Top 5 Useful BMW Z4 Hidden Features

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thank you guys for watching! Check out my video on *Problems* to Expect on the BMW Z4: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJnMqWl_YtGjoac

[@thebigtl913]

Thanks for your advice. Regards Tony

[@SirtubalotTX]

Thanks for the vid but curious why you had to rebuild the engine?

[@Thedom.perignon]

Does this work for the 2009 model?

[@georgeluyckx1437]

I opened the roof this way coming back from the supermarket and next to my car was a van with three children in it. They were looking like they saw a transformer or something 😂

[@SimpleCarGuy]

This car gets a surprising amount of compliments, the first weekend of good weather when I took it out, I had 2 adults giving compliments (at gas station) and a couple kids wow-ing. Only thing I don't like is "How much you pay for that?" questions.

[@brunosanga7899]

Hahaaa , I can't open the roof of my BMW 320i, I don't know why?

[@Tangent360]

One of the best tips I've learned with my E89 Z4: If you need to put something in the trunk while the top is down and it's too big to get under the partition while the top is in there, give the trunk release button on the remote a quick press, then press and hold it. This will put the roof module up and then release the trunk lid without taking the time to put the rear section of the roof in place. You can then move the partition out of the way, put in your item, put the partition back, close the trunk, and then use the remote to have it put the still folded roof assembly back down. This saves you several seconds from fully closing and then reopening the roof.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I'm going to have to test this out tomorrow when I take the car out. If it works, that super cool! Thanks for an awesome addition to the video.

[@escapefromzombieisland3690]

If it works? Why would someone lie about something like that? lolz If everything you said in your video works... derp..

[@robsmashed]

This is a comfort access only feature.

[@giosoftware]

This is the car of my dreams and I hope someday I can change my BMW E81 for this beauty.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

E81 are cool also! Enjoy what you have I’m sure soon enough you’ll get yourself a sweet Z4.

[@Ajdjdncjekskf]

Lol i’m in the same boat

[@SimpleCarGuy]

@CreatorOfGods Congratulations!

[@brodydobbins1777]

I’ve loved them for years now and I just got around to buying one for myself tomorrow morning!

[@carloscabrera8510]

Mine looks just like yours! Everything is the same except my center trim is silver not wood. That secret compartment in the trunk is handy. I never knew that thanks!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

That’s pretty cool! I haven’t seen another one in person since I’ve owed mine. I started using the secret compartment after learning about it for simple car stuff, very useful.

[@vintagetrk]

What Year is your Z4? What mileage is your new engine and why did you have to replace the engine?

[@JohnMartin-oh6bf]

Beautiful long bonnet!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It really is!

[@windrider5845]

Looks just like my car! Didn’t know women designed it but that explains why it’s my favorite one!!!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

They are curvaceous for a reason!

[@escapefromzombieisland3690]

There goes my gag reflex.

[@excorcelsior7582]

Nice info!!

[@kurtaper]

I appreciate these!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@CakeRSq]

My older Z4 you can open the roof as you mention, but you can’t put it back up with the fob, you have to insert the key into the door lock, then hold it towards the lock position, then the roof goes uo

[@shaynemurray5013]

Great review- thanks !

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@yzfr1590]

Such a nice car.

[@benbennit]

The new z4 looks a lot lot worse than this previous gen. Its a stunning roadster.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I agree! Just look at how long that good is!! She’s a beauty!

[@Nickoboss29]

The new one lacks of elegance, this has a simple, pure, elegant and sporty design.

[@escapefromzombieisland3690]

There is a secret ugly car contest.. shhh..

[@valicourt]

One more. If you double click the open button on the remote the windows will open for as long as you hold the door handle. No idea in the world why they’ve done that but that’s what it does.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks, great feature for when it's hot outside!

[@ckhin]

Nice video - thanks for the making these. BTW did you change the leather on the seats? They look great!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching. I just cleaned them my new favorite way: Clean Leather Seats with Water kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaGugKOrmbuKsLs

[@ckhin]

SimpleCarGuy oh wow. Thanks for the link - will definitely try that myself!

[@escapefromzombieisland3690]

Those seats aren't leather.

[@alexamazon1772]

The trunk is suppose to open it self or I need to pull it out to open it?

[@Ripperx121]

I have 2022 Z4. I like the old hardtop better. Yeah mine is faster with top up and down but I would rather have the solid top. Very nice car! I love it!

