2003 BMW Z4

4 recalls, 460 complaints - 66 TSBs

AIR BAGS

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, INCOMPATIBLE ELECTRONIC AIR BAG SYSTEM PROCESSORS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY NOT OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM PROCESSORS. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

51 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, A VAPOR LOCK IN THE FUEL PUMP COULD OCCUR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES.

Consequence

IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE ELECTRICAL LINE POWERING THE FUEL PUMP IN ORDER TO PREVENT AN OCCURRENCE OF VAPOR LOCK. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

13,769 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

TIRES

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18" TIRES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE TIRE HAS BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE MOUNTING PROCESS TO THE RIM.

Consequence

CONSEQUENTLY, A LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE, OR A TIRE FAILURE, COULD OCCUR. DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND THE DRIVER'S REACTIONS, THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL UNSEAT THE TIRE FROM ITS RIM, INSPECT FOR ANY DAMAGE, AND THEN RESEAT THE TIRE TO ITS RIM. IF INSPECTION REVEALS THAT A FRONT TIRE HAS INCURRED DAMAGE DURING THE MOUNTING PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1... Read more

180 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CONNECTION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TO THE STEEL ROPE OF THE TENSIONER DOES NOT MEET BMW SPECIFICATIONS. IN SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES, THIS CONNECTION CAN DETACH.

Consequence

IF THE CONNECTION DETACHES, THE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SAFETY BELT IS LIKELY TO BE IMPAIRED, AND SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER COULD OCCUR THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE MITIGATED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT TENSIONER AND BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THESE PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE... Read more

2,635 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Complaint Statistics

460 total complaints 8 crashes 1 fires 3 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
STEERING	320
AIR BAGS	27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	14
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM	10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	6
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP	4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	4
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM	3

Incident date: Jan 1, 2010

This vehicle has a "sticky steering" issue in warm or hot weather, the steering sticks and requires a lot of effort to get the wheel to turn. If I am doing any speeds over 40 mph and keep adjusting the steering, I have almost wrecked the car on more than one occasion. The problem is the electric ste... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2025

ABS Brake problem and have tried to get it repaired for over 3 months and cannot seem to be able to get the part and call GM with no help. Can not tell me when or where to buy the part. Nobody seems to be able to get a new part and no help from GM. If there is this many problems that there is no pa... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2024

While using adaptive cruise control the vehicle regularly decelerates for no reason and without warning "phantom braking". I experience this about once a week, but experienced it multiple times on a longer drive this weekend. The unexplained abrupt braking could result in being rear-ended by anoth... Read more

Incident date: Sep 22, 2023

My turbo actuator went out in 2022, paid $2,000 to get it fixed. A year later in 2023 it went out again and ruined both the low and high turbos, had to get them replaced again this time under warranty but Nissan of Dearborn in Dearborn, Michigan had my truck for 87 days before I got it back. They tr... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake violently, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke coming from the battery. The battery warning light was... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof exploded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximatel... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Motorcycle Talon 1000X. The contact stated that while driving at a speed unknown, when it was placed into low gear and drive it would disengage from low gear causing the side-by-side to flip downhill. The contact hit another motorist and came to a stop. The contact rece... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 11, 2023

Anda manejando cuando empezó a salir mucho humo por el tablero y la troca ya no respodia no podia ya aselerar y el volante se puso duro me sali de la carretera marqué al sitio de emergencia por ayuda pero la tahoe se quemo muy rápido

Fire

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Sport Contact, Tire Size: 225/40/R19, DOT Number: LMJAD5UR (Front Tires) and Pirelli Tires, Tire Line: P Zero, Tire Size: 225/40/R19, DOT Number: 93X2Y082 (Rear Tires). The contact stated while driving approxim... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2023

When I stop at the light my car shake and rocks, then the car goes into limp mode. Where the stabilitrack comes on and the engine goes into reduced mode. And I can't go over 30mps. When this happened on the freeway is the most dangerous and scary feeling ever. I've got So many new parts and put over... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2023

Incident date: Jul 13, 2022

DRIVERS DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. Couldn't get out of the car. Had to get assistance to get out of car.. Had car towed to BMW dealership.. The spent hours trying to get door open. They had to go down through the convertible top to remove the drivers seat in order to get panel off to remove parts to get... Read more

Incident date: Jun 21, 2022

STICKY STEERING AFTER CAR WARMS UP. STEERS LIKE A BOAT. DANGEROUS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR WINDING ROAD.

Incident date: Jul 1, 2017

The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in hot weather, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and would also jerk the vehicle into the next lane. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2021

During very warm days in the summer the steering wheel tends to stick during turns. It requires extra force to continue to turn the wheel which becomes problematic during a tight turn or on highway on-ramps.

