Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2005 Bmw Z4: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

190 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

46,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2005 model year. Data updated: . 169 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 170 of 190 complaints (89.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior17089.5%
Engine operation42.1%
Braking behavior42.1%
Transmission and shifting21.1%
Electrical and battery issues21.1%
Fuel system concerns10.5%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Steering
170
Air Bags
9
Electrical System
6
Engine
3
Suspension
3
Steering:Column
2
Steering:Electric Power Assist System
2
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering170
Air Bags9
Electrical System6
Engine3
Suspension3
Steering:Column2
Steering:Electric Power Assist System2
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1

Steering: 170; Air Bags: 9; Electrical System: 6; Engine: 3; Suspension: 3; Steering:Column: 2; Steering:Electric Power Assist System: 2; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
42
25,000 to 49,999
48
50,000 to 74,999
47
75,000 to 99,999
20
100,000 to 149,999
10
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00042
25,000 to 49,99948
50,000 to 74,99947
75,000 to 99,99920
100,000 to 149,99910
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 42; 25,000 to 49,999: 48; 50,000 to 74,999: 47; 75,000 to 99,999: 20; 100,000 to 149,999: 10; 150,000 and above: 2

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (48). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2008
2
2009
10
2010
22
2011
26
2012
17
2013
14
2014
16
2015
18
2016
15
2017
17
2018
9
2019
9
2020
6
2021
3
2023
3
2024
2
2025
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20082
200910
201022
201126
201217
201314
201416
201518
201615
201717
20189
20199
20206
20213
20233
20242
20251

2008: 2; 2009: 10; 2010: 22; 2011: 26; 2012: 17; 2013: 14; 2014: 16; 2015: 18; 2016: 15; 2017: 17; 2018: 9; 2019: 9; 2020: 6; 2021: 3; 2023: 3; 2024: 2; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 170 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10240250 · 2008-08-29 (August 29, 2008)

ON AUGUST 7, 2007 I TOOK MY CAR TO STERLING BMW IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA BECAUSE I NOTICED THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHTS WERE ON ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. AFTER THEY HAD INSPECTED MY VEHICLE FOR THREE DAYS I WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIRBAG/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE BMW FACTORY WARRANTY, AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED THAT I FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE CARRIER. OBVIOUSLY MY INSURANCE COMPANY DENIED THE CLAIM, BECAUSE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER LOSS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR, MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL BREAKDO…

Owner-reported narrative. 24,994 miles reported. Look up ODI 10240250 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10244414 · 2008-10-05 (October 5, 2008)

STICKY STEERING ON WARM DAYS OR COOLER DAYS WITH THE HEATER ON. I NEED TO USE MORE FORCE THAN USUAL TO MOVE STEERING WHEEL TO NEGOTIATE LANE CHANGES OR CURVES ON HIGHWAY. I NEED TO STEER THE CAR STRAIGHT AFTER TURNING OFF CENTER. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT BUT STILL UNNERVING. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 17,004 miles reported. Look up ODI 10244414 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10265040 · 2009-04-12 (April 12, 2009)

STEERING STICKS AT TIMES WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 42,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10265040 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10269430 · 2009-05-19 (May 19, 2009)

BMW 2005 Z4 3.0 - STICKY ELECTRONIC STEERING THAT CAUSES STEERING OVER REACTION WHEN IT UNSTICKS. OCCURS AFTER VEHICLE IS SITTING THE SUN ON A HOT DAY DURING THE SUMMER. ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH DURING THE LAST OCCURRENCE. BMW JUST ADVISED THERE WAS NOTING WRONG WITH THE STEERING AS THERE WERE NO FAULTS. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 12,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10269430 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10279608 · 2009-08-06 (August 6, 2009)

