Everything That's Wrong With My 150,000 Mile 2004 BMW Z4...

[@itsjoel]

Carly's Black Friday Sale is on until NOV 30! It's now 25% off the reader & the subscription too! Go through the link below, and use code BLACK25 www.mycarly.com/?ref=joelwignall&AffiliateUK&

[@jerrylachlan1163]

sorry to be off topic but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid lost the login password. I love any tricks you can give me.

[@kasondamien9895]

@Jerry Lachlan Instablaster ;)

[@jerrylachlan1163]

@Kason Damien Thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@jerrylachlan1163]

@Kason Damien it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my account :D

[@kasondamien9895]

@Jerry Lachlan No problem :)

[@hampshirephoto]

That door is the best anti-theft device around 😂🤩

[@toms_garage]

haha, my door was the same on my e85

[@carllynch8798]

I bought my Audi B5 RS4 14 years ago with 50k miles now has 204k miles !! Still going strong and with 490bhp !!

[@itsjoel]

That’s awesome mate! Should organise a high mileage meet haha

[@itsameHarsoN]

I just bought a z4 3.0 2004 today after stumbling across your videos! I was debating a 350z but you really made the choice easy with these incredible videos. Thanks mate

[@itsjoel]

Thank you so much for watching, hope you enjoy the Z4!

[@itsameHarsoN]

@@TomASwift I managed to get it for 3750, 98,000 miles. Includes everything but cupholders but I need to figure out how to get Bluetooth ideally without swapping the business radio. 18 inch ellipsoid wheels with runflats (swapping them when I get the cash ofcourse). In a kinda light electric blue. It needs some love but for the age and the price I think it was too good not to get it especially cause it was local to me. I'm in the UK Southwest. How about yours? I'm looking for some inspiration and tips being it's my 3rd car from and both prior have been 4x4s.

[@itsameHarsoN]

@@TomASwift Damn yeah I haven't got that kinda budget haha. You think the update on speakers is a worthwhile upgrade? I didn't get a chance to test the speakers during the test drive and I forgot to check if my version has the speakers behind the seats or not. Luckily for me the garage I got it from is cleaning up the paint for me so I don't get it till the 25th of this month but very quickly I'll be adding cupholders and hopefully Bluetooth 😁

[@adorablecenturion8436]

​@itsameHarsoN Im debating getting a Z4 or a Miata, as a daily that id maybe put 6k yearly on but a little bit of "fun spirited but not super hard driving". I'd be driving for a good 30 minutes to work and back every day and want something more fun to drive, and being a second car maybe i could learn to use a wrench with it too on simple stuff. I'd be good with a 2.5 manual, how are they?

[@jchacon921]

Hey Joel Just want to say I'm sitting out here in Los Angeles California binge watching your videos from start to finish. Normally I watch the basics like Doug demuro or hoovies garage but I usually skip through them. Keep up the excellent work. I'm possibly thinking of getting a Z4 now! 👌

[@itsjoel]

Thank you sir! I’ll see you round next time I’m in LA

[@mohnjayer]

My passenger seat back keeps coming off and part of the piece that connects the convertible top to the windshield is broken but I’ve absolutely no true functional problems with my Z4. Such an awesome little car.

[@isonic9479]

my zetti is 2.5i, e85 03 with 150k miles got 2 new xenon headlights, new windscreen whiper motor, new engine starter, ignition coil, new alternator, roof wires exchanged, module for windows, driver and passenger window motor, valve cap, new cooler! so as you see, the car is actually quite new...smile..maintenance was always made @bmw. car is for daily use, winter and summer. when temperature is below 5 degrees i close the air intakes in front (bmw kidney). at release date bmw sold these but they aren't available anymore so i made them myself. best wishes from switzerland

[@davidoxtoby903]

The door handle issue is down to a stretched Bowden cable that connects door handle to release mechanism. U can either replace with new cable or add washer to pad it out, just done it myself and that fixed it.

