E85 BMW Z4 2003–2008 E85

Overview

Engines

2.5L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six, higher output

Came as

• Roadster
• Coupe 2006–2008

On record

7 warnings, 7 recalls

Sold as 2.5i (2003–2005), 3.0i, 3.0si (2006–2008)

The story

The Z4 replaced the Z3 in late 2002 and, like it, was built at BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. It was shown at the 2002 Paris Motor Show and went on sale in North America that November, as a 2003 model. CarGurus, a published reference

Its sharp styling and its new electronic controls, with electric steering and a computer-controlled throttle, were not well received by BMW enthusiasts at first, but CarGurus says the change was accepted in time. CarGurus

An update shown at the 2006 Detroit show added the E86 coupe and new N52 sixes, and made a six-speed manual standard. The last first-generation car, a 3.0si roadster, was built on 28 August 2008. Edmunds, a published reference

Rare and special

• Coupe

Colors

• Sterling Gray Metallic2005
• Merlot Red Metallic2005
• Toledo Blue Metallic2005
• Maldives Blue Metallic2005
• Olivine Green Metallic2005

Interiors

• Dark Beige2005
• Pearl Gray2005
• Maldives Blue2005
• Dream Red and Black2005
• Black2005

Sources: Edmunds

Specs

Badges

• 2.5i (2003–2005): 2.5L inline-six, Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, CarGurus
• 3.0i: 3.0L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six, Rear-wheel drive Edmunds
• 3.0si (2006–2008): 3.0L inline-six, higher output, Rear-wheel drive Edmunds

Engines

• 2.5L inline-six M54 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  184 hp and 175 lb-ft in Edmunds' 2005 specs · 2003–2005

• 3.0L inline-six M54 engine page CarGurus, a published reference

  225 hp and 214 lb-ft in CarGurus' guide · 2003–2005

• 3.0L inline-six N52 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  215 hp and 185 lb-ft, in the 3.0i roadster · 2006–2008

• 3.0L inline-six, higher output N52 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  255 hp and 220 lb-ft, in the 3.0si · 2006–2008

Transmissions

• Five-speed manual (2003–2005) Edmunds, CarGurus
• Six-speed manual CarGurus, Edmunds
• Five-speed automatic (2003–2005) CarGurus, a published reference
• Six-speed automatic (2006–2008) Edmunds, CarGurus
• Six-speed SMG automated manual (2003–2005) Edmunds, CarGurus

Drivetrains

• Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference

Body styles

• Roadster Edmunds, a published reference
• Coupe (2006–2008) Edmunds, a published reference

Packages

• Sport Package CarGurus, Edmunds
• Premium Package (2006–2008) Edmunds

Figures

• Model codes: E85 (roadster), E86 (coupe) A published reference
• Built: Spartanburg, South Carolina, from July 2002 to December 2008 A published reference
• Built in all: 197,950 worldwide, 180,856 roadsters and 17,094 coupes A published reference
• Trunk: 8.5 cu ft in the roadster, 10.1 cu ft in the coupe A published reference
• North American 3.0si coupes: 2,104 built, 828 of them manuals A published reference

Rare trims and options

• Good find

  Coupe Body style

  The roadster outsold it seven to one in its first 13 months A published reference

  2,104 built for North America A published reference

  Why it is a good find: Euro Premium Parts calls the stiffer coupe a sharper driver's car and one of the more undervalued BMWs of its era. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Years and what changed

1. 2003

   The new Z4 roadster replaces the Z3, with a stiffer body, a glass rear window and, from spring 2003, an optional SMG gearbox. Edmunds

2. 2004

   Rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights become standard, and BMW Assist and a removable hardtop are new options. Edmunds, CarGurus

3. 2005

   No change recorded

4. 2006
   Refresh

   A facelift brings the coupe and N52 sixes. The 3.0i replaces the 2.5i and the 3.0si tops the range, a six-speed manual is standard, the automatic gains a sixth gear and paddles, and the SMG is dropped. Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

5. 2007

   A tire pressure monitor and an auxiliary audio jack become standard, and the Premium Package adds four years of BMW Assist. Edmunds

6. 2008

   Light changes. The 3.0i's Sport Package now has 18-inch wheels. Edmunds

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Power top motor drowned by the roof drains All years

  Check: Run the power top up and down several times. A slow or stalling roof points to a tired motor. Ask whether the motor has been moved into the trunk, and clear the roof drains.

