BMW 1.9i
Bored-out M43 with slightly more displacement. Solid basis for everyday use with low maintenance requirements.
Free-revving, but no sprinter
118 hp from 1,600 rpm โ enough for brisk country-road progress. Spirited acceleration requires revs, but the four-cylinder in the open Z3 has its own charm: honest, light, uncomplicated.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Timing cover gasket is the most common source of oil loss in the entire M43 family. Identical on the M43B19 to the M43B18. Cylinder head removal is usually unavoidable, making the repair expensive.
Symptoms: Oil patches under the vehicle, visible oil film on engine front face, oil smell after a long drive
Plastic coolant flanges on the M43B19 become brittle with age and crack or weep. Especially the rear flange on the cylinder head is vulnerable. Simultaneous replacement of all flanges strongly recommended.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without clear leak point, temperature fluctuations, slight coolant smell
The oil filter housing tends to leak at the gasket to the engine block from about 120,000 km. Oil drips onto the hot exhaust manifold and creates smoke.
Symptoms: Blue smoke under the bonnet, oil smell in the cabin, visible oil trail on engine block below the oil filter.
Idle control valve tends to foul on the M43B19 through oil mist. Rough cold running and fluctuating idle speed are typical consequences. Cleaning with brake cleaner often curative, otherwise replacement.
Symptoms: Fluctuating idle speed, hesitation after cold start, rough engine running at operating temperature
Ignition leads of the M43B19 become brittle with age and develop misfiring arcs, causing ignition misfires. Resistance should be approximately 6 kฮฉ/m. Replacement with original or equivalent quality recommended.
Symptoms: Ignition misfires, hesitation at certain rev ranges, increased fuel consumption, poor starting
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
The fabric hood tears from years of folding and UV exposure and becomes leaky. Door seals also fail with age. The plastic rear window turns cloudy or develops folds.
Control arms, tie rod ends and ball joints on the front axle wear with higher mileage and are flagged at inspection. Typical issue on all E36-based vehicles.
The barrel bearings at the Z3 rear axle wear at higher mileage and must be replaced. An inexpensive repair that causes no consequential damage if done in time.
The VANOS unit on the six-cylinder engines (M52, M54) is prone to leaks and malfunctions. Worn seals and seized pistons in the VANOS system cause power loss and rough running.
The body-coloured mirror base rusts early on the Z3 and develops blisters. In severe cases the mirror can break off. Inexpensive fibreglass replacement bases are available.
Electric window regulators fail more frequently on the Z3. Cables or guide rails break, motors wear out. Typical age-related issue for late 1990s vehicles.