MY BMW Z4 2005 2.5 AUTOMATIC HAS DEVELOPED A STICKY STEERING WHEN IS HOT. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS, OVER-CORRECTING AND UNDER-CORRECTING .THE STEERING ACT LIKE IF DON'T HAVE A DEAD CENTER.YOU FEEL LIKE SOMETHING IS TEARING THE CAR. WHEN YOU MAKE A VERY WIDE CURVE THE STEERING STAY PUT IN THAT PARTICULAR DIRECTION. IT FEEL VERY UNSAFE AND IS VERY EXHAUSTING IN LONG TRIPS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 14,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10279608 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10280389 · 2009-08-13 (August 13, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN RIGHT OR LEFT. WHEN THE WHEEL IS RELEASED, IT OVERTURNS AND FORCES THE DRIVER TO STRUGGLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 7-8 TIMES. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURS AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, SUCH AS 80'S AND 90'S. THEY DEALER STATED THAT THE UPDATED SOFTWARE PROGRAM FAILED. THE PROGRAM WAS INSTALLED AND THE VEHICLE REBOOTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ANOTHER HOT DA…

Owner-reported narrative. 18,490 miles reported. Look up ODI 10280389 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10281663 · 2009-08-25 (August 25, 2009)

RECENTLY PURCHASED 2005 BMW Z4, 40800 MILES, EXHIBITS ERRATIC STEERING CONTROL WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP EXCEEDS 85 DEGREES. THE STEERING WHEEL RESPONDS AS IF ITS LAST POSITION HAS A GROVE OR NOTCH REQUIRING EXCESSIVE FORCE TO CORRECT OR SET A NEW DIRECTION. THE RESULT IS THE CAR LURCHES DOWN THE ROAD FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE WORST IS IN GRADUAL TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT FEED BACK TO STRAIGHT AS THE CAR CONTINUES ANY ARC ONCE SET ... THE CAR TRIES TO DRIVE ITSELF OFF THE ROAD. DISCOVERY OR THIS "FEATURE" IS VERY DISAPPOINTING AND CAN BE QUIT…

Owner-reported narrative. 40,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10281663 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10283837 · 2009-09-13 (September 13, 2009)

STEERING ON MY VEHICLE BECOMES "STUCK" AND UNRESPONSIVE IN HEAT ABOVE APPROX 85 DEGREES. IT OVERCOMPENSATES IN CORNERS REGARDLESS OF HOW SHARP, A SIMPLE ON/OFF RAMP BECOMES A "TIGHTWALK". IT IS VERY SCARY AND UNNERVING TO THE POINT OF NOT WANTING TO DRIVE ON WHAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE A PERFECT "TOP DOWN" DAY. EVEN CHANGING LANES ON THE INTERSTATE IS FEARFUL AS IT ACTS AS IF THE TIRES ARE IN MUD AND THEN QUICKLY OVERCORRECTION. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 300,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10283837 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

190 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

88.9%Usable mileage169 / 190 records
100.0%Valid incident date190 / 190 records
100.0%Valid filing date190 / 190 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates190 / 190 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2009201020112012201320142015201620192020202120222023
Steering
14.5%
ODI 10513346

MY REAR RIMS HAVE DEVELOPED CRACKS WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN QUICK LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE AND IN SOME CASES DESTROYING TIRE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES, HOWEVER THUS FAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN ISOLATED TO THE REAR (MODEL 296 19") RIMS. IN THE 16 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES INCLUDING ON 5/11/2012, 9/9/12, 4/12/13 AND 5/23/13. EACH TIME I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW RIM OR HAD THE EXISTING RIM REPAIRED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DEALER. IN NONE OF THESE CASES HAS THERE BEEN ANY IMPACT OR DRIVING…

Look up ODI 10513346 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1226.1%
ODI 10898049 · 34,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V302000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

Look up ODI 10898049 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 11630547 · 16,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning to the left, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to return the steering wheel back to center. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds while turning left or right. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while the steering wheel was turned to the left or right. The vehicle regained normal steering functionality when the vehicle was stopped and turned off and restarted. The contact stated the …

Look up ODI 11630547 at NHTSA ↗

114.3%
ODI 10919319 · 24,345 mi

JUST PURCHASED A USED BMW Z4 AND REALIZE THAT THE STEERING IS STICKY. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM FOUND THAT THIS HAD BEEN A A SAFETY ISSUE THAT RESULTED IN A RECALL. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2012 WHEN THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON A STEERING ISSUE. WHILE MY CAR IS A 2013 IT WAS MANUFACTURED AS NOTED DURING THE TIME OF THE STEERING RECALL. IT APPEARS THAT MY PROBLEM MAY NOT BE JUST A COINCIDENT. THE STICKY STEERING OCCURS WHENEVER THE SPEED IS ABOVE 30 MPH AND FEELS AS IF THE STEERING IS TRYING TO STAY IN A DIRECTION CONTRARY TO THE DIRECTION…