[@itsjoel]

Thank you for sharing David, I’ll check it out

[@endoplasreh]

Joel, Not too bad for 150,000 mi. I have a 2003 with an undercarriage issue as well. The previous owner frequently misjudged the bonnet length and ran into curbs when parking. The repeated impacts practically destroyed all the retainer clips holding the splashguard in place. In order to fix it I need to replace the front bumper or just have the splashguard removed. Replacement is expensive so I will opt to have it removed when it falls again and drags on the freeway, or pardon me, Motorway. Also had the windscreen wiper motor replaced. That is a bit expensive for what it does for me in California for the one month of total rain we get here. But, gotta have them when I can't drive fast enough for Rain-X to work. Aside from all that, I agree, for the age of the cars, not bad at all. If it was an American car from the same year we were discussing, we wouldn't be since it most likely would not be running.

[@jameshair4082]

Nothing wrong with my Z4 at 110000 miles. No rattles and nothing falling off....I tend to squirt WD40 on every moving part once a year on all the hinges, catches, pull cables wires that I can see and I've bought a can of silicone spray to extend the life of rubbers (bushes, seals etc). Costs me a tenner every year to do this simple maintenance :) Oh..and pressure wash the underside to keep everything fresh and salt free.

[@TheTestDrive]

I had the airbag light issue with my Z4. It was the passenger seat mat occupancy sensor. There was a recall on it so my BMW dealer replaced it at no charge. I’d think it’s the same in the UK but maybe not. Looks like the sensors are pretty cheap online if the recall doesn’t apply to your car.

[@itsjoel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@KaganRustem]

The airbag light comes on if the occupancy sensor stops working correctly. I had the same issue in my E46 where it is a very common problem. The sensor is used so that in the case of an accident the car won't needlessly deploy the passenger airbag if there is no passenger in the vehicle causing needless expense if the car was repairable. If the sensor is knackered it will deploy the airbag anyway just incase. But if your car is involved in an accident severe enough to need the airbags it's going to be a write off anyway. Basically it's fine as it is haha

[@itsjoel]

Ok that’s good to know, thanks so much for taking the time to comment

[@johnchapman472]

your door problem is caused by a stretched door cable

[@itsjoel]

Thanks John

[@samlucas7491]

I bought an 08 Z4 for my second car a month or so ago and I couldn’t be happier with it.

[@itsjoel]

That’s awesome

[@brianlehmkuhl8162]

Great video. My 06 is at 1k. The cupholders come out with one screw. Use a hot glue gun and glue over all the clips and tabs making sure not to glue the operation and the cupholders will be rattle free and still work. (not that they really ever worked in the first place.) I have taken apart all the trim and reassembled it with silicon. It stopped the rattles, but i am lucky enough that this is not my daily so I have the luxury of tearing out the interior.

[@itsjoel]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment Brian

[@brianlehmkuhl8162]

@@itsjoel Love the content and anything Z4!

[@CasperStarfire]

Everything you've mentioned other than the air bag light would be easily rectified with minimal tools and a little walk through an import scrapyard.

[@paulseymour3395]

Joel it's like your not keeping up with the small things which is a must

[@WHphoto]

The interior rattles in my z4 drove me nuts when I had it. Thankfully my 987 Boxster isn’t the same!

[@Johnnygga]

Pshhh I have 158,000 on my 2003 3.0i 😉 Keep going!

[@stefanmaddock5516]

I've just hit 132500 in my '56 E86. Done 60k in 3 years. I love it. It's meant to be driven!

[@Johnnygga]

Stefan Maddock Nice!!

[@Dropstone00]

I’ve been watching your videos for a few weeks now. I was thinking to get me a good 2006 z4 for my first car. Wish me luck!

[@itsjoel]

Good luck!

[@stefanmaddock5516]

1st car!! Jumpnin the deep end!! Nice.

[@murgyj6198]

nice dude! join the z4 owners club on facebook. you can get loads of advice from there

[@stefanmaddock5516]

Im not on the faceybooky. But z4forum is a treasure trove of information.

