Checklist: E89 BMW Z4 (2009–2016)

Look for 5

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Fuel pump, injector and turbo faults on the twin-turbo cars All yearsAsk for records of the high-pressure fuel pump, injectors, coils, plugs and water pump. Scan for fault codes and look for oil leaks around the turbos. CarGurus, owners' reports (unofficial)
Water in the tail lights and the trunk All yearsLook inside the tail lights for mist or water, check that every light works, and lift the trunk floor by the battery for standing water. Owners' reports (unofficial)
Folding hardtop faults All yearsOpen and close the roof several times with the engine off, by the key and by the switch inside. Ask whether the roof relays in the trunk have been changed. Owners' reports (unofficial)
Cracked wheels All yearsLook at the inside of each wheel for cracks or repairs. Owners' reports (unofficial)
Oil leaks from the valve cover All yearsLook for oil around the valve cover and the oil filter housing. Edmunds, owners' reports (unofficial)

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

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

A twin-turbo 35i or 35is without records or a warranty All yearsFive owners in two threads on a British owners' forum say the twin-turbo cars have a long list of costly faults, and three of them advise against running one without a warranty. Owners' reports (unofficial)