This page covers 4 recalls and 46 owner complaints for the 2011 BMW Z4.
The dominant pattern in 2011 BMW Z4 complaints centers on the electric power steering system. Owners frequently describe the power assist cutting out without warning, sometimes accompanied by a dashboard warning light and sometimes not, leaving the wheel suddenly much heavier and the car difficult to control, particularly at low speeds or in turns. The failure tends to be intermittent, assist returns after a short time, but several owners report it happening repeatedly across different driving conditions. Engine complaints make up the next notable cluster, with owners reporting issues ranging from rough running and stalling to oil consumption and cooling system problems, though the engine reports are spread across several different symptoms rather than pointing to one clear pattern. The steering issue, by contrast, is consistent enough across multiple reports that sudden loss of assist while maneuvering appears to be the single most common experience Z4 owners describe.
46
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2011 BMW Z4 has 4 recalls, with fire risk being the most serious concern: the heater inside the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit, overheat, and melt surrounding components, potentially starting a fire even when the car is parked and the engine is off.
Two other recalls involve the engine and drivetrain. On the engine side, bolts in the VANOS unit, which controls variable valve timing, can come loose or break, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving and raising the risk of a crash. On the drivetrain side, this recall only affects Z4 sDrive35i models: a constant velocity joint in the driveline can fracture and cut power to the wheels entirely, leaving the car unable to accelerate and creating a crash risk in traffic or on a highway.
At a glance
What can fail
The aluminum bolts securing the variable camshaft timing adjustment housing can loosen and break over time, potentially causing the unit to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace all four VANOS bolts at no cost to you.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing an electrical fault.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV valve heater at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater inside the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing it to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear driveshaft CV joint may weaken over time and break, potentially affecting power delivery to the rear wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and replace it if needed based on production date, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