[@samwoolsey5273]

BMW Z4 07 was my 1st car! Do it, and don't crash it! Easy 😎

[@ukrainewarfootage2023]

Mines from 2003 and on 82k. Ive lived in Germany last 6 years and notice when I'm on the Autobahn hitting 140 it gets pretty cold in the cabin. I also have the passenger airbag light on for the last few years. Think it's a sensor.

[@itsjoel]

I wish i could just cruise at 140 (legally) haha

[@isonic9479]

i had the same issue with my zetti 03 e85. i solved the problem with the airbag light with a plug 'sitzbelegungs-sensor'. bought in in an online store in germany for arround 10 euro, they send my a tiny plug which i had to plug in under the passenger seat. @bmw they would have replaced the seat sensor, strap the seat cover etc for 500 euro. getting under the seat to replace the plug is a pain in the bud but did workout great in 5 min. used a mirror...smile..now the airbag light is off. the only downside is that if you crash all airbags will be triggered even if no passenger on bord. best wishes from switzerland

[@MrRoyck10]

Alpine A110, Alfa 4C or the last Porsche that you featured on this channel are suitable replacements, I will personally stay performance off hatch backs, get a purposely designed sports car for that organic drive. My E86is so good that only a sports car can replace it.

[@andydomanski2876]

They're all just minor easy fix items, nothing serious at all. Nothing lasts forever. The door I would suggest from what I can see has dropped slightly and you are having to lift it off the catch to open it, which could be due to wear in the hinge pins. If not then just try adjusting the striker plate on the 'B' post. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@itsjoel]

Exactly, as mentioned nothing is actually a big deal and all is to be expected with the age and mileage of the car. Thank you for watching

[@Stallnig]

With mine the wiper motors started acting up due to too much dirt and grime in them. Headlights started collecting water due to contorted rubberseals. Key cerquit relais regularely act up depending in spring and autumn. Airfilter boot rubber has a crack which caused squeels at certain rpm. Overhead cabin light fixture has broken latches, and falls out when pushed or shaken too hard. And recently the throttle begann to stutter occationally on lower rpm, which I'd really wanna get fixed, but couldn't figure out the cause yet. Overall still a pretty damn awesome car.

[@maxjensen8500]

Love the vids Joel - I’ve been lucky to have normal wear n tear on my ‘04 Z4 with 72,000 mi so far and I’m 2nd owner with only 5K since last June. Based on all you’ve been thru I sure hope I can expect another 75k with minimal issues, Cheers !

[@itsjoel]

You absolutely can, thanks for watching max!

[@andrewpreen341]

Centre Console Rattle - Notice two metal holes just above the centre console. The drop top should clip into here when down. For some reason the top doesn't clip in at all when operated electronically. When the tops fully down, give the front of the roof a thud to clip it in place; this will eliminate the rattle. The rattle was driving me mad for months! Let us know if this resolves 😁

[@itsjoel]

Thank you, will give this a go!

[@andrewpreen341]

@@itsjoel welcome mate

[@timbushby]

Carly won't do airbag lights on the E85 bud. You'll need to use Inpa etc. or buy one of the more expensive code readers (around £40) to sort it - but it will only stay off if the problem is sorted.

[@itsjoel]

Tim Bushby thanks for clarifying that Tim, that’s good to know!

[@vbstein]

They all get the airbag light in the end. My 3.0i with 76K has it now and my old 2.0i had it with 18k mileage. In america you would of gotten it fixed for free by BMW. But here in the uk we got stitched up.

[@itsjoel]

That’s sucks!

[@vbstein]

@@itsjoel Indeed. Saw your car near guildford a few months ago.

[@iskillcorn1]

Great video very informative and interesting, I’m just short of 90’000 miles so far and my only issue is the passenger window won’t go down, it goes down a bit to allow the roof to fold down but don’t think it seals fully either due to a bit of wind noise! Great to hear your keeping the Z4 for ever 👍🏼 happy new year!

[@milkPLUSpbj]

Same!

[@markg4459]

Just amazing the speed you were carrying on that narrow roadway.... Had me nervous for you.

