2003 BMW Z4: engine failure

8 of the 414 complaints about the 2003 BMW Z4 describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 42,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 11 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2012
1
2011
2
2010
1
2007
1
2005
2
2004
10
2003
8

What owners say

Filed Jul 13, 2018 · Steering · 42,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. When the outside temperature was above 80 degrees, the steering wheel seized on several occasions. When the failure occurred, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The dealer (the bmw store, 6131 stewart rd, cincinnati, oh 45227, (513) 271-8700) was contacted and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

Filed Mar 15, 2017 · Steering · 25,000 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the steering wheel seized. The contact stated various warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated the failure was more pronounced during warm temperatures. The contact was a mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering open faced bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire steering assembly unit needed to be replaced the manufacturer was notified of the failure the failure mileage was approximately 25,000. Updated 06/02/17*lj the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified, but did not offer any assistance. Updated 08/29/2017

Filed Jul 12, 2012 · Steering · 87,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. The contact stated that while turning at 5 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The steering wheel became stuck in the centered position and made it very difficult to change lanes on the highway. The failure occurred frequently at all speeds. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic that specialized on bmw manufactured vehicles. The mechanic diagnosed the failure and stated that the repairs would be very expensive. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 87,000 and the current mileage was 87,300.

Filed Jan 24, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 81,000 miles · TN

The power steering assist has failed on the car making it very difficult to steer. Luckily it failed while on a straight part of an interstate as my daughter was driving the car and this severely frightened her. She did not overreact and we took appropriate measures to get the vehicle home. Online research indicates that this issue was being investigated by the federal safety agency in 2010 but can not find any indication that an actual recall is in place. This is a very dangerous thing to happen, especially in a state with a lot of winding roads (tennessee). I purchased the car used last year and also had a water pump failure that resulted in a blown engine. I wish this issue had been investigated also as I understand that it is a common failure with this particular engine. There is also a problem with the speedometer and fuel gauges reading incorrectly. I read that one owner was contacted by bmw north america after they filed a complaint regarding the power steering with the federal safety agency and bmw voluntarily fixed the problem for the owner. I hope I have the same luck after posting this complaint. Thank you.

Filed Sep 21, 2011 · Steering · 31,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. The contact was exiting a residential driveway when the steering wheel seized. The contact turned the vehicle off and on to get the power steering to reset. The power steering assist lasted for a few minutes before failed again. The contact stated the failure recurred sporadically and without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the entire steering column and electronic power assist system needed to be replaced. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 31,000.

Filed Feb 12, 2008 · Engine · 48,000 miles · LA

Bmw z4 engine failure.

Filed Feb 17, 2004 · Engine · FL

Engine failure while driving.

Filed Jun 2, 2003 · Acceleration · 5,396 miles · CA · crash

Engine surged then revved uncontrollablly after startup. Continued to surge and idle with RPM alternating between 0 - 2500 RPM the accelorator was unresponsive.*ak after startup the car surged forward. Damange to front bumber and cracked light resulted. Defective part: bad throttle housing, replaced engine throttle (r6385) defect code 15 540 712