Look up ODI 10919319 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11599320

Reporting premature part fail. -The 2019 BMW has 14,300 miles. The vehicle recently failed VT state inspection for "Play in control arm ball joints" Normal ball joint replacement is usually in the 60,000 mile range. The 1st recommended check of steering components per BMW service manual is is "6th engine oil service (approx 60,000 miles)". There was no warning of the premature fail. The failed parts will be replaced and used parts preserved for inspection if needed.

Look up ODI 11599320 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 11289091 · 200 mi

BMW'S LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM ACTUALLY PULLS THE CAR'S STEERING LEFT OR RIGHT, AND COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO COLLIDE WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE OR RUN OFF THE ROAD. I EXPERIENCED THIS WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM ALMOST PULLED MY VEHICLE INTO THE ADJACENT LANE.

Look up ODI 11289091 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
14.5%
ODI 11571078

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" based on my understanding of how the sensors work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Look up ODI 11571078 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

228.6%
ODI 10985834 · 70,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR AND "PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT NOT ON" INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE PASSENGER EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE INDICATORS DIMMED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED TWO OTHER TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAP SENSOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Look up ODI 10985834 at NHTSA ↗

114.3%
ODI 11681645 · 111,544 mi

The contact owns a 2014 BMW Z4. The contact stated that rodents had chewed through some electrical wiring in the vehicle. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to monitor the oil levels due to the damaged electrical wiring. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, where it was determined that the electrical wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact was informed about other methods to deter the varmints from chewing on the electrical wiring. …

Look up ODI 11681645 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11441010

The automatic emergency did not engage the brakes as described to by the dealer, BMW genius and the BMW website. The car was in a collision at low speed (under 35mph) with the car in front of me which put me at risk. BMW sent an engineer from N.J. to inspect the car. The is under warranty and it was in perfect working order. The engineer determined that the system did not engage because the accelerator was depressed, I was told that the system does not work when the accelerator is depressed but that is not how the system is advertised and it is…

Look up ODI 11441010 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
29.1%
ODI 10356178 · 11,200 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW Z4 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHOUT HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER OPERATE FOLLOWING REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…

Look up ODI 10356178 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 10730345 · 10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.

Look up ODI 10730345 at NHTSA ↗

36.5%
ODI 10525291 · 32,000 mi

ON 01/05/2012, BMW SERVICE CENTER REPLACED AN IDRIVE PART AND REPROGRAMMED THE CAR. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, I NOTICED AC IS NOT WORKING. SERVICE CENTER TOOK IT BACK AND DID A MASTER RESET. AFTER THAT SEVERAL TIMES I HAD THE ISSUE AND THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. ON 07/15/2013, I NOTICED THE AC IS NOT WORKING. IT WAS 85F OUTSIDE. I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AND DROVE THE CAR TO HIM. HE CHECKED THE CAR AND CONFIRMED AC IS NOT WORKING. THEY TOOK THE CAR AND GAVE ME A LOANER. NEXT DAY THEY FOUND SOME ERROR CODES STORED IN THE CAR. WHILE THEY ARE LOOKIN…

Look up ODI 10525291 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 11638768

The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Look up ODI 11638768 at NHTSA ↗

342.9%
ODI 11582362 · 52,954 mi

The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal while in the reverse(R) position. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation upon restart of the engine. A few days later while the contact's husband was driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle continued to accelerate upon depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was depressed multiple times but to no avail, as a result, the contact's husband crashed into ano…

Look up ODI 11582362 at NHTSA ↗

342.9%
ODI 11643873 · 26,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. There were no warning lights i…

Look up ODI 11643873 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 11647400

The contact owns a 2015 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Look up ODI 11647400 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11643614

The contact owns a 2016 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Look up ODI 11643614 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 11701698

The contact owns a 2019 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Look up ODI 11701698 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 11719116

Engine starter safety recall came out in September 2025, with no remedy or parts existing for fixing it. 5 months later, and no timeframe is provided for a remedy. This is a major fire risk given the amount of rain now that could corrode the starter and lead to a fire.

