Strange problem with the Z4

[Simon]

Let me get this right, it doesnt check the oil until the engine starts running?

Most odd!

RE: Oil pressure warning light, if that comes on your engine is broke already.

 

[Scuzi]

Yup. It won't provide a reading until the engine is up to operating temperature either.

 

[[TW]Fox]

We've aleady established nothing is more odd than BMW's and oil level checking.

 

[audiolab]

I notice you mention steering column failure. How did this materialise? I have noticed that when cornering hard, there is quite a pronounced "click" and a knock from the steering column which can be felt through the wheel. It has only started doing this recently.

Can I add a failed steering column to the list now too?

Regarding the oil, I put in 300ml of Castrol Edge and took it for a spin. The light did the exact same thing. I put the rest of the bottle in (1l in total) and the problem seems to be fixed.

Lesson learnt - The electronic oil gauge is completely unreliable. You'd get a more accurate reading by telephoning your local vicar and asking him.

I guess you learn something every day, I had always been told that too much oil was worse than too little so not too worried about it dropping down a bit. None the less I do expect the guage to read right, this thread had me checking mine on the way home tonight and I still get the OK and full guage indicator. No lights when turning off the engine.

It is just plain wierd to concieve of a car without a dipstick but when you look at how they put these out the door, no jack, wheelbrace or spare wheel (runflats fitted) I guess they expect that the average buyer will not want to concern themself with things such as oil or changing tyres, they want you to just drive to your nearest dealer and bend over when they give you the bill.

I can understand why you are peeved at the number of things going wrong with a new car. So far although I am only at 5k miles it has to be the nicest most confidence inspiring car I have owned. It has not even hiccuped yet (unlike the Audi I just got rid of which had a thirst for oil, a tendancy to go into limp mode and and unhelpful dealer). I have owned 4 BMW's and only had one bad one, even at that the dealer could not have been more helpfull so from my experience I will probably buy another.

Anything you buy can go wrong, the measure of the company is how they deal with the problems when they do happen and in my area both BMW dealers are far better than the Audi, VW, Ford and any other dealer in the area (in terms of service and gettings thing done).

I hope you get it all sorted because stuff like this can really tarnish what should be a pleasurable ownership experience.