[@6pauljt]

Thanks.

[@Kref3]

Nice. My manual transmission 35i looks exactly the same, interiour and exteriour (only visible difference from outside is the double exhaust system coming with the 35 and that I have removed all sDrive 35i badges from the sides and back of the car and as a European car I do not have the orange reflector in front of the front wheels). But what is actually strange is that the at the sides behind the wheel where you have a blinker I have a block plastic cover. Most European spec cars have silver covers there.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Are you talking about the side indicator? If so, that's because you have an LCI car (2013+) and I have the pre-LCI version. I have upgraded mine since the video was made and have a video on the channel. Thanks for watching and I wish I had the 35i as well!

[@Kref3]

@@SimpleCarGuy Hi. Yes, I was talking about the side indicators and what I actually always wondered about was not that there are little frames around the indicators but that those frames are black with my car. All cars I have seen so far have chrome frames. I also have a black grille without any chrome (see link below). I asked the guy I bought it from, but he was the second owner and also bought it like that, so it could very well be a modification done by the original owner. Not really important, since I think it looks quite nice, just a minor point that made me wonder. up.picr.de/40623600qd.jpg

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Yes, those are definitely modified. I know there is a company that sells OEM painted parts and yours look very much like that. I was thinking of painting mine as well, but I’ve grown to like the chrome accent on the side.

[@oduck2112]

You pointed out that your gas cap tether is broken. (So is mine!) Did you fix it since filming the video? If so, how did you go about fixing it?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Turns out the tether is not meant to be replaced; however, you can buy a new OEM gas cap for $20 and just replace it. Gas Cap: amzn.to/3aKwLdk

[@gregrsvr3947]

Which engine do you have ??

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It’s the n20 engine:

[@rjwassenaar7511]

Strangely enough, in my Z4 28i the windows never come up after I put down the roof with the remote control. Why is that? Did BMW have different modes to that option, or something? I also can not close the roof with the remote control. I have to do it from the car.

[@stefanocerqua2688]

nice video. I've discovered that pressing twice the unlock button on the remote will let the front windows roll halfdown once you open the door. pretty cool in a summer day.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

That's awesome, I will have to give that a try and see if it's the same on mine! I never knew this one.

[@irou95]

Even my e85 has that I have no idea what's the point of that (the window goes back up after closing)

[@milovan8565]

@@irou95 The first day of 50F degrees sunny day after a long winter. Keep the windows up and heat on, with roof down...

[@simontist]

That's to help with getting in and out if there's another car to the side, it moves the window out of the way so you can lean over it. E92 has this too (the same frameless windows)

[@shayne1289]

Thanks for the video - that is a beautiful blue (Deep Sea Blue?). When I saw you put the roof up with the remote I got my hopes up, until I saw you have comfort access. There appears to be no way without Comfort Access (or a 3rd party device like the expensive 'Smart Top' module) that the roof can be put up remotely. My 2010 35i roof will go down with the remote. Same with not being able to lock the key inside the car - I think that's a Comfort Access only feature. You did well to score that option with your Z4 :-). Here's another 'hidden feature' I only found after over a year's ownership: open either door, fold out the storage compartment (some people may not know that folds out either), have a look right at the outermost corner (towards the rear of the car) - a TINY storage area, for what, you can only guess. And finally - have you replaced the salmon relays for the roof yet? Ticking time bomb if one fails, but a cheap and DIY job that should be near the top of any 'to do' list for the E89. Enjoy!

[@shayne1289]

EDIT: - Sorry, I checked your channel and see you have done a video about the roof relays - good work :-)

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I just got lucky with having comfort access! It's not a highly spec-ed car. I will have to check out that tiny compartment you mentioned, maybe there is something hiding there! Appreciate you watching and it definitely seems like you know your car well! As you mentioned, I just replaced the salmon relays after learning from a comment on my channel!

[@nislam16]

I am driving a mazda 5 2007 7 seater.. Hope very soon I can get this beauty love the z4

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Best of luck, I hope you get one soon and enjoy it as much as I do!

[@joemassey6636]

Do you know if there is a way to set the car to lock when you shift to drive!! Love my z4! Great info!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I believe you'd need the navigation system for that and enable in the iDrive. I haven't seen that option on mine.