Incident date: Apr 8, 2022

Car has 15,000 miles and always stored in climate controlled garage. Drove it today and within 1/2 mile the electronic power steering failed making it very, very hard to steer. Shut vehicle off and restart and the problem goes away but only for a minute or two and then returns.

Incident date: Apr 4, 2008

I purchased this BMW Z4 from a private seller on Thursday (3/10/22) located in Myrtle Beach, SC. On the way home (187 mile trip), about ¾ of the trip, I was driving about 55 mph on 701 North and the steering felt as if it was sticking to the point where moving the wheel took a effort to unstick it... Read more

Incident date: May 25, 2021

On hot days the steering becomes sticky like there is a catch. It will also pull to one side or the other making it very dangerous to drive especially on the interstate.

Incident date: Apr 10, 2021

I JUST PURCHASED Z4. DID NOT NOTICE ANY PROBLEM DURING TEST RIDE. ON MY WAY HOME DURING PURCHASE STEERING BECAME AN ISSUE. THE CAR WOULD BE DRIVING FINE THEN WHAT I WOULD A DEAD SPOT WOULD APPEAR. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SUDDENLY SHIFT LEFT OR RIGHT WHAT SEEMS A FEW INCHES. THIS CAUSES DRIVER (ME) T... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2021

THE FIRST ISSUE IS THAT THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE MAKING THE WHEEL HARD TO TURN. ADDITIONALLY, AT RIGHT ABOUT THE STRAIGHT POSITION OF THE STEERING WHEEL THE STEERING WILL STICK (CONSISTENTLY FIGHTING THE WHEEL TO STAY CENTERED). STAYING STRAIGHT IS NEARLY... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2020

I HAVE A 2003 Z4 WITH 25K MILES. THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. SPOKE WITH A BMW MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND THAT I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE COST IS $3000. WHY IS TH... Read more

Incident date: Aug 30, 2006

AFTER SOME INVESTIGATION MY Z4 IS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING 'STICKY WHEEL' EVIDENTLY THIS WAS FOUND IN MANY Z4'S IN OR AROUND MY YEAR OF CAR. I WAS SURE THAT I WOULD SEE A RECALL FOR MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE BUT NEVER RECEIVED ONE. MY VEHICLE HAS HAD THE ISSUE FOR MANY YEARS, BUT THE BMW DEALERSHIPS SAID THE... Read more

Incident date: Jul 2, 2006

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE TO TAYLOR BMW 4180 WASHINGTON RD, EVANS, GA 30809 WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS INOPERABLE AND NEEDED TO BE SERVICES. THE VEHI... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2006

FROM DAY ONE I HAD AIRBAG PROBLEM FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE. AIR BAG NEVER WORKED. BMW HAD RECALL AND EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS, BUT THEY DON'T ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY STEERING COLUMN HAS PROBLEMS TOO

Incident date: Apr 10, 2006

Incident date: Oct 8, 2019

WHEN THE CAR WARMS UP OR HAS BEEN IN THE WARM SUN THE STEERING STICKS. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS ISSUE WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL WILL POP OVER RATHER THAN SMOOTHLY TURNING. THE PROBLEM CREATES AND OVERSTEERING THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS AT HIGHWAY SPREED AND IN TRAVERSING CORNERS.

Incident date: Sep 1, 2019

CONVERTIBLE TOP MOTOR IS PLACED IN A BAD LOCATION BY THE MANUFACTURER CAUSING ROOF PUMP MOTOR TO CEASE AND STOP WORKING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE TOP SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE PUT UP DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. MY CONVERTIBLE ROOF WON'T GO UP OR DOWN RIGHT NOW. HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE AN... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2019

AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE SUN FOR 4 HOURS, THE CAR WAS HARD TO STEER. THE STEERING WAS STICKY AND MADE IT FEEL UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WE RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS YEAR/MODEL BMW Z4.

