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2009 BMW Z4

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2009 BMW Z4 (E89) is a two-seat roadster or coupe, known for its blend of sporty handling and luxurious features. This model year marked a significant departure from the previous generation with its retractable hardtop. The base model came with a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-6 engine (Z4 sDrive30i) producing 255 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, while the higher-performance model featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine (Z4 sDrive35i) generating 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. An even higher performance version, the Z4 sDrive35is, featured a tuned version of the same turbo engine producing 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Both manual and automatic transmissions were available, with the sDrive35i and sDrive35is offering a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) as an option. Owners appreciate the Z4’s stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and comfortable interior. Common dislikes include the potential for costly repairs, limited storage space, and the firm ride quality, especially on models with the sport suspension.

Engine

3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (Z4 sDrive30i)

  • Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the oil filter housing. Burning oil smell. Low oil level.
    • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • VANOS Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased performance, engine hesitation. Check engine light may illuminate.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty VANOS solenoid(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ (per solenoid)
    • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (Z4 sDrive35i & sDrive35is)

  • High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Long cranking times, rough idling, loss of power, and eventual engine stalling. Check engine light will illuminate.
    • Solution: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine bay, especially during cold starts or at low RPMs. Can be a sign of wear in the turbocharger wastegate actuator.
    • Solution: Replace the turbocharger or repair the wastegate actuator (if possible).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ (turbocharger replacement), $500- $1000 (wastegate actuator repair if possible)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks from various engine areas. Can cause a burning oil smell. Check engine oil level frequently. Common areas of oil leaks include the valve cover gasket and the oil pan gasket.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve Cover Gasket: $300 - $600+. Oil Pan Gasket: $600 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual (All Engines)

  • Clutch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, high clutch pedal effort.
    • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) (sDrive35i & sDrive35is)

  • Mechatronic Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, transmission malfunction warnings.
    • Solution: Replace or repair the mechatronic unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Slipping/Jerking
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, jerky shifts, failure to engage gears.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and possibly replacement of transmission parts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+ (Fluid Flush, can be more depending on what needs to be replaced)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Cracked/Broken Springs
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the suspension, uneven ride height, poor handling.
    • Solution: Replace the damaged spring(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (per spring)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Worn Control Arm Bushings
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the suspension, vague steering, uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per control arm)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, electrical systems malfunctioning. Parasitic drain is a common issue.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. Could be a faulty module, aftermarket accessory, or wiring issue.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Faulty Window Regulator
    • Description/Symptoms: Window not operating properly, window falling into the door, grinding noise when operating the window.
    • Solution: Replace the window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (per window)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Retractable Hardtop Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Hardtop failing to open or close completely, error messages on the dashboard, unusual noises during operation. Can be due to hydraulic pump failure, sensor issues, or mechanical problems.
    • Solution: Diagnose the cause of the malfunction and repair or replace the faulty component(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ (depending on the specific issue)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Formation of rust on exterior panels.
    • Solution: Remove rust and repaint panels or replace panels.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sticking iDrive Controller
    • Description/Symptoms: iDrive controller sticks, won’t spin freely, or does not click when depressed.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the iDrive controller.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 BMW Z4, while an enjoyable sports car, is prone to several issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, particularly with the turbocharged models, such as HPFP failure and wastegate rattle, can be expensive to address. Transmission issues with the DCT, if equipped, can also lead to significant repair costs. Electrical problems, like battery drain and window regulator failure, are also relatively common. While some issues are minor, others can be quite severe, leading to costly repairs that should be taken into consideration when purchasing one of these vehicles.

BMW, Z4
BMW Z4 2009
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