Question For Long-Term Owners

[HEY32G]

I had a 2015 sdrive35is for about two years. Never had one problem with it. I bought it with 20k miles and sold it with around 28k about 18 months ago. I really miss it!

Now I'm looking at a a few 2015's and 2016's with around 35k to 40k miles on them. This time I want to keep it and drive it more.

My question is, would you guys, who have owned yours for a long time, be comfortable having one without a warranty?

Thanks.

[paris1]

I went warranty-less in 2017 after the 4 year factory warranty expired and haven't regretted it. The key is to stay of top of things mechanical and have a good working relationship with your service provider. I've spent a net of about $2k on repairs (after receiving $1k back in the water pump class action settlement) in the last 5+ years.

[HEY32G]

Originally Posted by paris1

I went warranty-less in 2017 after the 4 year factory warranty expired and haven't regretted it. The key is to stay of top of things mechanical and have a good working relationship with your service provider. I've spent a net of about $2k on repairs (after receiving $1k back in the water pump class action settlement) in the last 5+ years.

How many miles do you have now?

[paris1]

70k

[HEY32G]

Originally Posted by paris1

70k

nice!

[Marcoose]

I’ve only owned mine for 21 months. It’s a 2016 with I think 40K miles. So far so good. Reiterating Paris, you’ve got to stay on top of things. I change oil every 6 months and send a sample for analysis. Whilst on the lift, the indy checks a number of things.

[ray7792]

I've had a 2014 Z4 35is for a little over 5 years now, I got it with 20K miles and its at 50K now.
Not sure if you would count that as "long term" but to give a picture of issues I've had.

• Oil filter housing was leaking, indy shop actually caught it while doing some unrelated work, cost like 300 bucks

• High pressure fuel pump started going bad, new pump was $900 -- I installed it myself

• Front struts began leaking a little. I ended up replacing them with coilovers which cost about $1200 -- I installed myself. If I were to replace with OEM, it would've been 900 each corner...so that was out of the question.

• The 35is wheels are shit and cracks easy due to thin tire sidewalls, I had to replace one fully and repair two others at a cost of 550 for a new wheel and 150 each in refurbishing wheels.

• I got carbon cleaning/walnut blast done at a cost of 600, not necessary but I think it helps quite a bit as there is a good amount of carbon built up.

• On top of that you know the usual brake pads, brake fluid, oil changes, spark plugs, coilpacks, etc. The normal maintenace stuff isn't that bad especially if you do it yourself. Also I grease and lube up the convertible top moving parts like twice a year. I don't know if it helps but so far so good.

Things I am concerned about which are common trouble areas on N54 motors are the low pressure fuel pump and water pump. Both of which tend to go bad around 80-120k miles.

Injectors were a trouble part for older N54 engines but I think after 2011, most should be fine for well over 100k miles. But when they do go bad it is currently about 600 each, 3600 for a whole set.

Honestly for 5 years of ownership...its not that bad. My car was modified and tuned and while I never tracked it, I wasn't necessarioly gentle on it either. I'm sure the modications and driving habits played a role in some of the parts wearing quicker than they otherwise might've. Also the shitty NJ/NY roads.

I wouldn't keep it above like 80k miles though lol

[DavesZed]

I've owned my 2011 23i for 6 years now. Bought it with 27k on the clock and have just crept over 100k this last week. I use it as my daily driver to work and back everyday. I bought it privately so with no warranty and it's not been a problem at all, apart from the usual maintenance etc I get it serviced every year at a shop along with it's yearly test (MOT here in the UK).
The only issue that has just recently come up is that one of the roof hoses has split, so I'm in the process of changing the hose/wiring loom assembly for the roof.

Money well spent in my opinion.

[B21]

The N54 specific issues are coil packs and plugs with age and mileage..

I had a coil fail at 50k

Cam box and other plastic parts often crack and /or deform with age and heat.

Hopefully 2015 will avoid HPFP and injector issues.

I had an incorrectly spec’d injector so needed to get at least 2..in the end I bought 6.

Turbo waste gates tend to rattle post 50k.

35i adaptive dampers tend to fail at or after 50k miles..mine were shot at 50k

DCT gearbox sometimes have big money failures..often need replacement sump / gaskets

35s tend to be heavy on suspension items so steering bushes, linkages all tend to wear faster than lighter, less powerful versions, resulting in vague steering and wayward handling.

Roof issues accumulate with age..micro switches and if unlucky hoses and wiring.

As stated 326M wheels make chocolate teapots look robust…change to non run flats and a 35 rear profiles MAY help.

Some people go for years with little expenditure..some have run 10k-20k USD warranty claims over the same period of time.

[KennyP]

hmm.. is low pressure fuel pump really problematic? Anyone had any issues with it?
As far as i know Z4 35i has a different low pressure fuel pump that is only used in e89 Z4. Its not the same partnumber as for example in e9x 335i. In Z4 35i BMW also eliminated low fuel pressure sensor that is present in e90 335i just before the hpfp.

[ray7792]

Originally Posted by KennyP

hmm.. is low pressure fuel pump really problematic? Anyone had any issues with it?
As far as i know Z4 35i has a different low pressure fuel pump that is only used in e89 Z4. Its not the same partnumber as for example in e9x 335i. In Z4 35i BMW also eliminated low fuel pressure sensor that is present in e90 335i just before the hpfp.

Yeah you're right, the part number is different and I really haven't seen any one on the forums complain about lpfp out right failing...perhaps it'll be alright after all.

[tranquility]

I may have one of the longest running Z4s, 285,000kms/177,000miles, I think another poster summarized most of the major expenses. From memory, my HPFP was replaced under warranty, fuel injectors were a CAD3,xxx hit, couple times tranny gasket leaks CAD1,xxx, oil filter housing, CAD900, water pump died but apparently it was very long-lived, CAD1,xxxx, but I consider it a consumable.

Knock on wood, for this kinda car, it's alright.

[ray7792]

Originally Posted by tranquility

I may have one of the longest running Z4s, 285,000kms/177,000miles, I think another poster summarized most of the major expenses. From memory, my HPFP was replaced under warranty, fuel injectors were a CAD3,xxx hit, couple times tranny gasket leaks CAD1,xxx, oil filter housing, CAD900, water pump died but apparently it was very long-lived, CAD1,xxxx, but I consider it a consumable.

Knock on wood, for this kinda car, it's alright.

holy shit 177k miles that is impressive. Yeah really not bad at all for that mileage.

[Mayhem]

I have had my 2012 35is since it was brand new. It’s just broken 20k miles. The most expensive thing I have had to do out of warranty was to have all six injectors replaced. I believe the original injectors were a known issue however, I was just a few months out of warranty. That set me back $2,000. I also had the rood hydro motor go out outside of warranty due to water in the trunk, but I had a total rebuild done for $700 instead of buying a new motor.

All in all, it’s been ok for a 10 year old car.

[cdmulders]

We've had our 2010 Z4 35i since it was new. It was factory ordered, and arrived in November 2009. It now has 30K miles (50K kms) and has had no major issues and only minor maintenance items like a new battery, HPFP replaced under warranty, and new front electronically controlled shocks. So, from my experience, you don't need an extended warranty.