Incident date: Aug 3, 2019

TAKATA RECALL. BMW SENT RECALL NOTICE FOR AIRBAG BEFORE EXPIRATION DATE. I CALLED BMW AND THEY GAVE ME A EXPIRATION DATE TO TAKE CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE REPAIRED. I TOOK THE CAR TO A NEW SEWELL BMW DEALERSHIP IN GRAPEVINE TX, USA BEFORE THE EXPIRE DATE GIVEN BY BMW. THEY ASKED IF THE AIRBAG LIGH... Read more

Incident date: Jun 29, 2019

I JUST PURCHASED THIS 2003 Z4 FROM A DEALER ABOUT A MONTH AGO. WHEN I TEST DROVE IT, IT DROVE FINE AND THE STEERING WAS SMOOTH AS YOU'D EXPECT. IT WAS A LITTLE CHILLY AS IT WAS STILL IN THE MORNING. BY AFTERNOON, DURING MY 6HR DRIVE HOME FROM THE DEALER, IT GOT HOT OUTSIDE, AS IT IS SUMMER AND ALL, ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2019

OVER THE PAST COUPLE YEARS I'VE NOTICED STICKY STEERING BUT AM JUST REPORTING NOW. AT MOST SPEEDS I'VE HAD THE STEERING STICK AND NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL. OFTEN NEEDING TO REACT OR OVERCORRECT. I'VE NOTICED AN INCREASE IN OCCURRENCE AND SEVERITY THE WARMER THE AMBIENT TEMP IS. WHEN STEERING AROUND A C... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2019

RIGID STEERING WITH OVER CORRECTION, USUALLY DURING WARM WEATHER. IF GOING AT HIGHWAY/FREEWAY SPEED, EASY TO LOOSE CONTROL AND MAY CAUSE MAJOR INJURY. EXPERIENCED THIS TODAY DRIVING SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH AND DECIDED TO SOUND OFF. I HOPE BMW IS NOT WAITING TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM UNTIL SOMETHING LIKE... Read more

Incident date: Sep 9, 2007

FOR SEVERAL YEARS MY Z4 HAS HAD STEERING STICKING ISSUES. I THOUGHT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR UNTIL I JOINED A NATIONAL BMW Z4 OWNERS CLUB AND DISCOVERED THAT THE YEARS 2003 THROUGH 2005 ALL HAVE THIS ISSUE WHEN THE WEATHER IS VERY WARM . THE STEERING WILL BE AFFECTED AND WILL BE DIFFICULTY TO ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 6, 2018

STEERING JERKS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET OR ON HI WAY.

Incident date: May 2, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TAYLOR BMW (4180 WASHINGTON RD, EVANS, GA 30809, (706) 868-6400) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESP... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2019

ON WARM DAYS THE STEERING AT HIGHER SPEED GETS HARD TO STEER ; TO THE POINT OF BEING UNSTEADY. AT LOWER SPEEDS AND COOLER TEMPS THE HARD STEERING CAN BS HANDLED BUT IS STILL TROUBLESOME. NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO BMW.

Incident date: May 1, 2018

2003 BMW Z4 STEERING I EXPERIENCE SUDDEN JERKS IN THE STEERING WHEEL, MORE SO AT HIGHER SPEEDS, AROUND 60MPH AND ABOVE.THE JERKS ARE UNPREDICTABLE AND CAN BE EITHER TO THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT. IT MAKES THE CAR REALLY UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN AT THESE HIGHER SPEEDS! I BELIEVE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY BMW... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2019

I EXPERIENCE SUDDEN JERKS TO THE LEFT, OT TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE ROAD SURFACE IS SLEGHTINGLY UNEVEN. I CAN NEVER PREDICT WHICH WAY THE CAR PULLS ME. I STRUGGLE A LOT TO KEEP THE STEERING CENTERED WHEN STOPPING AT ANY RED LIGHT. ALSO MAKE A WEIRD SOUND WHEN A TRY TO TURN RIGHT

Incident date: Feb 15, 2019

STICKY STEERING WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED AS CAUSED BY A POORLY DESIGNED BEARING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR $3500. A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEED. POWER ASSIST IS ELECTRICAL ON STEERING.

Incident date: Feb 8, 2019

STEERING GETS STICK AND ITS HARD TO TURN WHILE DRIVING

Incident date: Jan 30, 2019

CAR IS HARD TO STEER WHEN DRIVING AND BMW KNOWS THIS ISSUE, CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE

Incident date: Feb 2, 2019

STICKY STEERING ISSUE. KNOWN ISSUE AMONG COUNTLESS OTHER BMW Z4 OWNERS. PRESENTS CONSIDERABLE DANGER AS STEERING WILL JERK EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WITHOUT WARNING. UNBELIEVABLE THAT NO RECALL EXISTS FOR THIS KNOWN DEFECT AS IT CLEARLY PUTS DRIVERS AND THOSE AROUND THEM IN CON... Read more

Incident date: Dec 2, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 4 TO 40 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL YEARS AGO. AT THAT TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KELLY BMW (614-471-2277, LOCATED AT 4050 MORSE RD, COLUMBUS, OH 43230) AN... Read more

