BMW Z4 reliability
The BMW Z4 fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 27.1% of 25,403 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
14 DVSA recalls for the BMW Z4
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.
Recalled models: Z4 · 2,495 vehicles
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.
Fix: Replacement of the starter motor.
Recalled models: Z4 · 2,677 vehicles
Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55
On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.
Fix: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.
Recalled models: Z4 · 3,695 vehicles
Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which are not to specification
Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which were not produced according to the specifications
Fix: On the affected vehicles the brake discs will be checked and if necessary replaced
Recalled models: Z4 · 705 vehicles
On affected vehicles there is a possible failure of the fuel tank welding joint which could lead to leakage
On affected vehicles there is a possible failure of the fuel tank welding joint which could lead to leakage.
Fix: Replace the fuel tank
Recalled models: Z4 · 6 vehicles
Steering tie rod can become broken in the 'kink' groove area of the rod
A steering tie rod with an earlier design configuration can become broken in the �kink� groove area of the rod.
Fix: Both of the steering tie rods will be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: Z4 · 4,542 vehicles
The pressing force of the bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification
The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification
Fix: Replace the engine of affected vehicles
Recalled models: Z4 · 53 vehicles
Plug in contact cable may malfunction
The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However if the electrical connection is completely lost this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps.
Fix: On affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.
Recalled models: Z4 · 311,848 vehicles
Driveshaft universal joint may break
Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.
Fix: On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version
Recalled models: Z4 · 10,849 vehicles
Plug in contact cable may malfunction
It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
Recalled models: Z4 · 36,410 vehicles
Engine emergency mode may be activated during driving
The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.
Fix: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit
Recalled models: Z4 · 2,967 vehicles
Loss of drive
It is possible that over a period of time the bolt securing the clutch cover/pressure plate may become loose. The drive should be warned of this by the behaviour of the clutch noise from it or inability to select gears. Under certain conditions complete loss of drive could occur which could place the driver and occupant of the vehicle in a prone position.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the clutch bolts.
Recalled models: Z4 · 4 vehicles
Engine may cut out
It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be make aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
Recalled models: Z4 · 36 vehicles
Eps may not perform as specified
Due to a component in the integrated control module not being to specification it is possible power steering assistance may fail. If this happens the EPS warning lamp will illuminate and a check control message will appear on the dashboard display. Directional control will be maintained albeit with additional driver input.
Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the steering box.
Recalled models: Z4 · 701 vehicles
Checking a BMW Z4 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.