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, the most serious being a fire risk from the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater, which can short circuit, melt surrounding components, and start a fire even when the car is parked and off.
Two of the four recalls involve this same PCV valve heater fire risk, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue. A separate drivetrain concern affects Z4 sDrive35i models: a constant velocity joint can break and cause sudden loss of drive power, raising the risk of a crash. There is also an engine concern on Z4 sDrive30i models where bolts in the VANOS variable valve timing unit can loosen or break, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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.
