Rear subframe mounting cracks (E46)
usually 120,000–250,000 km · High risk
Signs: Clunk from the rear, cracks in the floor pan
Fix: Weld reinforcement plates
€600–1,500
Common faults, service intervals and costs
BMW Z4 (E85)
2002–2008
3
engines covered
17
known faults
15,704
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The BMW Z4 (E85) was built from 2002 to 2008.
For this generation we cover 3 engines and 17 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Timing chain stretch: it usually appears at 120,000–200,000 km and costs €900–1,800 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (12.3 %), suspension (10.1 %), brakes (9.6 %). It fails less often than average on: suspension, steering, tyres and wheels, lights, wipers and visibility, body and corrosion.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 petrol (BMW N42 / N45 / N46) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 · BMW LL-01 · ~4.25 L · every 15,000 km |
| 2.0–3.0 petrol 6-cyl (BMW M52TU / M54) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 / 10W-40 · BMW LL-01 / LL-98 · ~6.5 L · every 15,000 km |
| 2.5 / 3.0 petrol (BMW N52 / N53) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 · BMW LL-01 · ~6.5 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Blower final-stage resistor
usually 100,000–220,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Fan stuck on one speed or dead
Fix: Replace the resistor
€60–150
Window regulators
usually 100,000–220,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Window drops or clicks
Fix: Replace the regulator
€100–250
Front control arm (thrust) bushes
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Steering wheel shimmy under braking
Fix: Replace bushes
€150–350
Faults by engine
1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 petrol (BMW N42 / N45 / N46)
Timing chain stretch
usually 120,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle on cold start, timing codes
Fix: Replace chain, guides and tensioner
€900–1,800
Oil consumption / valve stem seals
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Blue smoke, low oil
Fix: Replace valve stem seals
€500–1,200
Valvetronic motor / eccentric shaft sensor
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rough idle, limp mode
Fix: Replace motor or sensor
€300–700
2.0–3.0 petrol 6-cyl (BMW M52TU / M54)
Cooling system (plastic parts)
usually 100,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: Overheating; expansion tank, radiator neck, water pump impeller
Fix: Replace cooling parts as a set
€400–900
Crankcase vent valve (CCV)
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Oil consumption, whistle, lean codes
Fix: Replace CCV and hoses
€150–400
VANOS seals
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Rough idle, weak low-end torque
Fix: Replace seals
€150–450
Oil filter housing gasket
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Oil leak
Fix: Replace gasket
€80–250
2.5 / 3.0 petrol (BMW N52 / N53)
Electric water pump / thermostat
usually 80,000–150,000 km · High risk
Signs: Overheating warning without early signs
Fix: Replace pump and thermostat
€700–1,200
Oil filter housing & valve cover gaskets
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Oil smell, drips on the belt
Fix: Replace gaskets
€300–700
Hydraulic lifter tick (cold)
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Ticking on cold start
Fix: Correct-spec oil; lifters
€0–900
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
Steptronic (ZF 6HP / 8HP)
Torque converter / valve body
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Delayed or harsh shifts
Fix: Fluid service, repair
€300–2,500
ZF 6HP mechatronic sleeve / fluid (2001–2012)
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
model years 2001–2012 only
Signs: Harsh or delayed shifts, 'transmission fault'
Fix: Fluid + pan filter change, mechatronic sleeve seal
€400–1,500
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 petrol (BMW N42 / N45 / N46) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 15,704 tests.
| thousand km | 0–50 | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 | 250+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.4 % | 5.2 % | 9.6 % | 11.5 % | 14.4 % | 15.6 % |
| Suspension | 3.3 % | 5.9 % | 10.1 % | 11.7 % | 15.4 % | 17.0 % |
| Steering | 0.2 % | 0.4 % | 0.6 % | 0.9 % | 0.8 % | 1.9 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 1.4 % | 3.2 % | 5.3 % | 6.1 % | 8.4 % | 10.0 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 3.3 % | 8.5 % | 12.3 % | 16.4 % | 19.6 % | 22.5 % |
| Body and corrosion | 0.4 % | 0.9 % | 1.7 % | 2.2 % | 2.8 % | 4.6 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 0.6 % | 3.0 % | 5.5 % | 7.0 % | 8.9 % | 8.5 % |
Owner complaints in the US
Which systems owners reported to the US agency NHTSA and at what mileage. Complaints are not confirmed faults and some relate to recalls. Sample: 1,068 complaints.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 07/10/2026