MR_Y
Well-known member
Hi all,
I will create a separate, proper ride thread to explain the background and how I got this car. I will also include pictures there and the driving experience. The car has been purchased from a BMW dealership.
(Please no questions on why/how I got this car - I promise to answer that in my proper ride thread in the next 1-2 weeks 🙏)
For now, I just have technical questions.
I did my fair share of Googling on the pros and the cons of the E85 and this
N52B25 motor. The car does have FSH with BMW and had one owner from new. Mileage is 96,000km. There was work done on coolant and oil issues in 2020, which seems about right given known issues with this motor. The last service was last year - oil, filters and headlight bulbs (halogens) replaced. No accidents. I also did a seperate VIN check.
I will take the car to an aftermarket workshop for a full assessment and advice on preventative maintenance as well as some minor mods. I will also think about changing the Bridgestones to Michelin PS4s in future (the Bridgestones have 50% life left).
I would like to get real world views from fellow forumites on this motor and on items I need to keep an eye on.
This was the cheapest Z4 on Autotrader, but is miles better than any other Z4 in that price range. The deal did seem too good to be true, but all the due diligence came back clear. The price is so low that even if there are issues, it would be easily absorbed in budget, especially if fixed aftermarket. Also, there is the implicit 6 month CPA warranty which BMW will honour for major issues (also have this in writing), since I am buying the car from BMW.
Anyway, keen to hear of what to look out for on these motors and the E85 in general.
So far, I am aware of this on the n52b25 in general:
- VANOS failure
- Hydraulic valve adjusters (lifters)
- Water pump and failure
- Thermostat failure
- Valve cover leak
- Oil filter housing gasket/leak
- Rough idling and slow start-up
When I drive the car, none of these issues come up. Though, very happy to do preventative maintenance. This is not a Porsche, so I assume that parts are priced relatively well and aftermarket support is a bit better too.
Thanks.
I will create a separate, proper ride thread to explain the background and how I got this car. I will also include pictures there and the driving experience. The car has been purchased from a BMW dealership.
(Please no questions on why/how I got this car - I promise to answer that in my proper ride thread in the next 1-2 weeks 🙏)
For now, I just have technical questions.
I did my fair share of Googling on the pros and the cons of the E85 and this
N52B25 motor. The car does have FSH with BMW and had one owner from new. Mileage is 96,000km. There was work done on coolant and oil issues in 2020, which seems about right given known issues with this motor. The last service was last year - oil, filters and headlight bulbs (halogens) replaced. No accidents. I also did a seperate VIN check.
I will take the car to an aftermarket workshop for a full assessment and advice on preventative maintenance as well as some minor mods. I will also think about changing the Bridgestones to Michelin PS4s in future (the Bridgestones have 50% life left).
I would like to get real world views from fellow forumites on this motor and on items I need to keep an eye on.
This was the cheapest Z4 on Autotrader, but is miles better than any other Z4 in that price range. The deal did seem too good to be true, but all the due diligence came back clear. The price is so low that even if there are issues, it would be easily absorbed in budget, especially if fixed aftermarket. Also, there is the implicit 6 month CPA warranty which BMW will honour for major issues (also have this in writing), since I am buying the car from BMW.
Anyway, keen to hear of what to look out for on these motors and the E85 in general.
So far, I am aware of this on the n52b25 in general:
- VANOS failure
- Hydraulic valve adjusters (lifters)
- Water pump and failure
- Thermostat failure
- Valve cover leak
- Oil filter housing gasket/leak
- Rough idling and slow start-up
When I drive the car, none of these issues come up. Though, very happy to do preventative maintenance. This is not a Porsche, so I assume that parts are priced relatively well and aftermarket support is a bit better too.
Thanks.
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