On 3 april 2026 I was driving my 2011 bmw z4 sdrive 30i e89 n52k (manual transmission) that has 31,000 miles on it, suddenly a steering assistance malfunction trouble light appeared and I lost all electronic power steering. This sudden loss of steering control almost caused an accident!! Then shortly thereafter the electronic power steering control returned. On april 4 I lost the steering control again and took it to a bmw repair shop. They confirmed that the problem was with the eps (electric power steering control). Upon investigation, a specific recall exists for 2012 bmw z4 regarding the electric power steering (eps) system. (the federal safety agency recall campaign #12v302000: electric power steering control module.) the recall campaign notes that, after the engine is shut off and then restarted, the eps module may function properly. In that case, the warning symbol in the instrument cluster will no longer appear, and the audible warning will not activate. However the condition may occur again. This is exactly what is occurring with my car and you never know when it will occur. The campaign covers 2012 z4's and covered some cars manufactured in late 2011. However, the VIN for my 2011 bmw z4 sdrive 30i e89 n52k (manual transmission) is wbalm5c58be162421 and it was manufactured in 04/2010. The eps in my 2011 bmw z4 is exactly the same as the eps that is covered in the federal safety agency recall campaign #12v302000: electric power steering control module.) clearly my 2011 bmw z4 should be included in this campaign which requires a 4 hr repair by a certified bmw dealer and replacement of the eps unit. For z4 models the technicians are to refer to repair instruction 32 13 370, "removing and installing (replacing) electric steering box (eps)." e89 steering gear part # 32 10 6 855 888. Plus following parts: asa bolt (#32 10 6 773 068); hex nut (#33 32 6 768 884); torx bolt (#32 30 6 778 609); combination nut (#33 30 6 787 062). All above referenced parts were listed in the recall campaign. !
The worst 2011 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.
- Engine17
- Steering13
- Wheels7
- Brakes5
- Electrical3
- Fuel system2
- Suspension2
- Tires2
- Transmission2
- Driver assistance1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 BMW Z4
Recalls 6
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Risk
- Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 23V707000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 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
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
- Risk
- If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 17V067000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
- Risk
- If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 14V176000 · 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 BMW Z4 134
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been...
- The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been...
- Badge Return
- While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or...
- While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or...
- 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...
- Distribution of the following tool will be through the Automatic Tool Shipment Program
- Class action settlement: N54/N54T/N55 electric engine coolant pump .
2011 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 | 23-28 | 19-22 |
What 2011 BMW Z4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Electrical power steering system failed, warning light came on. Vehicle suddenly became very difficult to impossible to steer. Failed to negotiate a turn and nearly hit a tree. I have an appointment set with an independent service dealer near me, but I’m afraid to drive it there, so I may have it towed. The warning light came on just moments before the initial failure.
Steering assist failed almost resulting in head on collision. Failure is serious and likely to cause fatalities
Power steering is intermittent where assist goes from working to not working changing the effort required to turn the wheel. When power assist goes off it is difficult to steer the car.
October, 9, 2024 BMW USA Customer Relations, Recall Services Ms. Ikevia, Thank you following up. My 2021 claim regarding the 2011 BMW Z4 Vanos Bolts recall has been pending since April, 2021. My Z4 almost destroyed itself, after having been left off your recall list. December, 2023 BMW USA provided me written notice my VIN had been added to the recall list so I will be reimbursed for the costly repair. I hope you will help your colleagues who are stonewalling to appreciate my patience as well as my willingness to fight for reimbursement for as long as it takes You do have all my information in your Vanos Bolts Recall file, including detailed photos from my Syncro Car Care professionals who did the repair when you declined to help me. My VIN which is: [XXX] - 2011 Z4 3.0 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electric power assist intermittently fails without warning making steering impossible. Similar to 2012 z4 recall
I have written to you previously to advise of repeated engine issues with my vehicle, a 2011 BMW Z4. I also included invoices of work that was done over time to correct a likely Engineering flaw that caused excessive fuel injector failure. In 2021, there was a 10 year extended warranty to replace them. Prior and after the warranty work, there was almost constant engine misfires and engine warning lights resulting in decreased engine performance, and low oil lights that came on every 300+ miles driven. My recent issue with the car involves a starter quitting while driving at 70mph on [XXX]. It was terrifying. It's impossible to put into words that death was imminent. On [XXX], we were traveling to Orangeburg, SC when the car suddenly "died" on the highway. Once we recovered from our shock, we had the vehicle towed to a local shop. The owner advised us that it needed a new starter. Once that was replaced, the car started with a severe screeching noise. After further assessment, it was determined that there was a bent piston rod and that the engine would have rebuilt or replaced. I, a former automotive Engineer, believe that there was an inherent design flaw that caused the car to excessively use oil. Interestingly, I purchased a new BMW and as a condition of sale, was required to sign a document that I would not sue BMW or participate in a class action lawsuit. I was not provided with a copy of the form that was signed, but doubt that it would be upheld in court. BMW needs to be held accountable for their products and their performance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was difficult to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Hello, I am writing to you about repeated repairs that I have incurred for my 2011 BMW Z4, VIN [XXX] . On [XXX] 2017, I had a BMW initiated, no cost recall/extended warranty replacement of 6 fuel injectors performed at Hilton Head BMW in Hilton Head, SC. Due to the nature of the work, it was recommended that the 6 spark plugs be replaced, which were not covered under the recall/extended warranty, and which I paid $187.71 in parts and labor for. Mileage at this time was 45,795. On [XXX], 2019, I once again had the spark plugs and ignition coils replaced at Hilton Head BMW at a cost of $1208.25 for parts and labor. Mileage at this time was 58,815. On [XXX], 2024, I had the ignition coil and spark plugs replaced again by Import Service of the Lowcountry at a cost of $840 for parts and labor. Mileage at this time was 95,977. Relative to this, I also had fuel injector replacement performed on [XXX], 2024, at a cost of $724.29 for parts and labor. Lastly, the valve cover and #2 fuel injector failed and were replaced on [XXX], 2024 at a cost of $1843.14. Mileage at this time was 97,125. I am seeking $4803.59 in reimbursement costs for a repeated field defect that is known to BMW, and for which they have failed to correct through recall/extended warranty mitigation. All of these instances caused me to lose power while driving in traffic, putting me at serious risk for injury. Please find attached copies of the receipts for the above work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Compare the 2011 BMW Z4
Other model years
20022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620192020202120222025
Questions about the 2011 BMW Z4
Is the 2011 BMW Z4 reliable?
Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 2011 BMW Z4, 6.6 times a typical Z4 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 BMW Z4?
Engine and cooling, with 17 complaints, typically around 30,000 miles. Next is steering (13).
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW Z4 have?
6 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, power train and electrical system.
What gas mileage does the 2011 BMW Z4 get?
Official estimates for the 2011 BMW Z4 range from 19 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17-19 city and 23-28 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2011 BMW Z4?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history