[@atticusbrown4995]

Looking at a 2003 BMW Z4 2.5i with 153k on it, owner has had it for 2 years and doesn't know if the clutch has been replaced. and did spark plugs this year and has minimal service records... He wants $3800.. What do you think

[@danielthomas2621]

You should listen to ACDC Joel... Great driving music. .I have a high mile age mx5 goes great, never sell it either...cheers from new Zealand bro

[@itsjoel]

Nice one dude! Awesome to see you watching from NZ!

[@z4nz187]

rollin' till the wheels fall off! i plan on keeping mine forever! yeah maybe get a more group friendly car as well but keep my baby forever! heh 2004 3.0i auto silver

[@zlover7777]

👍

[@davidviner4932]

Hang on to her, she's a special car, icon now

[@garage-0702]

z４　goes on!

[@toms_garage]

Great video Joel

[@itsjoel]

Thank you mate

[@louisnixon1569]

Sounds awsome bud 💪

[@itsjoel]

Thanks Louis!

[@davidbutter4450]

Had the same passenger air bag light problem . It’s an MOT fail so had to sort it out .. £800 later .. so much time spent trying to look for the fault ., 😞 2003 car ., 3.0 but guys .., genuine 47,809 miles ..keep up the good work

[@rocknohroll]

i have the same airbag light. currently at the BMW dealer service trying to sort it out. What was the problem in the end for you?

[@CasperStarfire]

An airbag probably won't save you in that small convertible. Heck I drove a 73 VW beetle for 15 years with only two layers of tin and a gas tank between myself and the car in front of me. At my age I'd rather spend the money on safer tires and keeping the brakes tip top.

[@joey6353]

Cool background scenery

[@dismasjoseph7313]

Happy New Year Joel!!

[@itsjoel]

Thank you and to you!

[@michaelli9516]

Happy new year to you 👍

[@itsjoel]

And to you sir!

[@captainpugwash6889]

I have a 2005 e90 with 140+k on the clock that has none of these issues...maybe these are better put together than the Z4...or maybe I am just lucky??? Either way, I would like to own a Z4 one day 🤔

[@tr3xsounds767]

I my Z4 from 2005 (2.0 engine and 150,000 m) I have only problem with selecting a 1st gear and reverse , and I don't know really how to fix it , did anyone have the same issue and maybe someone fix it ? I really love my Silver Beauty but reversing in the parking is just a nightmare 😐anyway, keep recording Joel , you make my to buy a Z4 so I'm really thankful for that 😊

[@itsjoel]

Thanks for watching. I occasionally have issues getting 1st or reverse, but only when the car is really cold

[@tr3xsounds767]

@@itsjoel yeah, I have the same problem, but only when is cold....I have no idea what's happened , I spend a lot of time searching answers on Z4 forums and many people have the same problem ....maybe is a synchro problem in transmission, or our trans are pretty bad 😂thx for answer btw. and I hope see you soon on the next Z4 meeting 😀😁

[@tr3xsounds767]

@@kabriobmw7305 hmm, I was thinking about that , I have a service in 2000 m so I gonna do that as well , thx bro for idea 😎

[@tr3xsounds767]

@@kabriobmw7305 thanks bro 😊

[@johnchapman472]

you have a worn selector fork - 1st and reverse is the same gear, so.. thats why

[@tayloryeates9484]

Joel give your strut braces in the engine bay a wiggle if there is any movement or play at all they are causing the rattle from the cockpit I had this issue and was rectified with welding but yours may just need tightening 👍🏻

[@itsjoel]

Thanks Taylor I’ll have a look

[@anoceanaway6194]

Sorry if someone has already asked this, what have you had to fix mechanically on the car since buying it?

[@davidponti1101]

Mines a 2007 Z4 3.0si Roadster, 6 speed manual with only 21,500 miles. Living in the States, I'm considering trading for a same condition C5 corvette (1997-2004). What are the thought on doing the trade?

[@joshmcilhatton9096]

In my opinion mate if you've got the 3.0si N52 engine, BMW all the way!

[@itsjoel]

Would be a completely different car. But there is something about a V8 👌🏻

[@rumporridge1]

Josh McIlhatton yup. I agree. Would not trade it.

