I currently have a ’97 Z3 and I am considering a Z4. I have started researching the Z4 extensively and have some comments directed towards BMW. You might guess that I am an engineer. I am located in North America. First off I am very troubled that the new N52 engine does not have an engine oil dipstick. An electronic system is fine but we need a backup. I am sure today that there are many owners-enthusiasts that try to keep there oil up to the full line in their cars. The thought is that the full level may provide better lubrication. We are perfectly capable of measuring and adding only a few ounces at a time to achieve this. We do not wait for it to get a quart or so low. I feel the electronic system would make this more difficult. There are indications that people are having trouble with under-overfilling. There are many people on forums that are upset about this and say this is a deal breaker. On the surface one would not think that a dipstick could not have such an impact. There is a long history of seemingly unimportant things affecting consumer buying decisions in the market place. This may very well be one. I suggest you conduct some market research. The lack of an oil dipstick is an indication of BMW’s current design philosophy (more on this later).

I am troubled by many of the new features on the Z4. I feel that it is becoming overly complicated and in the future after warranties expire, will be more costly to maintain. Why do I need rain sensing windshield wipers that if there is a sensor problem, the windshield may need to be replaced? Why can’t I have the system be in manual mode and still have intermittent functionality? Do I really need the brake drying feature? Do I really need brake fade compensation? I am concerned about the new N52 engine. The valvetronic system looks complicated. I have read reports of some problems. How will the cylinder-piston wear be on the new Alusil system? What is the replacement cost of the new electric water pump? Does this pump have a conventional seal or is it sealless like a canned or magdrive pump. How reliable is the new volume controlled oil pump? All this new technology may work out in the future. All of it should last well past 100K miles without any attention.

Regarding my Z3, BMW’s track record regarding quality has not been stellar. First off it is a great handling and driving car! However I have had to do more repair work than any other car I have ever owned. Some of the issues have been: rear subframe bushing replacement, rear shock mount replacement, glove box rattle modification, seat rocking-bushing replacement, seat belt buckle switch-connector problems, headlight switch problems. Some of these items are basic technology that has been around for years. What will BMW’s track record be on the new more complicated technology?

There are some design philosophies that bother me. How could the Z3 be designed without the ability to align the rear end? Replacing major parts is not the most cost effective solution. Why are BMW brakes designed such that the brake pads and rotors both wear and in many times need to be replaced together? I have other cars that stop good without wearing the rotors. How can some of the new full size sedans not come with a spare? There are some pretty remote areas in the west where a spare would be useful. The availability of run flat tires could be an issue in remote areas. My main concern is that BMW is mainly after performance and does not consider enough maintenance or repair costs. I feel a well engineered car can achieve both. These issues and others are in the back of my mind. The lack of an oil dipstick just brings them to the front.

First off I am very troubled that the new N52 engine does not have an engine oil dipstick. An electronic system is fine but we need a backup.

Many newer cars do not have oil dipsticks.

I am troubled by many of the new features on the Z4. I feel that it is becoming overly complicated and in the future after warranties expire,

The public demands these things. They want the options, they want all the bells and whistles. Yes the stuff will cost more to replace because it does more things. Replacing a toaster costs just a few dollars, but replacing a toaster that is also a convection oven, broiler, rotisserie costs substantially more. It is the price you pay for convinience.

Do I really need the brake drying feature? Do I really need brake fade compensation?

Personally... I think they are a benefit.

I am concerned about the new N52 engine. The valvetronic system looks complicated.

Without the technology... the engine would not have the power to weight ratio that it currently has and the mpg would not be nearly as good. If you want more power from a smaller powerplant, technology is what does that. Take a look at engines of the same size from years ago that did not have the technology.


Regarding my Z3, BMW’s track record regarding quality has not been stellar. First off it is a great handling and driving car! However I have had to do more repair work than any other car I have ever owned. Some of the issues have been: rear subframe bushing replacement, rear shock mount replacement, glove box rattle modification, seat rocking-bushing replacement, seat belt buckle switch-connector problems, headlight switch problems. Some of these items are basic technology that has been around for years. What will BMW’s track record be on the new more complicated technology?


Cars like toasters are not designed to last forever. Every now and then repairs are needed.


My main concern is that BMW is mainly after performance and does not consider enough maintenance or repair costs. I feel a well engineered car can achieve both. These issues and others are in the back of my mind. The lack of an oil dipstick just brings them to the front.

I personally embrace the new technology as it makes things better (of course that is relative), but if you are writing to complain, I want BMW NA to know that others are hear compliment them on pushing the enveolope and keeping on the cutting edge of technology and innovation.

www.bmwusa.com they have a contact us part of the page

I wonder if, instead of trying to change what has been a very successful sales and marketing strategy by BMW, he should just try to find a brand that doesn't "trouble" him so much. Honda's are much more reliable. So are Toyota's. I think they come with spares and dipsticks, too.

Personally, I echo most of the sentiments from trailrider. It was honestly a part of my purchase decision when buying used to buy a 2005 instead of a 2006. The M54 engine's more 'traditional' design and track record of reliability pushed me to search for a 2005. Even for those of us who aren't an engineer, you don't have to be a genius to realize the parts will be cheaper and the repair work will be easier.

Yeah, I don't get this type of post, and you see several letters like this in Bimmer and The Roundel - "Dear BMW, here's what I don't like about your cars, but instead of me buying something else I actually like, completely re-engineer it to suit me." Everybody wants a less complicated 7-series, but no one wants to pay $90k for a car with hand-crank windows and manual seats. :rolleyes

Mike Miller has the best solution: don't buy the car. If enough people stop buying them, BMW will listen. That won't actually happen, because most people are quite happy with them.

Buy an M, the S54 still has a dip stick. ;)

"Dear Mr. President there are too many states these days, please eliminate three... I am not a crackpot."
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