Ask the Car People.SM


BMW Z4 Tires and Wheels

82 messages,  Last post on Sep 19, 2012 at 10:26 AM

You are in the BMW Z4 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW Z4, Coupe, Convertible

Messages Page 8 of 9

#71 of 82 Z4 tire wear by z4lady

Jan 12, 2011 (11:02 am)

I have a 2007 BMW Z4. I wanted a six-speed so I got a 3.0i with the sports package. Probably should have done my homework a bit better. I bought the vehicle used (after having driven and loved my BMW Z3 for ten years and 130,000 miles). I was not aware that the car has different size tires on the front and the rear so they can't be rotated. I don't know what genius of German engineering decided this was a good idea. (Yea, I know it is about performance and handling, but practicality should enter into the equation somewhere.) Between the fact that the tires can't be rotated and the negative camber, the rear tires wear out in 10,000 miles, with more wear on the inside than the outside. It is my understanding that the inability to rotate them and the uneven wear voids any mileage warranties that come with the tires. I have received a suggestion to use Michelin Pilot Sport A4 Plus tires on it. However, if all of the tires are going to wear out in the same amount of time (and the warranty will not be valid) I would rather go with something cheaper. Any experiences or advice you can share?

#72 of 82 Re: Z4 tire wear [z4lady] by markwell

Jan 13, 2011 (9:47 am)

Replying to: z4lady (Jan 12, 2011 11:02 am)
I believe all factory Z4's have the same size front and rear wheels.
  
The 2007 Z4 came with 17 x 8.0 in. wheels with 225/45R W tires.
   
If you you have different sizes, they are courtesy of the person you bought your car from.
 
Sorry...

#73 of 82 Re: Z4 tire wear [markwell] by capriracer

Jan 13, 2011 (8:03 pm)

Replying to: markwell (Jan 13, 2011 9:47 am)
Sorry, but all Z4's with the sport pakage came if staggered tires (different tire sizes front to rear) and the rim widths are different front to rear as well.

#74 of 82 Re: Z4 tire wear [markwell] by busiris

Jan 21, 2011 (12:59 pm)

Replying to: markwell (Jan 13, 2011 9:47 am)
Incorrect.
 
My 07 Z4 Coupe (completely optioned out) has different sized tires between the front and back. It came from the factory that way, and I purchased it new.

#75 of 82 Re: Z4 tire wear [capriracer] by markwell

Jan 21, 2011 (4:09 pm)

Replying to: capriracer (Jan 13, 2011 8:03 pm)
I live and learn. Thanks for the info. I previously thought only high end $65K plus exotic cars came stock different tire sizes. Surprised BMW does that for the Z.
 
The plus side is larger rear tires with smaller tires in the front looks cool as ever - almost dragster like.
 
The down side is you can't rotate the tires (ugh). At the end of the day, I think I'll stick with my size 17s front and rear.

#76 of 82 Re: Z4 tire wear [markwell] by snowallergy

Jan 24, 2011 (7:27 pm)

Replying to: markwell (Jan 21, 2011 4:09 pm)
Toyota MR 2 spyder came with different size tires on the front and rear axles. I believe it sold for 25k when new.

#77 of 82 Re: Z4 tire wear [snowallergy] by markwell

Jan 25, 2011 (5:26 am)

Replying to: snowallergy (Jan 24, 2011 7:27 pm)
Thanks for sharing the tire size delta on MR2's.
 
As said before, while some sports cars and novelty cars were made with off size tires, it still doesn't dissuade me from my original premise, it is uncommon for standard production cars to be made with different sized front and rear tires.
 
Why? It costs more, it generally doesn't improve handling and it limits ones ability to "rotate" tires extending tread wear life. Does this stop car makers from doing it. No. Why? Because they think it may increase the look and appeal; hence, sales for certain sports-oriented car designs.
 
