Fun with a capital Z. Dirk de Jongh never reluctantly gets into his BMW Z4 and hopes to continue for another ten years.
This is driving in its most enjoyable form. A roadster with rear-wheel drive, your buttocks just above the asphalt, your back close to the rear axle, a long nose in the field of vision and direct steering: the BMW Z4 has it all. It is therefore logical that Dirk de Jongh never reluctantly steps in and hopes to continue for another ten years.
Many people probably miss the six-cylinder engine in the above list and we can very well address that. The unique sound of BMW’s inline six would provide a good dose of extra driving pleasure. Dirk especially fell for the lines of the Z4. “I think the most beautiful detail is the line that runs from the headlight along the hood to the door handle. And when you sit behind the wheel, you can see the beautiful curves of the rear fenders in the exterior mirrors. Plus the long hood in front of your nose. Another funny detail is the Z, whose diagonal line runs through the side indicator.”
Yet he still regrets selling his previous car. An Audi TT Coupé, also a special model, but not open and that was what he wanted. “My brother has a Z3 and when I rented a Mustang convertible during a holiday in Florida, I knew for sure that a roadster had to be made. No convertible, that’s too normal for me. After some research I had a list of five Z4s, all in Germany. I went out with my brother for a few days, which in itself is a party. We even went to Munich and eventually I found the right Z4 from a private individual. All the papers were there, I liked the color and the options and, after a bit of negotiation, the price too.”
Drive on as long as possible
We are now ten years and 214,000 kilometers later, Dirk is still not tired of his Z4. Over the years, a lot of work has been done to the BMW, in addition to the regular maintenance that has been done. He was not spared from well-known problems such as the timing chain and high oil consumption. “I drive it for business and pay additional tax on the economic value. This means I’m much cheaper than I would be with a new car. For maintenance I go to a BMW specialist who really involves you in the process. There is always consultation and if the Z4 is there for a service or repair, I receive an update with a few photos in the meantime. And he knows what my approach is with this car: drive as long as possible.”
Dirk’s father also always drove a car for ten years, he followed that as an example. Dirk himself has had the Z4 for that long and in his opinion it can add another ten years. “A lot of work has been done in 2021. It started with increasing oil consumption, which rose to one liter per 2,500 kilometers. The valve seals were then replaced, together with the timing chain, and all problems were solved. Furthermore, the engine is still remarkably good after more than three tons and the gearbox has also held up all these years. I am curious to see what judge Tim de Leeuw will note down later.”
Crappy chairs
During the test drive, Tim notices that the Z4 steers and feels nice and tight, but that the gearbox and differential are no longer completely fresh. “For a Z4 that is seventeen years old with almost 350,000 on the clock, it drives surprisingly well. We sometimes have them here younger and with fewer kilometers who steer worse.” That’s a nice boost for Dirk. The list of areas for improvement is ultimately quite long, which does not surprise us.
For example, the paintwork is not equally beautiful everywhere, Dirk admits. “A truck hit the front fender while unparking, which was not repaired properly. The headlights are new and the third brake light in the tailgate has been replaced quite often. Actually, it still needs a set of luxury license plates. My biggest criticism is the chair, it’s worthless. After a trip to Italy I was really broken. BMW should have done a little better with that.”
For a few years now he has had a hobby car in addition to the Z4, a Porsche 997 S from 2004. A huge contrast with the Z4 and much more expensive to maintain. “But maybe that big difference makes the Z4 a lot of fun again. Open top riding is still great, even though it is now coming to an end. The hardtop will be put back on soon, it will still be beautiful and I can get through the winter in a coupe.”
Owner BMW Z4
Name: Dirk de Jongh
Year of construction: 1989
Place of residence: Deil
Occupation: Entrepreneur
First and previous car: Audi TT 8N
What would you like to change about your car?: ‘No plans, keep everything as original as possible’
What is your longest trip with this car?: Umbria
Maintenance history
We don’t have all the invoices, here are some highlights:
- 28.04.2016 variable valve timing, vacuum pump
- 10.03.2018 MOT, rear brake pads, wheel bearing, spring
- 13.03.2018 service, third brake light
- 07.07.2021 service, valve seals, timing chain, valve cover, etc.
- 07.07.2022 windshield, paravan, window guides, wipers, rear light unit, etc.
- 19.06.2023 service, 4 shock absorbers, 2 tires, 2 springs, etc.
What’s wrong with it?
- Paintwork is of poor quality in several places
- Tailgate is not straight
- Front bumper does not fit properly
- Does not shift properly to 2nd gear
- Differential whines slightly while driving
- Pulls to the right while driving
- Air filter box is missing a closing clip
- Oil filter housing gasket sweat/leaks oil
- Hardy disc shows minimal drought cracks
- Gearbox shift shaft seal is sweating some oil
- Brake lines show minor corrosion
- Rear differential rubber shows minimal cracks
- Left front ball joint has excessive play
- Mounting material for the front shock absorbers/springs is worn and does not fit properly on the new shock absorbers
- ABS cable at the front right has come into contact with the wheel and is damaged (repaired)
- Rear brake discs are too thin (8.4 measured at least 7.4)
- A lot of balancing weight on the front right wheel
The opinion of Carrec Technocenter
“With minimal work, this can be turned into an almost perfect Z4 again, which is a big thumbs up as far as I’m concerned.”