Incident date: Dec 12, 2017

AT 3844 MILES IN DECEMBER 2017 I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE FOR STANDARD SERVICE AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND I MENTIONED THAT THE STEERING AT TIMES WAS STICKING AND IT WOULD TAKE FORCE TO GET IT OUT OF THE LOCKED POSITION WHILE DRIVING. IT WAS OF SERIOUS CONCERN. THE BMW SERVICE CONSULTANT T... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2018

2003 BMW Z4 STEERING IS BINDING UP AND DIFFICULT TO STEER. PROBLEM GETS WORSE AS THE TEMP INCREASES. NUMEROUS ONLINE COMPLAINTS AND NO RECALL. WHY? BMW WILL DO NOTHING , NOT EVEN A COST REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH SEEMS TO FIX THE ISSUE.

Incident date: Aug 28, 2018

ON JULY 2018 BMW ISSUED AN IMPORTANT LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION NOTICE RELATED TO THIS VEHICLE. BMW WOULD COVER REPAIRS TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY FOR THE SRS/AIR BAG SYSTEM. UNFORTUNATELY THIS WARRANTY REPAIR WILL NOT COVER MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THE 15 YEAR PERIOD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VE... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2018

Incident date: Aug 21, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BERGSTROM BMW (3002 N VICTORY LN, APPLETON, WI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT WAS DEFECTI... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2018

ON AUGUST 1 OF THIS YEAR I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW STATING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT(OC3) FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS/AIR BAG SYSTEM) . I MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK AND WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME MY EXTENDED ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2018

CAR SUFFERS FROM STICKY STEERING MAKING IS SO YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR INCAPABLE OF DOING SMOOTH LANE CHANGES.

Showing 50 of 460 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 BMW Z4

66 manufacturer communications from 38 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	9
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	7
140000 AIR BAGS	4
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL	3
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	3
350000 EQUIPMENT	3
130000 VISIBILITY	3
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	2

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

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.

045000 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC

Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degree

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engi

100000 POWER TRAIN

135200 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials.

200000 WHEELS

Valve Stem Replacement with Wheel Electronics. INFORMATION The valve stems are single-use only, and must be replaced every time the wheel electronics are replaced. If you loosen the nut (1), you must replace the valve stem. Failure to repla

194000 TIRES:VALVE

140000 AIR BAGS

"?SI B01 09 14 September 2014 WarrantiesWarranties This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 09 14 dated August 2014. Please read this Service Information bulletin in its entirety, the content has been completely updated. design

350000 EQUIPMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15?F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on t

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

160000 STRUCTURE

350000 EQUIPMENT

State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due To an Invalid VIN Number. The customer of an affected vehicle may fail to pass an I/M test due to a non-compliant 17digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Moto

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

130000 VISIBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Clicking/Popping Noise from Dash at Startup. The customer states that when the vehicle is started, or the ignition switch is turned on, there is a clicking/popping noise coming from the dash area. CAUSE Mis-alignment of the fresh air/recirc

130000 VISIBILITY

140000 AIR BAGS

BMW SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP (AWL) IS ILLUMINATED, TOGETHER WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP (POL). THE PROBLEM MAY BE INTERMITTENT. MICROCRACKS IN THE OC3 SEAT MAT. *PE

022520 SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

BMW: A GRINDING NOISE IS COMING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL DURING SLOW CORNERING. WHEN TURNING A SLIP/STICK EFFECT IS CREATED ON THE LINING AND STEEL DISCS INCORPORATED IN THE DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH CAUSES A GRINDING NOISE. *RM

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED REGARDING TRANSMISSION CONCERNS. *RM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

BMW: THERE MAY BE EXCESSIVE CRANKING BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTS. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT MAY ALSO BE ON WITH A LACK OF ENGINE POWER. *RM

161000 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

BMW: WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DUE TO A DAMAGED SEAL ON REAR VENTS. *RM

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

BMW: WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DUE TO A DAMAGED SEAL ON REAR VENTS. *RM

162700 STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

BMW: WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DUE TO A DAMAGED SEAL ON REAR VENTS. *RM

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

BMW: THE REAR LAMP IS NOT WATER TIGHT DUE TO CRACKS DUE TO STRESS. WATER MAY ENTER THE LAMP. *RM

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

BMW: THE REAR LAMP IS NOT WATER TIGHT DUE TO CRACKS DUE TO STRESS. WATER MAY ENTER THE LAMP. *RM

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW: SIX DIFFERENT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE M54 ENGINE COULD HAVE VALVE COVERS BREAK IN COLD WEATHER AND RUIN THE ENGINE. THIS IS DUE TO MOISTURE ACCUMULATION. *RM