[@juanpablo-vn1xo]

hi Joel... the door problem is caused by the release cable which stretches over time and then doesn't pull on the release latch hard enough....so new cable or adjustment will fix it..just whip the door card off and you can see the cable.....one question - i have looked at the carly reader, but whats the subscription all about?...what functions do you get without subscription?.. cheers

[@itsjoel]

Thank you for sharing! Yes, there’s an annual subscription which unlocks all the coding functionalities and the ability to read and reset fault codes!

[@christinapither6963]

That’s a crochet hook! 😁

[@jcummings187]

new coil packs and plugs..easy job...desi valve rebuild if you have one..

[@alfredguinto1976]

I got the Z4 si2008 @ 97000 miles should I go for 100K inspection? Everything works fine!

[@itsjoel]

Always worth getting a car of age inspected before buying I think. But generally speaking from experience, these cars are very reliable

Hey mate, Ive had the same issue with the glovebox, and figured out how to fix it it was like a 10 minutes job to push that metal(brass?) axle back :)

[@chrisogrady28]

About to pick up an N52 1er cabrio, hopefully it's in better shape than your Z4 haha, appriciate the video!

[@itsjoel]

Lol, I’m sure it will be. But for me it’s all about the way it drives ;)

[@chrisogrady28]

It's Joel it’s perfect, and holy shit that engine is unbelievably smooth, at idle I can’t even tell it’s running, and it revs to 7k so linearly its amazing. And I’m getting 40mpg at 70mph+. What is this engineering witchcraft

[@enzolemmens7873]

The bonnet release broke on my E39 5-series broke aswell. The cable cost around 35 euro’s, took me about 45 minutes to fix myself with Some help of a owners manuel. Maybe you could to this yourself

[@itsjoel]

Good shout, I’ll look into it

[@samwoolsey5273]

I need new headlights! I'm pretty much driving around winging it 🙄

[@gpopchev]

Hi, Joel! Sorry if this question has been answered somewhere before, but what type of exhaust do you have. I like the pops it makes.

[@popeye9048]

Back box has been removed. A popular mod on these cars but can drone at motorway speeds.

[@itsjoel]

Yep, backbox delete. Very easy and cheap, and the different is mega. Paradox is right, the disadvantage is that it does drone

[@mikey_likes_it_]

Was all the maintenance done by the previous owner? Stuff usually breaks like mad after 100k miles on these cars.

[@itsjoel]

The service history is pretty patchy so I don’t really know... the car has been tremendously reliable though so I think maybe I’ve got quite lucky?

[@TobyMcCall]

@joel Did you ever figure out why your airbag light came on? Mine just came on recently.

[@robertbouvier867]

You go through a car wash with the Z4? Doesn’t the water come in’?

[@JamesAHall101]

I actually sold my E89 which I otherwise loved cause I couldn't bare how rattly it was any longer... As a second car it would have been fine to be fair.

[@itsjoel]

I have a friend with an E89 and the rattles on it are even worse than mine! If they were anything like his, I don’t blame you!

[@JamesAHall101]

@@itsjoel Glad it's not just me then, I felt like I'd bought a lemon! The hardtop roof was especially squeaky, drove me bonkers. I got a Scirocco 2.0 now which is nice but I do really miss the straight six...

[@itsjoel]

You can’t beat the six, but the rattles suck! You should try a boxster or cayman

[@JamesAHall101]

@@itsjoel Definitely on my wishlist! Been keeping up with your friend Ben's 987 and it looks mega

[@mohammedawais8699]

What exhaust system have you got installed?

[@itsjoel]

It’s just a backbox delete!

[@mohammedawais8699]

It sounds awesome 😎. Miss my z4.

[@nailhed6628]

Nearing "hooptie “ status...

[@itsjoel]

Haha 😂

[@robertbouvier867]

I fell asleep waiting for the things wrong with your 150k mile Z4. I have a 2004, 2.5. With only 32000 miles on it.

