Checklist: E85 BMW Z4 2003–2008

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

The inspection sheet: mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.

Look for 7

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Power top motor drowned by the roof drains All yearsRun 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. Edmunds, owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)
Broken rear springs and worn suspension All yearsLook 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. Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)
Cooling system failures All yearsAsk when the water pump, thermostat and expansion tank were last renewed, look for coolant leaks and watch the temperature gauge on a long drive. Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)
Oil leaks from the valve cover and oil filter housing All yearsLook for oil around the valve cover, the oil filter housing and under the car. Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)
DISA valve and crankcase vent on the M54 2003–2005Ask whether the DISA valve and the crankcase ventilation valve have been replaced, and listen for a rough idle. Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)
Corroded brake lines All yearsLook under the car at the rear brake pipes, where the plastic cover ends and road dirt builds up. Owners' reports (unofficial)
Failing window regulators All yearsRun both windows up and down a few times. Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)

Services to ask about 1

Scheduled work a seller can show records for. The E85's schedule has 3 more services, on its page. Buying shows which are due at a car's miles and age.

Engine oil and filter All yearsReplace 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. Ask for oil change records. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls to ask about 7

Recalls filed for these model years, newest first. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 22V119000 2006–2011The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 19V273000 2006The heater for the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short-circuit. Dealers replace the heater. Widens recall 17V683000. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 17V683000 2007–2011The heater for the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short-circuit. Dealers replace the heater. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 04V247000 2003An incompatible airbag control processor may have been fitted. Dealers inspect and replace it if needed. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 04V182000 2003–2004In 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 03V214000 2003A tire may have been damaged when it was mounted on the wheel. Dealers unseat and inspect the tires and replace a damaged front tire. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 03V032000 2003The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA

What buyers avoid 1

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

An early car with the SMG gearbox 2003–2005CarGurus says early cars with the SMG shifted poorly and are not recommended for reliability. CarGurus

The boxes are for you: nothing you tick is sent or kept.