Speaking of the MR2, back in the mid-80's, the MR2 was one of the finest handling fun sports car gems available at a reasonable price. A friend of mine had a red one with black rag top. Riding in it was so much fun I took a dealership test ride. Both were white-knuckled experiences that took hours to wipe the smile off my face. The combination of top of the line handling performance, Toyota reliability and top down fun for thousands of dollars less than its competition made it second to none in my book. Unfortunately, I was starting a family at the time and it wasn't practical.
This is why the market for pure 2 seaters is very limited - practicality. If you enjoy driving the twisties without slowing down, get yourself an old MR2 with a new set of rubber - you won't be disappointed.
 
Then again, older now, I'm not planning to let go of my BMW Z4 anytime soon. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

#78 of 82 press request by Kirstie@Edmunds HOST

Aug 10, 2011 (3:17 pm)

A reporter is interested in talking with roadster fans who would like or dislike the idea of a smaller engine in the new BMW Z4. If you care to share your comments, please send an email, including your daytime contact info, to predmunds.com no later than 5:00pm Pacific on Friday, August 12, 2011.

#79 of 82 Thinking of buying... by sofia_cd

Apr 19, 2012 (8:48 am)

Hello! Im thinking of buying a used 2005 BMW Z4 w/ 42,000 miles on it, the carfax was clean but i havent own a bmw before much more a z4 i'm wondering at what point you started doing repairs on your z4 at how many miles? should i even consider buying a z4 w/ 42,000 miles on it? im thinking of driving it for two more years before i trade it in, but i def. dont want to spend money on repairs, just thought i'd ask owners and do my due diligence. Thank you so much!

#80 of 82 Re: Thinking of buying... [sofia_cd] by markwell

Apr 19, 2012 (11:40 am)

Replying to: sofia_cd (Apr 19, 2012 8:48 am)
BMW Z4's don't require the heavy hitting major service interval until 100K. Until 50K miles or 4 years - all maintenance including oil changes (except rotors, brake pads and tires) is free. As you must know, your 2005 is outside the free service BMW warranty by 2 years now.
 
Still, 42K is very low mileage. Probably the only thing the car should need (if not already done) is brake pads, rotors and tires - possibly an oil change. You don't have to go to BMW for these repairs. You can save from 10-50% off what the dealer's typically charge by finding a good mechanic. Get four good A A A rated 50K non-run flat all season tires off the internet for under $400. Balanced and mounted for $40 to $80 depending where you get them mounted. Be careful where because BMW rims scrap easily unless a touchless tire mounting system is used.
 
Next comes regular service. A Lube/Oil/Filter I recommend every 7,500 miles (ignore the 15,500 mileage counter for service - it doesn’t include LOF). You may hear the car can go 15,500 miles between synthetic oil changes - it really depends on how you drive, but you're likely to experience valve or other problems as the car nears 70K-100K if you neglect regular LOF. An LOF costs $100 or $200 at most BMW dealerships. Four rotors and pads is going to cost you something like $800, but you can get it done for hundreds less if you know a good mechanic, a friend or do it yourself. Every 15K miles, the car needs a full service which run $200-$400 (depending where you go to have it done). The major service is required typically every 30K miles. This runs about $1,000 to $2,000.
 
After about 7 years, the head light cover gaskets dry out and take a set. If a bulb burns out, you need to replace either the gasket or the headlight cover that comes with a new gasket. Otherwise, you'll be replacing bulbs every 3-6 months as moisture keeps collecting in the headlight. You may also need a new battery. I replaced mine for around $140 and it's twice the battery that comes stock with Z4s.
 
There’s a reason that BMW offers free service the first 50K or 4 years – they are bloody expensive cars to maintain. I have put about 25K on my Z4 a year the last 6 years. I can tell you that the Honda Civic I drove for the 10 years prior cost me about a quarter of what this car does in maintenance. …but at the same time – this car is 20 times more fun to drive! (even more so as a daily commuter.)
 
Way I figure it, you only live this life once - you might as well enjoy it. Treat others well, but always be true to yourself. Good Luck.

Messages Page 8 of 9

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement