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Model year record

2008 BMW Z4 recalls & problems

The 2008 BMW Z4 has 2 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (13 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints19filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
2008 BMW Z4 in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Engine and engine coolingMar 2, 2022

Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

Recall 22V119000917,106 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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.
Engine and engine coolingOct 30, 2017

Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

Recall 17V683000740,561 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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 repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2008 BMW Z4 Roadster w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2008 BMW Z4 2-DR w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated
2008 BMW Z4 NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Z4 3.0i

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

Z4 3.0si

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

Z4 Coupe

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

Z4 3.0i

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

Z4 3.0si

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

Z4 Coupe

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

Z4 M Coupe

18mpg combined
City / highway15 / 23 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

Z4 M Roadster

18mpg combined
City / highway15 / 23 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Air bagsSensor › Occupant classification; Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger1300065,000 mi
Steering500052,010 mi
Electrical system2000—
Engine and engine coolingExhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)2000—
Wheels1000—
Engine1000—
Seats1000—
Vehicle speed control1000—
Service brakes1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.