Sick Z4

[TaffZee]

Over the last two days, I noticed that the engine was turning over slow on start up, so today she started this morning, but then failed to start two hours later, quick check showed the battery was knackered, so bump started her and took her to local Indy for new battery, Battery Fitted, still wont turn over properly, starter only just turned over but failed to start the car (and motor wont turn over at all now), re check new battery showed OK, so conclusion: Starter Motor, so took it to local Indy (my nephew) and after a few checks (he remembered something about a fuse or something on the Z4 that could give this type of fault but tried everything still no go) so with him awaiting new starter motor and it looks like a pig of a job to do..

 

[GazHyde]

Only thing I can think of that happens at very low battery on the Z4 is Transport Mode being triggered, but that gives other issues like the blowers not working above the first setting. The car should start fine if it happens, otherwise can't think of any fuse related issues.

 

[TaffZee]

There is a 250 amp fuse in a box near the battery, if this goes it wont power the starter motor, and often diagnosed as a starter motor issue, but sadly not in my case, expected to pay through the nose for one but Europarts Bosch is £135, so not to much pain, and its my Nephew so I will get a good discount I hope. Already cost me £101 for battery..

 

[DavidM]

Hope all goes well in the diagnosis. When was the last time you had outlay with Z4 repairs?

 

[TaffZee]

Hope all goes well in the diagnosis. When was the last time you had outlay with Z4 repairs?

Mmmmm let me think, except for the usual tyres services ahm! nothing.

 

[Bozzy]

I had a similar problem with my ford van last year,wouldn't turn over enough to start the engine. Got the RAC out,battery fine,starter motor knackered.
So as it was cold and raining I took it to a local garage to get a new one fitted.

Hope it doesn't cost you too much Jim to cure it.

Steve

 

[t-tony]

Only thing I can think of that happens at very low battery on the Z4 is Transport Mode being triggered, but that gives other issues like the blowers not working above the first setting. The car should start fine if it happens, otherwise can't think of any fuse related issues.

If you have this Transport Mode triggered, how do you get rid of it Gaz? My mates Z4 may have this problem as he left it with me to fit a spring and also his fan only runs on 1st speed. Have regassed the AC today and there was much too much gas in there, 925g as opposed to 740g which doesn't help. I tested the blower itself and it will run at full speed.

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

If you have this Transport Mode triggered, how do you get rid of it Gaz?

BMW dealer or trusted indy can do it, guessing some of the better diagnostic kit like INPA will do it as well.

 

[t-tony]

Thanks for that mate, had our works kit on it today and it did come up with power saving mode or something like that. We could get the AC clutch to pull in and run but it only allows for 8 seconds or so but at least I know it works.. Will take it back and have another go tomorrow. Every time he cleared the code it came straight back. He used to work at Sopers so may need to ask them.

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

had our works kit on it today and it did come up with power saving mode

Yeah sounds like a good description for it as it basically stops the battery from flattening while in transit from the factory to the dealer.

 

[t-tony]

Yeah sounds like a good description for it as it basically stops the battery from flattening while in transit from the factory to the dealer.

Just found this on Z4 Forum Gaz, exact problems I have with this Z4,

Aww Man! Finally after 2 days of searching I found this post. Thank You so much. Now to see if they do business in the USA and how much. First time owner of a 2006 z4 3.0i and what a blast it has been. Private owner that knew nothing about BMW's said the AC don't work. To find the heater fan not working, AC not working, Rear defrost not working (even the lights on the button won't light up) and some presets on the radio and base and treble buttons not working, I came to the conclusion it was the transport mode when all fuses were good, and the previous owner had changed the battery after it went bad not to long ago.
Living 200 miles from the dealer this post is a life saver if I can fix it myself.

I've realised this car has had a new battery recently, now things fall into place.

Tony.

 

[TaffZee]

Cars all done, £135 in total for the starter motor and fitting + New Battery, only problem now is the window wont go up automatically I know there is a way to fix this but cant remember how to do it, Anyone?

 

[Grumps]

Cars all done, £135 in total for the starter motor and fitting + New Battery, only problem now is the window wont go up automatically I know there is a way to fix this but cant remember how to do it, Anyone?

Press and hold the window switch till it drops down and hold for a few seconds then raise it up and do the same. I think that still does it Ok, used to on my old cars Jim.

 

[TaffZee]

Yes its something like that but could not remember, will give it a try...Thanks

 

[Bozzy]

That's a good outcome,pleased it's sorted .

 

[t-tony]

Only on the driver's door for Auto up though.

Tony.

 

[gookah]

unless you program the passenger side to also 1-touch auto-up like I have,
and the door locking on drive off,
and the roof raise and lower with the keyfob
and the beep on locking
and the double indicator flash on unlocking,
and the comfort opening
and the two clicks to open the boot
and the full donut brake lights.......
etc etc

 

[t-tony]

Got two reverse lights and two rear fog lights at the expense of circle stop lights.

Tony.