[@jeffmann7653]

If you don't have the iDrive (mine doesn't either), you can get the "Carly" app and the Carly adapter. The Carly adapter plugs into the OBD-II port down near the hood release and communicates with the app wirelessly. There are a TON of settings and configurations you can make with Carly including the auto lock, either when you shift to drive or at one of a handful of predefined speeds. Another great thing with Carly is that you can "register" the battery when you replace it, no having to take it to the dealer for that! The app is free and the adapter was - I think - about $50-60 USD. You can also buy a yearly subscription for about $60 USD that unlocks more capabilities than just the free app. Worth it.

[@bencrockett593]

Hey! Did I just see you unlock the car with your finger under the door handle? Is this another hidden feature?! How does it work

[@SimpleCarGuy]

That’s comfort access, not all cars came with it, but if you have the little ridges on it on the door handle you have it! You just touch the handle and the car opens. Then when you leave, you touch it again and it locks the car :)

[@enfieldm]

Opening and closing the top is only available if you have Comfort Access. I have a 2010 35i without Comfort Access and am unable to open/close the top from the key fob. I saw a few videos saying you could do this, but turns out it's incorrect information without Comfort Access. Disappointing.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I thought it was a standard feature on these cars, but I guess it’s an option. I assume yours still opened the windows, right?

[@enfieldm]

@@SimpleCarGuy Nope, that is also a Comfort Access feature. I tried tinkering with it quite a bit, even adjusting some settings with Carly, but no bueno.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

That’s strange as my 335xi e92 didn’t have comfort access but I was able to hold the button to lower the windows and open the sun roof.

[@enfieldm]

@@SimpleCarGuy I guarantee my key fob doesn't control windows or top. Inside buttons work fine. I've verified in Carly that the settings are all enabled, but those settings are listed in Carly under Comfort Access which I don't have. Trust me, I spent a few hours trying to figure out a way to make it happen. Perhaps something on mine is broken? I'd have no idea what that would be since the key fob works for locking/unlocking the car and opening the trunk. It just doesn't do anything else no matter how long I hold the buttons or where I am standing in relation to the car...

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I’m not trying to saying you are doing something wrong, I believe ya! I just find it strange as every BMW and Mini I’ve had had done this since 2008 (earliest car I’ve had).

[@Thedom.perignon]

@simplecarguy does this work for the 2009 model?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Most of these should

[@stevendavidson7475]

Could you please explain how you keep the roof open while you are lubricating the joints. I understood that the canopy will automatically close after a few seconds. Thank you.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I have a video on roof maintenance, I think I mention it there. If I don't, I just open it to a point where one section is on top of the other section and there is no where for it to go down. If you stop a little early, that's fine as well, as it will lower itself down to that position. 14:53 in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYjPpZZteJmJjMU

[@petervermeulen8953]

Hi nice video. I just bought a BMW Z4 E89 (2013/2014) sDrive 18i. I can open my roof with the remote, but I don't have the option to close it with the remote key. Is this possibly deactivated? In the manual comfortopening options are described , but most do not work with my car. This is cheapest version I think. so a lot of features are not there or possibly deactivated. Is here a possibility to change this in the car settings somewhere. Or do I need to install a comfortmodule ?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thank you! I believe your car will need to have comfort access in order to close the roof from the key. I know there are modules that you can install if you don't have comfort access, but last time I checked they were kind of expensive.

[@petervermeulen8953]

@@SimpleCarGuy Thanks for your reply. I have a different question. I have seen in one of your videos that it is possible to open the exhaust valve in the dash , but I don't remember which one it was. Can you advise the link.

[@thebigtl913]

Trying to get the matt chome stick-on infills on the steering wheel (the same as the 3.0ltr 'Comfort Pack'), as shown in your vid.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I didn't that was an option! I assume you'd have to replace the entire steering wheel. If you find the stick-ons, let me know so I can post it for others who are interested.

[@xtv4579]

you looks very smart !!

[@DeanG55]

I have a 2006 Z4 3.0 Si roadster(E85). Most of what you show here does not apply to my model. Would it be better if you mentioned the model year you have here so people like me will be aware of this?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Great point! I figured it was easily identifiable from the thumbnail.

[@user-gn9qs7so2i]

How many kilos are in one liter of oil?

