2009 Bmw Z4 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Wheels (11) · Engine (3) · Seat Belts (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Bmw Z4 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (3)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (Pcv) 2022-03-02 · campaign 22V119000 · 917,106 vehicles
Defect: 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 SA
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 ow
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (Pcv) 2017-10-30 · campaign 17V683000 · 740,561 vehicles
Defect: 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 2013-02-07 · campaign 13V044000 · 516,791 vehicles
Defect: 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 2
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.
Service bulletins (138)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls 2024-01-16 · B510819 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Electrical System 2024-01-11 · B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the electrical system of bmw vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. this has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. this document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle ã¢ââdischarged batteryã¢ââ complaints.
Equipment:electrical 2022-09-01 · B662419 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
Equipment:electrical 2021-05-01 · B840121 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
telematics unit deactivation due to 3g cellular technology discontinuation: the discontinuation of 3g cellular communication for combox, tcb 3g and atm 3g (telematics controlmodule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting february 2022.
Fuel System, Gasoline 2021-05-01 · B011321 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
class action settlement: n54/n54t/n55 electric engine coolant pump . with the court's final approval, bmw of north america, llc (bmw na) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: oliver, et al v. bmw na, et al
Fuel System, Gasoline 2021-05-01 · B011321 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
class action settlement: n54/n54t/n55 electric engine coolant pump . with the court's final approval, bmw of north america, llc (bmw na) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: oliver, et al v. bmw na, et al
Showing the 6 most recent of 138 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2024-02-09 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification“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…”
2024-02-09 · Seat Belts“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 vehi…”
2020-09-01 · Seat Belts · 38,000 mi“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.…”
2020-07-22 · Wheels“wheels developed cracks and air was leaking.…”
2020-07-22 · Service Brakes · 5 mi“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.…”
2018-09-17 · Engine“tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw z4. the contact received notification of nhtsa 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…”
2018-09-04 · Engine“tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw z4. the contact received notification of nhtsa 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 (locat…”
2017-08-03 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 98,000 mi“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…”
2014-06-30 · Wheels · 25,000 mi“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'…”
2014-06-11 · Engine · 28,000 mi“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 ti…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.