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

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

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

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! 👌

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

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!

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 !

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.

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

Happy new year to you 👍

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.

Happy New Year Joel!!

your door problem is caused by a stretched door cable

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

Great video Joel

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.

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

Sounds awsome bud 💪

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 :)

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

Cool background scenery

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.

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

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 👍🏻

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

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

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.

z４　goes on!

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! 👍

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 🤔

That’s a crochet hook! 😁

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

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.

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

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

Over run software??

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

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

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

Not sure whether this is the right place , but it’s definitely the right time . In a previous video you tested the Alpina Roadster S . Are they more susceptible to problems due to high mileage , or has the Alpina build engineered out any significant problems . To engines steering and suspension components Really like them and looking for a summer holiday Queen but worried that mileage , Will mean more “under it instead of driving it “ .....and just want to be safe. Your thoughts 🤷🏽‍♂️

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.

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 😁

v6?

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

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

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

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?

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 😊

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

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 🙄

What exhaust system have you got installed?

is your exhaust stock ? :)

Interesting. Does it use any oil at all?

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

May I know how much you bought the car for?

Nearing "hooptie “ status...

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

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.

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

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.

M140i? Golf r?

The new car could it be an E46 M3?

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...

#brokenZ4

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

These cars seem to literally fall apart.

settle down ken block ;)

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..

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