BMW Z4 Recalls

The BMW Z4 has 29 recalls spanning the 2003–2023 model years, with the most serious recent issue being a starter relay that can corrode, overheat, and catch fire on 2019–2022 models, a risk that exists even when the vehicle is parked.

The 2022–2023 model years have a software issue where windows and the sunroof can close without the key present, creating a risk of trapping an occupant. On 2023 models, transmission oil can leak into the automatic transmission control unit, causing the gears to seize and the vehicle to suddenly lose drive power. The 2020–2021 Z4 has a fuel tank weld that can fail and allow fuel to leak, raising the risk of fire near any ignition source. On 2019–2021 M40i models, engine management software can cut brake assist during startup, leaving only unassisted mechanical braking. The 2019 model year carries several issues: a tie rod that can fracture and cause loss of steering control, a wiring harness that can snag the accelerator pedal and cause unintended acceleration, and counterbalance shaft bearings that can loosen and cause severe engine damage. The 2019–2020 model years also have headlights that can be adjusted horizontally, reducing visibility for the driver or creating glare for oncoming traffic, and a headlight control unit on 2020 models that can fail and cut one or both headlights entirely. A backup camera on 2019–2020 vehicles can fail to display an image when reversing.

The 2012–2016 Z4 sDrive28i has an electrical connector that can short circuit and start a fire. Going back to the 2010–2011 model years, loose or broken bolts in the variable valve timing unit can cause the engine to stall without warning. The 2011 Z4 sDrive35i has a CV joint that can fracture and cause a sudden loss of drive power. A seatbelt pretensioner wiring fault on certain 2009 models built in a narrow window in March of that year can prevent the belt from tightening in a crash.

The 2007–2011 Z4 3.0i, 3.0si, and sDrive30i share a PCV valve heater that can short circuit, melt surrounding components, and start a fire even when parked. The 2006 model year has two separate fire risks: the same PCV valve heater issue on N52 and N52K engines, and a broader version of that fault affecting additional 6-cylinder variants. Early production from 2003–2004 includes a fuel pump that can vapor-lock in high heat or altitude and stall the engine for up to 20 minutes, a set of 18-inch tires that may have been damaged during mounting and can lose pressure or fail while driving, and an airbag control processor mismatch that can prevent airbag deployment in a crash. The 2004 model also has a front passenger seat occupancy sensor that can wear out and misread the seat's occupant status.