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BMW E85 Z4 and Z4 M common problems
2006–2008 · 3.0i / 3.0si roadster and coupe, Z4 M roadster and coupe (N52, S54). The known weak spots of the engines used in the E85, with sources, plus the topics that come up most in BMW's service bulletins and NHTSA recalls for this chassis.
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N52 engine
3.0i / 3.0si roadster and coupe (2006–2008) · N52 bulletins →
Electric water pump and thermostat failure
The N52 introduced BMW's electric coolant pump. When the pump or thermostat fails the car shows a coolant temperature warning and can go into reduced power.
N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat: prices →
Sources: BMW Tuning: N52 engine problems · CRP Automotive: bleeding BMW electric water pumps
Oil filter housing and valve cover gasket leaks
The two classic N5x oil leaks. Oil from the filter housing gasket can reach the drive belt, so it shouldn't be left.
BMW bulletins on file for the E85:
- SIB 11 08 03 Valve cover cracking Valve cover cracking on BMW E53/E60/E61/E70 and other models (2006–2011); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Jul 2010
Sources: BMW Tuning: N52 engine problems
VANOS solenoids and lifter tick
Dirty or failing VANOS solenoids cause rough idle and timing codes; hydraulic lifters can tick on cold starts.
BMW bulletins on file for the E85:
- SIB 11 02 08 VANOS reduced power VANOS reduced power on BMW E46/E60/E61/E70 and other models (2006–2015); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Sep 2020
- NHTSA 10162416 VANOS reduced power VANOS reduced power on N54 engines (2006–2013); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Jul 2019
- SIB 11 05 05 VANOS ticking noise VANOS ticking noise on BMW E83/E85/E86 models (2006); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Mar 2009
VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust): prices →
Sources: BMW Tuning: N52 engine problems
S54 engine
Z4 M roadster and coupe (2006–2008)
Rod bearing wear
The S54's rod bearings are the best-known worry on the E46 M3; many owners replace them as preventive maintenance because wear gives little warning before damage.
Sources: ECS Tuning: most common E46 M3 problems
VANOS (variable valve timing) faults
Worn VANOS seals, broken exhaust cam hub tabs and loose bolts cause timing faults and noise.
BMW bulletins on file for the E85:
- SIB 11 02 08 VANOS reduced power VANOS reduced power on BMW E46/E60/E61/E70 and other models (2006–2015); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Sep 2020
- NHTSA 10162416 VANOS reduced power VANOS reduced power on N54 engines (2006–2013); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Jul 2019
- SIB 11 05 05 VANOS ticking noise VANOS ticking noise on BMW E83/E85/E86 models (2006); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Mar 2009
Sources: ECS Tuning: most common E46 M3 problems
Rear subframe mounting cracks
Not an engine part, but the E46 M3's rear subframe mounting points in the body can crack and should be inspected on any car.
Most frequent bulletin topics 44 bulletins
| Topic | Bulletins | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle | 4 | NHTSA 10162404, NHTSA 10149441 |
| VANOS reduced power | 2 | SIB 11 02 08, NHTSA 10162416 |
| Steering | 2 | SIB 66 24 19, SIB 32 04 07 |
| Battery | 2 | SIB 61 03 14, SIB 61 13 05 |
| Engine no-start | 2 | SIB 11 06 16, SIB 12 55 06 |
| Transmission | 2 | SIB 23 01 08, SIB 28 02 08 |
| High-pressure fuel pump failure | 1 | SIB 13 13 10 |
| VANOS ticking | 1 | SIB 11 05 05 |
BMW service bulletins and warranty extensions filed with NHTSA that list the E85, grouped by topic. A bulletin tells technicians how to diagnose and fix a known issue; it doesn't mean every car has the problem.
NHTSA recalls by component 3
- PCV valve heater · 1 recall22V119
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. Recall repairs are free; check a VIN.
BMW warranty extensions that list the E85
- SIB 01 01 18 Seat warranty extension Seat warranty extension on BMW E46/E60/E61/E83 and other models (2006); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jan 2018
- SIB 01 02 12 Turbo wastegate warranty extension Turbo wastegate warranty extension on BMW E46/E60/E61/E71 and other models (2006–2014); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2013
- NHTSA 10150095 Warranty extension noise Warranty extension noise on BMW E46/E60/E61/E70 and other models (2006–2009); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Mar 2013
If a car qualifies, the listed repair may be free. Check eligibility for the VIN with a BMW center.
Repair prices for these engines
N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust)
Prices on these pages are for other chassis with the same engine.
Sources: BMW service bulletins and recalls filed with NHTSA (public data) and the specialist and owner write-ups linked above. Not affiliated with BMW.