Look up ODI 11719116 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11520301

The contact owns a 2022 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V099000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and advised the contact to locate parts near to his residence. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Look up ODI 11520301 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
418.2%
ODI 10597727 · 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 TIME BUT YOU MUST STOP TO PLACE THE CAR IN DRIVE(AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). NEARLY HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE, SOLD ME A $400 BATTERY AS THE FIX. C…

Look up ODI 10597727 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 10627984

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 (ENGINE). THE DEALER COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOR EIGHT MONTHS BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10627984 at NHTSA ↗

1021.7%
ODI 10509245 · 7,005 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOUR TIMES BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS GIVEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,005 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

Look up ODI 10509245 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 11350908 · 65,900 mi

NOTICED WHINING NOISE FROM ENGINE ALTHOUGH IT DRIVES NORMALLY. BMW DEALER CONFIRMS TIMING CHAIN NEEDS REPLACEMENT. MY CAR IS AT 8 YEARS, 66K MILES - JUST OVER THE 7/70 WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR TIMING CHAIN. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT STILL PENDING ON THIS KNOWN ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN DEALERSHIP SERVICED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED WITH FULL RECORDS.

Look up ODI 11350908 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11691012

My 2015 BMW Z4 vehicle has a coolant pump safety recall. It reportedly could cause a short circuit and thermal event or fire. I bought the vehicle while living elsewhere and am now in a small community with 4 major automobile dealers but not BMW. The nearest BMW dealer is about 220 miles away. I contacted that dealer. The service rep said it is 1.5-2 day repair and a loaner vehicle may be available. The repair time sounds wrong but is what she said. She said the dealership would not work with any facility close to me to make the repair so I mu…

Look up ODI 11691012 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

240.0%
ODI 11301139 · 200 mi

MY NEW CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND I HAVE BOUGHT IT INTO SERVICE APPOX 5 TIMES. THE LIGHT GOES OFF AND WHEN I GET IT HOME IT GOES ON AGAIN WHEN I START THE CAR. I THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED. HOWEVER IT CAME ON AGAIN AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.

Look up ODI 11301139 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 11363216 · 3,300 mi

WAS IN A DRIVE THRU ON 9/6/2020 WAITING OUR TURN. APPROX. 7 CARS IN FRONT OF US. AS WE ARE SLOWLY MOVING UP TO ORDER, CAR IN IDLE, FOOT ON BRAKE. AS WE ARE MOVING FORWARD, WHEN WE WERE UP TO 3 CARS, STILL IDLING AND FOOT ON BRAKE, THE CAR HAD FULLY ACCELERATED, BRAKE NOT HOLDING THE CAR, INCHING FORWARD DUE TO THE FORCE OF THE ACCELERATION. TRIED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO REVERSE. TRIED AGAIN TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO DRIVE, STILL INCHING FORWARD, AT THIS TIME I PUSHED THE OFF BUTTON TO STOP THE CAR. RESULT OF COLLISION WIT…

Look up ODI 11363216 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
14.5%
ODI 10356054 · 11,000 mi

I AM LEASING A 2009 Z4 BMW, THE ENGINE CAR STALL WHILE DRIVING THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN A PERIOD OF 2 WEEKS, I ALMOST HAVE A CAR CRASH BEHIND IN BOTH OPPORTUNITIES, THANKS THAT THE TRAFFIC WAS VERY SLOW, THE SECOND TIME I HAVE TO GO OUT THE ROAD. I BROUGHT THE CAR THE FOR SERVICE, THEY WERE ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE FAILURE, AFTER ONE WEEK AT THE SHOP THEY SAY IT WAS A COMPUTER FAILURE, THEY REPLACE THE COMPUTER HOWEVER AFTER 2 WEEKS THE CAR STILL IN THE SHOP I HAVE CALL SEVERAL TIMES TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE SERVICE SHOP BUT I DON'T GET ANY SPEC…