[@blacdadistrahberies1293]

About to purchase same model,79,000

[@ianrjackson1]

The worst car I have ever owned, sticky steering, roof motor packed up, wheel sensors, cooling system replaced, pressure sensor, rubber hoses, now wheel bearings. Only 50k on the clock. It,s like owning an F1 racing car.. every time you take it out you waiting for the next thing to go wrong... nightmare..

[@itsjoel]

Ian Jackson interesting to hear and a shame you had such a bad experience! 90% of owners I know have had the same sort of experience as me, pretty much trouble free!

[@rumporridge1]

Still worth the repairs if it’s not your daily driver.

[@ianrjackson1]

I have so over capitalised on this car but I still love driving it... back in for repairs tomorrow... 👹😂

[@ianrjackson1]

@@rumporridge1 I have two cars, the other one is a 2004 Honda CRV, never has a problem... I agree, the only reason I keep the Z is it's so good to drive..

[@ianrjackson1]

@Ihateliber alswithapassion OK you have inspired me, I love driving my Z, spent quite a lot of money on it but there is now a lot less to fix..I think you are correct, it is a simple car, so I must be getting near the end of the list of things to do.Z is in the garage again today, humming noise, low pitch sounds like coming from the rear, same speed as the wheels. Garage took it out and found front break calliper loose or broken/smoking, so that will be Delt with. Not sure that is the problem as the noise I heard is after driving for an hr, and going over 50mph, the noise starts and then stays, reduces with speed, so low speed no noise.. we shall see, Spring time is coming, roof will be down and off we go again... :)

[@danl4252]

Interesting. Does it use any oil at all?

[@itsjoel]

Yes of course, but not an abnormal amount

[@danl4252]

It's Joel Been watching a few of your videos recently. I have an old Golf GTi that I’m doing up and having fun with! Nice car this Z4. It’s held up very well for 150,000. Mines on around 100,000 and looking strong! does use a bit of oil though which my previous car didn’t but like you said don’t think it abnormal either. Great video!

[@DaveSellers]

I had a fairly loud rattle in mine for a while coming from the passenger side... turns out the Mrs had moved the seat back too far, and it was touching the back 🙄

[@itsjoel]

Haha how annoying!

[@goooogrrr]

Been watching many videos cuz I'm looking at a 2001 z3 with 117k. I don't see a single z3 or z4 with any SERIOUS mechanical issues inside 150k

[@itsjoel]

They’re very reliable

[@peruface]

v6?

[@deutsch323]

Over run software??

[@slasherz1234]

My 2004 3.0i z4 ha only 47k kms on it. I think I have a lot life left in it.

[@saynomore5730]

Would you trade you're car for another one or would you buy a new engine for youre Z4 ?

[@dedeig.g.2592]

is your exhaust stock ? :)

[@itsjoel]

No, I’ve had a backbox delete!

[@ytbradshaw]

Wait...You don't listen to AC/DC? I was going to comment on how timely this video is as I've just bought an '04 Z4 3.0i with 143K miles. But then you go and say you don't listen to AC/DC. Kids these days...

[@itsjoel]

Haha 😂

[@gordonbanking4546]

May I know how much you bought the car for?

[@itsjoel]

Check out my full costs video I did recently, that’ll have the answer you’re looking for!!

[@LiveLifeLasting]

Wow so many little things, I literally have none except one or two occasional rattles in my 2010 Z4 😳

[@itsjoel]

Haha I know right!

[@danellis4437]

The new car could it be an E46 M3?

[@itsjoel]

Need to drive one first, but who knows. Very affordable at the minute!

[@wojciechruszowski5543]

Hi Joel. Great videos. Got my Carly adapter today and want to let you know that your code doesn't work :(

[@itsjoel]

Ahh that’s annoying, I’ve spoken to my people at Carly to try and get it updated

[@tomosjohn230]

M140i? Golf r?

[@itsjoel]

Something will be coming in 2020

[@blumahou4281]

Get a porsche... you know you want one. Lol.😊👍

[@itsjoel]

I do love a Porsche!

[@JamesPickering]

#brokenZ4

[@be1441]

settle down ken block ;)

[@plixnite3960]

why don´t you just fix the problems dude, =)