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

N54-DIAGNOSIS FOR DME FC 29DC/2FBF FOR MODELS E90, E92 PRODUCED FROM 06/06 AND E93, E60, E61 PRODUCED FROM 03/07. *PE UPDATED 7/8/09. *PE MODELS E82, E88 PRODUCED FROM START 2000 AND E71 PRODUCED FROM START 2000. UPDATED 7/21

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

BMW: WHEN AT LOWER SPEEDS OR STOPPING THE ENGINE IDLE DIPS TOO LOW BECAUSE OF A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. *RM

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS IS BEING USED ON MANY MODELS TO DETERMINE THE ROOT CAUSE OF DOUBLE-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *RM

016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM

015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM

072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WEL

151300 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

BMW: BELT TENSIONER HARNESSES. A REPAIR HARNESS FOR THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT TENSIONERS AT THE BELT RETRACTORS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. *PE

151000 SEAT BELTS:FRONT

BMW: BELT TENSIONER HARNESSES. A REPAIR HARNESS FOR THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT TENSIONERS AT THE BELT RETRACTORS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. *PE

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BMW VEHICLES: TEILECLEARING FOR DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC). A PART REPLACEMENT AUTHORIZATION MUST BE OBTAINED BY SUBMITTING A TC CASE IN PUMA BEFORE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DSC COMPONENTS ARE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE VEHICLES LIS

040000 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

092300 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL FILTER

BMW VEHICLE: M54/M56-MIXTURE TOO LEAN-FAULT CODES 2882/2883 ARE STORED IN THE DME. COMPLAINTS THAT SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. THE FAULT CODES 2882/2883-FUEL TRIM, MIXTURE TOO LEAN ARE STORED IN THE DME. POSSIBLE CAUSES MA

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

BMW VEHICLE: S54-CATALYST PROTECTION MODE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS LOW ON FUEL. COMPLAINTS THAT THE VEHICLE HAS NO POWER DURING HEAVY ACCELERATION. FUEL RESERVE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND THE FUEL LEVEL, WHEN MEASURED WITH THE SERVICE TESTER,

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V-182 ENGINE STALLING. CORRECTED PRODUCTION DATES. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V-182 ENGINE STALLING. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V182 - ENGINE STALLING. CORRECTION PRODUCTION DATES. *TT

140000 AIR BAGS

RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V-XXX CHECK AIRBAG COMPONENTS AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY. *TT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

RETROFIT THE POWER SUPPLY CABLE FOR THE THERMAL OIL LEVEL SENSOR. *EH

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF A READINESS CODE, THE SELF-DIAGNOSIS OF THE TANK VENTING VALVE (TEV) IS NOT BEING COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY. THIS SERVICE ACTION REPROGRAMS THE DME FOR TANK VENTING VALVE OPERATION. *TT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CANNOT INSTALL FOG LAMP / CRUISE CONTROL RETROFIT KITS. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

SERVICE ACTION TO REPROGRAM THE DME FOR ELECTRONIC FAN ACTIVATION. PRODUCED FROM 11/13/02 UP TO 12/3/02. *TT

140000 AIR BAGS

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON, FC 986B OR 98EB STORED. VEHICLES PRODUCED UP TO DECEMBER, 2002. *TT

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

IHKA HEATING OUTPUT IS INADEQUATE. *TT

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

CODING, INDIVIDUALIZATION, PROGRAMMING (CIP) MODULE. *TT

NHTSA Safety Investigations, BMW Z4

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

Sticky Steering

ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result... Read more

BMW Z4 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the BMW Z4 across all model years (2003, 2023).

60 Total Recalls

1,443 Total Complaints

1 Investigations

38 Reported Crashes

11 Reported Fires

2 Reported Deaths

BMW Z4 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2023	2	0	View
2022	3	2	View
2021	5	0	View
2020	6	8	View
2019	6	7	View
2016	1	5	View
2015	1	7	View
2014	3	10	View
2013	3	12	View
2012	4	7	View
2011	6	57	View
2010	5	10	View
2009	4	26	View
2008	2	27	View
2007	2	42	View
2006	2	107	View
2005	0	204	View
2004	1	443	View
2003 (current)	4	460
2002	0	6	View

Other BMW Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
X5	223	4,349	View
X3	155	2,661	View
330I	122	1,050	View
X6	110	293	View
328I	108	3,743	View
M3	95	550	View
325I	83	1,809	View
5 SERIES	78	557	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2003 BMW Z4

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 BMW Z4

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, BMW Z4

BMW Z4 - All Years Overview

BMW Z4 - Year by Year

Other BMW Models