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...gIndex=4&Log=0

I think the price is about right, but what package does it have? It's not an M sport based on the front bumper, but the wheels and seats are definitely not base either. Or did the '09 M sport have the same bumper as non-M cars?

This one is a beauty:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...gIndex=7&Log=0

This red one is pretty much what I'm looking for. Msport, auto, good colors, all the goodies. It's a late '11 car too with two years of factory warranty left and a clean CarFax.

But is it just me or is the price too low for such a desirable Z4? Clean retail on NADA is $39,475. KBB has this in the $38k range. I know its October in the north, but still.

[nicknaz]

I operate the top 2+ times daily (car is my daily, socal allows year round open air driving).

After 16 mo top and rear deck started to develop squeaking. Dealer lubricated all parts tightened up some rear deck trim.

Seems like the top might require care and feeding periodically (unlike, say, the doors, which seem to be open and close until they rust off with no troubles)

1st car no longer for sale

2nd car is a 30i.. 6 spd slushbox non turbo in the north.. makes sense to me the price is low

[puma1552]

Hmm, first one shows up fine here.

Still though, the red one is way under book.

[nicknaz]

black sapphire has my vote! (hard to keep clean though). it looks to have the "regular" sport package.