Car Record Book

2009 BMW Z4 recalls & problems

The 2009 BMW Z4 has 4 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is wheels (11 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints22filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 22V119000 · Mar 2, 2022 · 917,106 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 cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 17V683000 · Oct 30, 2017 · 740,561 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.

Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers

NHTSA recall 13V044000 · Feb 7, 2013 · 516,791 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Components: Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers; Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables; Electrical system

Electrical system › Wiring

NHTSA recall 09V327000 · Aug 11, 2009 · 195 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 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.

Fuel economy

Z4 sDrive30i

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 28 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

Z4 sDrive30i

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 29 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

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

Z4 sDrive35i

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 25 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

Z4 sDrive35i

20mpg combined
City / highway17 / 24 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S7) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/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*
Wheels
1100018,000 mi
Engine
4000—
Electrical system
2000—
Seat belts
2000—
Air bags
Sensor › Occupant classification
2000—
Power train
Manual transmission
1100—
Engine and engine cooling
1000—
Steering
1000—
Fuel/propulsion system
1000—
Service brakes
1000—

*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.