2006/07 Z4M shift problems

[ghahat]

HI all,

i am interested in getting a Z4M roadster. looked it up online and heard about the transmission grind on high rpm 1st to 2nd shifts.

any comments about this? is it recommended to get a 2008 instead?

seems this issue only affects the 2006 and 2007models. i have found a very clean 2006 but am hesistant due to this issue.

your comments much appreciated

[Ayham]

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I don't think that's an issue. Z4M uses the proven box used on the E36 M3 EVO, E39 M5, and E46 M3 (different ratios though). I drove them, and from a personal experience there were no issues in that regard.

Whatever you decide to buy, I will be glad to help you out in testing and evaluating it.

[Hasan Shaikh]

He is in Qatar.

If you want to buy the car in Qatar, take it to Asim Raza at the BMW Service centre in the indutrial area, for a technical evaluation. Tell him I referred you to him.

If you are buying the car in Dubai, take it to Das Autoworks. Just PM Ayham for details.

[ghahat]

thanks guys

the car im looking at is in qatar. i will take it to Asim Raza. thanks for the help.

anything in particular you advise people to look for in Z4Ms?

seems people who had the shift grind problem get mixed results from the dealer (from tranny replacement to denial) but its good to hear from the members here.

finally, how much would you say is fair for a 2006 Z4m roadster in excellent cond?

[Ayham]

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Check the engine for leaks (valve cover, timing case, oil pan, pilot bearing) and tranny, diff housing, crwobar-test the subframe bushings, cracks in engine and tranny mounts, guibo cracks, struts n shocks leaks, sway bar links, oil cooler plugged fins and lines leaks, steering lines leaks and resrvoir, breather line, and spark plugs coloration. These are done on a lift. Also keep the car idling for 30 mins to test overheating. Offcourse a scanner test and a test drive to finish it off.

[Haissam]

i had an 07 Z4M for almost 2 years, never heard of the transmission grinding issue while shifting although i was following many online forums etc..

what's the mileage on the car you've seen?

don't forget to buy a modified CDV from Zekhaussen (spelling?) makes day & night difference with the clutch and much smoother starts & shifts..

[ghahat]

hi guys,

the mileage is 13000km. it looks like the guy was just using to drive to work and back, doesnt seem to me that it has had any performance driving.

i will be getting it inspected tomorrow and will make sure to check the things you mentioned above.

i called asim raza at bmw but he said they cannot do the inspection at bmw, he could just give me the car history at bmw. so i will check it at the usual shops.

i read about the shift grind issue on wiki first, then i looked it up specifically and found some more info

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...light=grinding

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1024255

seems the mod CDV might help, and redline transmission fluid was also recommended. i will see if i experience the issue tomorrow in a test drive.

[Haissam]

now that i read about it i remember it happened maybe 2-3 times.. i thought it was my fault not fully depressing the clutch.. but didn't sound serious to be honest :)

[Bruno]

the problem is within the shifter itself...

in 2007 BMW ended the production of the Gearshift rod joint and changed it to a new one. you might want to look into that. http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...43&hg=25&fg=05

this gearbox was built in 2001 they should've improved it instead of making it worse, that's why i'm assuming the problem falls within the gearbox suspension or shifter.

[ghahat]

thanks guys,

that seems very helpful. will check it out today

any comments on current market price?

2006 model, first reg in Mar 2008, warranty till Mar 2011
13000km, with navigation and all other options

[ghahat]

hi guys,

took the car for a test, everything seems ok.

the 2nd gear engagement seems to have a notch. it seems this is normal from the links i posted previously. although i wonder if the 2008 models shift rod bearing mentioned by bruno could be installed in the 2006 model to solve this?

didn't like the clutch feel at all. the modified cdv would be a must. is this a difficult install?

while driving there was a thrum at high rpm (4000), even in neutral while the car was rolling. is this normal? it was not loud, and didnt sound alarming, but definitely noticeable.

the owner is set on the price of 115K and wont budge. seems like a deal breaker for me although there was another one a few months back

http://www.bmwclubuae.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4154

and that guy ended up getting 115K for it. although for this money i am tempted to try to find a 2006 M3 coupe, if only i could find one with a manual.

[Haissam]

hi guys,

took the car for a test, everything seems ok.

the 2nd gear engagement seems to have a notch. it seems this is normal from the links i posted previously. although i wonder if the 2008 models shift rod bearing mentioned by bruno could be installed in the 2006 model to solve this?

didn't like the clutch feel at all. the modified cdv would be a must. is this a difficult install?

while driving there was a thrum at high rpm (4000), even in neutral while the car was rolling. is this normal? it was not loud, and didnt sound alarming, but definitely noticeable.

the owner is set on the price of 115K and wont budge. seems like a deal breaker for me although there was another one a few months back

http://www.bmwclubuae.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4154

and that guy ended up getting 115K for it. although for this money i am tempted to try to find a 2006 M3 coupe, if only i could find one with a manual.

- 2nd gear engagement thing is normal
- the CDV install was a 1hr job but do it at a BMW specialist :)
- don't know about the thrum you're talking about
- 115k is a bit high but the mileage is extremely low so the owner might be worried to lose more

[Bruno]

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The price is fair for the mileage. Ask him to drop it a bit more and should be a great buy given the extremely low miles the car has done