BMW Z4 E85/E86 (2002–2008)Faults with oil consumption

Oil consumption of the BMW Z4 E85/E86: problems and faults

In the BMW Z4 E85/E86 there are 2 documented faults with oil consumption: oil leaks and consumption (rocker cover, vacuum pump and valve stem seals) (BMW N43/N46 engine) and cracked crankcase ventilation valve (CCV) and oil consumption (BMW M54 engine).

Medium severity: Oil leaks and consumption (rocker cover, vacuum pump and valve stem seals) · BMW N43/N46 engine
Medium severity: Cracked crankcase ventilation valve (CCV) and oil consumption · BMW M54 engine

Most serious fault: Medium severity

Reviewed on 5 October 20262 sources How we work

Faults by engine

From most to least important. Check the affected years and versions on each page.

Z4 E85/E86 BMW N43/N46

- Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil leaks and consumption (rocker cover, vacuum pump and valve stem seals)Over the years, the rocker cover gasket and the brake servo vacuum pump gasket start to seep oil on the N43 and N46; on the N46 there are also the valve stem seals, which can cause more noticeable oil consumption than on the N43.

Z4 E85/E86 BMW M54

- Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationCracked crankcase ventilation valve (CCV) and oil consumptionThe M54's CCV valve (oil separator) is made of plastic and cracks with age: oil then gets into the intake, consumption rises and a rough idle and smoke appear. It is the engine's most frequently cited weak point.Appears at around 96,000 km

Symptoms these faults cause

Parts for the BMW Z4 E85/E86 for faults with oil consumption

The same search across several shops so you can compare prices. The part number varies with the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Rocker cover gasket
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Vacuum pump gasket
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Valve stem seals
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Frequently asked questions

What faults with oil consumption does the BMW Z4 E85/E86 have?

Which engines of the BMW Z4 E85/E86 have faults with oil consumption?

The documented faults affect the BMW N43/N46 and BMW M54 engines. Check the years and versions on each page: they do not always affect every unit.

Have you had a fault with oil consumption on your BMW Z4 E85/E86? Tell us at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

BMW N43: Bei diesem Benziner ist Ärger vorprogrammiertGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
BMW M54 reliabilityAutoscore · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026