[@rjwassenaar7511]

By the way, I live in the Netherlands and there is a BMW car dealership here that has a youtube-channel as well, and some time ago they mentioned on their channel that you can make a very specific route and upload it into the Z4. I asked how that should be done precisely, but they never answered me. Does anyone know the details of that process, because it should be possible to plan a very precise route online, with all the required roads, stops, etc. and then load it into the navigational-system of our Z4's, but how precisely??

[@mariaridler1831]

My roof won’t work! Same model as yours I think but I’m in the UK. Any suggestions would be very helpful as I really can’t afford a huge cost to get it liked at. Thank you 🙏

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Check the salmon relays as the first step in the trunk. If those are good, look at the hydraulic pump to see if there is fluid.

[@mariaridler1831]

@@SimpleCarGuy thank you will try that at the weekend!

[@jeremiahex]

Hey friend, my E89 doesn’t do anything no matter how I press the remote. Any suggestions?

[@jeffmclean789]

Apparently you must have the comfort package in order for this option to work.

[@davispaul82]

Do the rear windows roll down without the fronts rolling down and how loud is it.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Yes, they do! I haven’t driven with the just back ones rolled very fast so I’m not sure. I think there would be buffeting.

[@corpjoework8833]

what year z4 is this? and are you in the usa? Some features aren't available in usa.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It’s 2012 and yes, I’m in US.

[@macrichardson7440]

I own the 2016 version Z4 35i M. It is not only beautiful but its fun. The only thing i don't like is that you cannot set the settings to auto unlock both doors. It will only unlock the driver side, so when you need to unlock the passenger side you have to crawl into the car and push that stupid button on the center of the dash. Why they cannot put door lock buttons ON THE DOORS baffles me.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Yours is a beauty and what I originally wanted, but couldn't find for not crazy over KBB money. Surprisingly, really enjoying the smaller engine. As far as the lock, I think you have to have the navigation and you can change it there. That's what I did on my e92 335xi when I had it and it's the same on my 550.

[@jeffmclean789]

Your should be able to set the open/lock features under vehicle settings in the iDrive menue.@@SimpleCarGuy

[@Imamsado]

what year is the z4 e89 yours?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It’s a 2012 model year.

[@chrisstrong3725]

I own one of these

[@border4554]

What year? I am thinking of one but am worried of repair costs. It's a 2012 with 51k miles

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I have a video on BMW Z4 Problems to Expect kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJnMqWl_YtGjoac Hope it helps!

[@gwyn6907]

I have the Msport E89 Z4 body looks a lot different

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I wish I got the m-sport, too!

[@doyleyboy1983]

I can put the top down using the key fob by holding unlock, but I can't put it back up again holding lock. Any ideas?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Do you have comfort access?

[@doyleyboy1983]

@@SimpleCarGuy no idea, I bought it 2nd hand. How can I tell? It's an 09 plate

[@SimpleCarGuy]

@@doyleyboy1983 Do you have little ridges on the door handle? If so, it's a comfort access. Also, do you have to put the key into the slot to start it?

[@doyleyboy1983]

@@SimpleCarGuy nope, no ridges and yes I do have to put it in the slot to start. Guess I don't have it then?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

@@doyleyboy1983 sounds like the car doesn't have comfort access then. Sorry, bud!

[@tomvdst813]

Why did you have to replace the engine?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Rod bearing welded itself to the crankshaft and the engine went knock knock knock

[@thebigtl913]

This remote button for putting the roof UP is only available on the 3.0ltr model 'Comfort Pack'! Can you do this whilst the car is moving?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

This is a 2.0 sdrive28, but I think you’re right that you need the comfort pack. You can open and close the roof while car is moving starting from 2013 models.

[@luissalazar2021]

Hey brother if you see one with red sits please let me know, thanks

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I'm on a look out all the time, if I see one with red seats, I'll let you know!

[@briandechant972]

I’ve seen one in Arvada Colorado. Mine.

[@mrhawk1924]

Don't lose that remote

[@marccd2]

The menu hidden features. Can I monitor my speed in there?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Yes, you can!

[@RayPaganJr]

My 2011 Z4 35i doesn’t do that. I’ve tried holding the button and pressing twice and holding and nada. I got it two weeks ago.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Might not have comfort access, I think it became standard on 2012-2013 models. Check if you have little ridges on your door handle

[@RayPaganJr]

SimpleCarGuy I guess I missed it by a year. Wonder if there’s a way to add that feature. Suppose I won’t miss what I don’t have.

[@escapefromzombieisland3690]

@@RayPaganJr It's probably just a computer setting they can change at the stealership.

