Drivers side seat belt frayed at the point where it comes out of the vehicle when I am seated and buckled in. This is nearly impossible for me to see and I only saw it by chance pulling the seat belt out for some incidental reason. I am unclear how long it had been like this. Otherwise this defect is completely hidden as it disappears into the vehicle when I unbuckle.
The worst 2009 BMW Z4 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Wheels11
- Engine5
- Electrical2
- Seat belts2
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Fuel system1
- Steering1
- Transmission1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 BMW Z4
Recalls 4
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
- Remedy
- This recall supersedes and expands previous the federal safety agency recalls 17V‑683 and 19V‑273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous the federal safety agency recalls 17V‑683 and 19V‑273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 22V119000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 17V683000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
- Risk
- If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Recall number 13V044000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2009 z4 30i and 35i vehicles manufactured between march 10 and march 19, 2009. A defective crimp connector in a belt tensioner wiring plug may lead to increased electrical resistance of that connection.
- Risk
- Increased electrical resistance in that circuit could cause the safety belt tensioner to fail to deploy in a crash, possibly resulting in increased injury to the seat occupant.
- Remedy
- The safety belt tensioner wiring will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on september 5, 2009. Owners may contact bmw customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 09V327000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 BMW Z4 138
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may...
- Class action settlement: N54/N54T/N55 electric engine coolant pump .
- Telematics unit deactivation due to 3G cellular technology discontinuation
- Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been...
- Automated activation of navigation system during pdi/QC1
- Cic
- "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle
- N54, N54T
2009 BMW Z4 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17-19 | 24-29 | 20-22 |
What 2009 BMW Z4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The airbag sensor in my passenger seat has failed. I have been quoted approximately $2000 to repair this. However researching online I see BMW Service Bulletin SB-[XXX] which indicates this may be a widespread problem? [XXX] I am concerned to take passengers in the vehicle as I do not know if the airbags will deploy, or deploy at the wrong "rate" based on my understanding of how the sensors work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The seat belt is fraying at the point where it most commonly rests against the chassis while I am wearing it. It seems to be rubbing against the car causing it to fray. I only noticed it by chance, as it is not a common spot to look at while seated in the vehicle.
Wheels developed cracks and air was leaking.
Ebrake failure. I went on the z4 forum and many people report this same issue of the electronic parking brake / emergency brake simply failing to work.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw z4. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw z4. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called mckenna bmw at (562) 219-4570 (located at 10900 firestone blvd, norwalk, ca 90650) and was informed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Engine unexpectedly stalled and shutdown while in movement with potential to cause accident. Vehicle cannot be turned on until full stop is achieved and transmission placed in "p." idle engine RPM continues to vary drastically up and down with indication a problem persists and is likely pose the same safety risk. I bought vehicle used on 2012 and had the issue shortly after purchase twice at highway speeds. Dealership took months to apparently resolve. I am back at risk.
Rear wheels on bmw z4 cracked during normal road usage. Both cracked within a month of each other. These are 19" wheels with run flat tires and 296 wheel design. These wheels don't seem to be designed for public road usage but are advertised as such. They cannot withstand even minor road imperfections. Bmw refused to cover under warranty and doesn't acknowledge the wheel design as defective despite numerous reports with this exact wheel. They no longer sell the wheel on new vehicles and in fact even redesigned the wheel in 2012.
The car has stalled multiple time when coming to a stop. In some instances I did not have to come to a complete stop such as crossing a divided highway, just slowed significantly. As I went to accelerate through the intersection the engine had stalled and I was stuck in the middle of the intersection with no power. Car starts right back up each time but you must stop to place the car in drive(automatic transmission). Nearly hit by oncoming traffic on 3 separate occasions. Dealership was able to replicate, sold me a $400 battery as the fix. Car stalled on the way home from dealership. Returned the car but they could not replicate and since the instances did not produce a fault code they could do nothing. Car continues to stall which makes it a safety hazard. There are 100's of post on bmw forums with the same issue but bmw claims to have no knowledge of the issue. Someone needs to step in and make them address the issue. This is not the known battery cable issue, that was replaced per recall.
Compare the 2009 BMW Z4
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Questions about the 2009 BMW Z4
Is the 2009 BMW Z4 reliable?
Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2009 BMW Z4, 3.1 times a typical Z4 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW Z4?
Wheels, with 11 complaints, typically around 18,000 miles. Next is engine (5).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW Z4 have?
4 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and electrical system.
What gas mileage does the 2009 BMW Z4 get?
Official estimates for the 2009 BMW Z4 range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17-19 city and 24-29 highway.
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