BMW Z4 years to avoid
More than twice the Z4's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best BMW Z4 years
Not enough model years on the road yet to compare.
BMW Z4 complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common BMW Z4 problems
All model years combined.
- Steering986
- Airbags92
- Engine78
- Electrical73
- Wheels25
- Brakes20
- Transmission18
- Body18
- Lights16
- Suspension13
- Fuel system13
- Acceleration13
Most reported problems on the BMW Z4
BMW Z4 problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | - | 2 | Engine | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2022 | - | 1 | Electrical | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2021 | - | 1 | 5 | 0 | |||
| 2020 | - | 5 | Brakes | 6 | 1 | ||
| 2019 | - | 5 | Engine | 6 | 1 | ||
| 2016 | - | 4 | Acceleration | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2015 | - | 5 | Engine | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2014 | - | 7 | Electrical | 26,000 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2013 | - | 7 | Electrical | 3 | 2 | ||
| 2012 | - | 5 | Engine | 4 | 0 | ||
| 2011 | - | 46 | Engine | 36,000 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2010 | - | 10 | Engine | 9,000 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2009 | - | 22 | Wheels | 18,000 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2008 | - | 19 | Airbags | 60,000 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2007 | - | 33 | Steering | 47,000 | 2 | 3 | |
| 2006 | - | 91 | Steering | 54,000 | 2 | 1 | Avoid |
| 2005 | - | 192 | Steering | 46,500 | 0 | 2 | Avoid |
| 2004 | - | 411 | Steering | 47,000 | 1 | 1 | Avoid |
| 2003 | - | 414 | Steering | 42,000 | 4 | 5 | Avoid |
| 2002 | - | 4 | Steering | 0 | 0 |
Recalls 28
BMW Z4 warranty extensions
Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.
- The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been...
- The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been...
- The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been...
- For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or...
- Evap system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
Questions about the BMW Z4
What years of the BMW Z4 should you avoid?
2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Each has more than twice the BMW Z4's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2003 alone has 414, mostly about steering and airbags.
What is the best year for a used BMW Z4?
There are not enough model years on the road yet to compare.
What is the most common problem with the BMW Z4?
Steering, with 986 complaints across all years, followed by airbags (92) and engine (78).
How many recalls does the BMW Z4 have?
28 recalls between 2002 and 2025. The 2020 model year has the most, with 6.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used BMW Z4?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history