  Eight owners in four threads on a British owners' forum say the power top's motor sits where water from blocked roof drains collects and fails; several had theirs moved into the trunk, which they call the fix. An Edmunds owner review says the same, and Euro Premium Parts lists motor failures on high-mileage roadsters. One forum owner says a US car may have had a manual top as standard. Edmunds, owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Broken rear springs and worn suspension All years

  Check: Look at the rear springs for a broken coil and listen for knocks over bumps. Ask when the springs, dampers and front control arm bushings were last renewed.

  Three owners in one thread on a British owners' forum say the rear springs break, one that it happens on most cars over five years old, and two owners in another thread say to budget for new dampers and a suspension refresh. Euro Premium Parts says worn front control arm bushings are almost universal past 70,000 miles. Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Cooling system failures All years

  Check: Ask when the water pump, thermostat and expansion tank were last renewed, look for coolant leaks and watch the temperature gauge on a long drive.

  Euro Premium Parts says the plastic thermostat housing and expansion tank crack with age, and that the N52's electric water pump can fail without warning. Seven owners in two threads on a British owners' forum name the facelift cars' water pump or a leaking expansion tank or radiator. Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Oil leaks from the valve cover and oil filter housing All years

  Check: Look for oil around the valve cover, the oil filter housing and under the car.

  Five owners in three threads on a British owners' forum report leaks from the valve cover or oil filter housing gaskets as the rubber ages, and Euro Premium Parts says the oil can drip onto the exhaust. Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)

• DISA valve and crankcase vent on the M54 2003–2005

  Check: Ask whether the DISA valve and the crankcase ventilation valve have been replaced, and listen for a rough idle.

  Four owners in two threads on a British owners' forum name the M54's DISA intake valve, one warning that a failed one can destroy the engine, and one says the crankcase vent suffers in cold weather and on short trips. Euro Premium Parts calls a clogged crankcase vent a frequently overlooked item. Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Corroded brake lines All years

  Check: Look under the car at the rear brake pipes, where the plastic cover ends and road dirt builds up.

  Three owners in three threads on a British owners' forum report rusted brake lines, one after a leak, and one says the rear pipes rot where dirt collects at the end of their cover. Owners' reports (unofficial)

• Failing window regulators All years

  Check: Run both windows up and down a few times.

  Two owners in one thread on a British owners' forum say the window regulators fail often, and Euro Premium Parts says they fail on the roadster in particular. Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2006–2011 Recall 22V119000

  The heater for the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short-circuit. Dealers fit a wiring harness with a fuse for the heater. Replaces recalls 17V683000 and 19V273000. NHTSA

• 2006 Recall 19V273000

  The heater for the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short-circuit. Dealers replace the heater. Widens recall 17V683000. NHTSA

• 2007–2011 Recall 17V683000

  The heater for the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short-circuit. Dealers replace the heater. NHTSA

• 2003 Recall 04V247000

  An incompatible airbag control processor may have been fitted. Dealers inspect and replace it if needed. NHTSA

• 2003–2004 Recall 04V182000

  In some conditions vapor lock in the fuel pump can stall the engine, which then will not restart for about 15 to 20 minutes. Dealers add a resistor to the fuel pump's power line. NHTSA

• 2003 Recall 03V214000

  A tire may have been damaged when it was mounted on the wheel. Dealers unseat and inspect the tires and replace a damaged front tire. NHTSA

• 2003 Recall 03V032000

  The link between a front seat belt buckle and its tensioner's steel cable may not meet BMW's specification and can come apart in a severe frontal crash. Dealers inspect both sides and replace parts as needed. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Sought after

  A late first-generation car 2006–2008

  One source so far

  CarGurus calls late first-generation Z4s arguably the best value of the line, and says the 2006 update brought markedly more power and torque. CarGurus

• Watch for

  An early car with the SMG gearbox 2003–2005

  Less sought after One source so far

  CarGurus says early cars with the SMG shifted poorly and are not recommended for reliability. CarGurus

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 7,500 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 5,000 to 7,500 miles rather than by the car's own service reminder A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• Coolant All years

  Replace every 50,000 miles or 4 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

  If it was skipped: Euro Premium Parts says the plastic cooling parts should be replaced as a set, and that a crack in them can overheat the engine.

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Spark plugs All years

  Replace every 60,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 45,000 to 60,000 miles A seller's guide (unofficial)

Warranty when new