[@omarsait2050]

Any mods for the engine ?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Once I figure out why it starts funny when it's warmed up I will start doing performance mods. I do really enjoy the balance that this car provides, so nothing crazy anyway.

[@omarsait2050]

I was thinking I should get a race chip and tune it, what say ?

[@1645308]

What year is this car?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

This is a 2012 model.

[@mrhawk1924]

Anybody has 50 Thousand dollars for a BMW Z4 or 40 Thousand for a SRT Dodge Challenger with 400 HP

[@francesco1545]

blueetooth audio android compatibility? Spotify?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Not on this car, no.

[@troyc4841]

Yeah shes a beaut! I love the lines and curves and the 35i is so much fun to drive. The design is by 2 women. One did the body the other the interior. Sexiest car ever.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

100% agree! Thanks for watching

[@flylyfe2058]

I have a 09 and I can't let my top down using the remote can anyone give me any tips

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Most likely the car doesn’t have comfort access. Do you have little ridges on the door handle?

[@kingchapo5595]

@@SimpleCarGuy mine doesn't how would i go about upgrading it

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I don’t think it would be a cost effective, you’d have to replace too many parts, I think.

[@flylyfe2058]

Is there any way to get and to the trunk when your top is stuck halfway going up. When the top malfunctions I can't open my trunk do you know any way I can

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I don’t think there is a way other than bmw tools that allow you to operate different modules individually.

[@Morten_Nielsen1979]

Trick nr. 1: Oh my God! I have had this car for 10 years and I did not know you could take down the roof! PS. This is a sarcastic comment.

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

What year is it?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It’s a 2012

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

SimpleCarGuy is beautiful. I used to own a 2000BMW M Roadster 3.2 z3 M I absolutely loved it . But the trunk had Huge cracks became was no frame and the rear axel was holding to the bare trunk so to much torque ripped off. I love the z4 too I want a z4 hard too convertible

[@SimpleCarGuy]

@@MOUSEBOWEN the Z3M an awesome car and even 20 years later still looks super cool! I would love to own one, but they are kind of expensive now and have some tricky issues. Sorry to hear about yours ripping it self to bits.

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

SimpleCarGuy yeah I sold my really cheap with only 62000 miles . All of the BMW Z3 from the z3 4 cylinders to the biggest Z3 M 3.2 . I look the reviews and many many videos and pictures and chats about how BMW didn’t want to call a recall. I went to the dealer and of course they said wasn’t enough cases to get BZmW responsable but they know about it. Try even sell the kit to reinforce the trunk and rear axel and differential. But besides that was so so so fun little beautiful z3 M roadster I love the style looks awesome big fat tires on the rear and smaller size on the front dip dish wheels. My was the silver one.! I m looking to buy one the same but they are way more than a newer z4 is crazy.

[@fromthecatskillstotheworld6470]

Well, I learned through painful experience that you can lock the key in the trunk and if the car is locked then have not way to get back in.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I have done that in my 335i coupe a few years ago, cost a pretty penny to get back into the car and when the locksmith said "oh, a BMW, huh?".

[@flybobbie1449]

I fitted a mod so i can get in the boot.

[@JB91710]

Why did you have to change the engine?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Rod knock, was easier and almost the same price to get an engine that has 30k miles.

[@JB91710]

@@SimpleCarGuy Thanks. Love that car.

[@scottcollins3187]

why the new motor?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Rod knock, I have a video talking about it and talking the engine apart to see the damage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3fbmnWpmtN_f80

[@scottcollins3187]

@@SimpleCarGuy These guys (BMW) used to be great engine builders...why all the nuisance issues last 10 years? anybody know? i had a 2004 330ci...zero issues...straight 6.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

@@scottcollins3187 they had to become more efficient and turbocharging was a great way to go about it. Unfortunately, some parts were just under-built, such as the rod bearings, the timing chain guides and the HPFP.

[@lycky3054]

why did you have to rebuild the engine ?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

The engine was knocking. Timing chain was stretched and the rod bearings needed to be replaced.

[@joellarrysr9977]

please stop with the m stripes in the grille... it's so tacky

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I got you! Most Requested Mod on my BMWs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5zNlJ-erclkg6s

[@lycky3054]

why did you have to rebuild the engine ?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Engine was knocking - timing chain issues as well as rod bearings had to be replaced.