Look up ODI 10356054 at NHTSA ↗

330.0%
ODI 10339068 · 9,000 mi

WHENEVER SLOWING DOWN TO A NEAR STOP, THE ENGINE WILL RANDOMLY STALL. THIS CAN OCCUR AT ANYTIME, BUT IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE IS IN THE 90'S OR ABOVE (IT WILL STALL IN COLD TEMPERATURE AS WELL, BUT NOT AS OFTEN). THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE AT THE TIME OF THE STALL IS ALWAYS COMPLETELY NORMAL, THE CAR IS NOT OVERHEATING IN ANYWAY. IT IS ALSO MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN "SPORT MODE". THIS ISSUE ONLY EFFECTS BMW E89 3.0 AUTOMATICS. AN AUTOMATIC SHOULD NEVER STALL. ONCE THE ENGINE STALLS YOU ARE FORCED TO STOP THE CAR …

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715.2%
ODI 11490352 · 52,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, he started to smell a burning plastic odor. Additionally, white smoke started coming from the vents. The contact stated that the smoke was not heavy but steady. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was n…

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360.0%
ODI 11461364 · 111,164 mi

The contact's wife owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle overheated and started decelerating independently. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle failed to respond. The warning message "Engine Overheat; Pull Over and Turn Off Vehicle" was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was still overheating. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that t…

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114.3%
ODI 11622449

The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System ); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. No further information was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm parts not available.

Look up ODI 11622449 at NHTSA ↗

228.6%
ODI 11643873 · 26,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. There were no warning lights i…

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240.0%
ODI 11647400

The contact owns a 2015 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Look up ODI 11647400 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11643614

The contact owns a 2016 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Look up ODI 11643614 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Wheels
1150.0%
ODI 10436662 · 16,000 mi

THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS WHEEL STYLE "296" A 19" OPTIONAL ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE FOR E89 BMW Z4. BMW PART NUMBER 36116785257(REAR WHEEL 19X9) AND 36116785256(FRONT WHEEL 19X8. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, MULTIPLE CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO LARGE DROP IN TIRE PRESSURE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAPPENED TO (1) OF MY REAR WHEELS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME PARTICULAR WHEEL MODEL "296" ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT IS NOTED …

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110.0%
ODI 10412024 · 7,131 mi

REAR RIMS CRACKING ON 2010 BMW Z4 WITH ONLY 7,200 MILES. DEALER STATES ISSUE CAUSED BY POT HOLES, BUT COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY FRONT RIMSWERE NOT CRACKED. *TT

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715.2%
ODI 10461043 · 8,900 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS CRACKED AND THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE A TOTAL OF FIVE CRACKS ON THE REAR WHEELS. THE REAR DRIVER'S WHEEL SUFFERED THREE CRACKS AND THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL SUFFERED TWO CRACKS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRACKS WERE CAUSED BY POTHOLES. THE MA…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 11081688

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING - COPY OF AN EMAIL TO BMW REGARDING CRACKS IN THE WHEEL. *LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR EXPENSES INCURRED AND NEW SET OF WHEELS. *JS

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114.3%
ODI 10743569 · 30,000 mi

THE TIRE ON MY Z4 RUB THE INSIDE WHEEL WELL CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. WHEN I TOOK THE WHEEL TO BE REPAIRED, THE MANAGER OF THE TIRE COMPANY SAID THIS WAS A FACTORY DEFECT THAT HE IS SEEING ON MOST OF THE Z4'S. HE SAID IT WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN AS THE CAMBER CAN'T BE ADJUSTED OUT FAR ENOUGH TO STOP THIS RUBBING. I CONTACT BMW BUT THEY SAID IT WAS MY FAULT; THAT I PROBABLY HIT TOO MANY POT HOLES, I DROVE TOO FAST, I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WOULD HAPPEN SINCE IT IS A SPORTS CAR. THEY ALSO SAID I SHOULD HAVE HAD THE CAR REALIGNED EVERY YEA…

Look up ODI 10743569 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Steering:Electric Power Assist System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.2%
ODI 11462141 · 70,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering was locked in a slight left turn and he had to apply the brakes to keep the vehicle on the road. The contact was able to pull off to the left side of the highway. The contact stated that a yellow steering wheel warning light was illuminated, and a warning bell was chiming. The contact turned the vehicle off and upon restarting the power steering functionality returned. The con…

Look up ODI 11462141 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
14.5%
ODI 11340972 · 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.

Look up ODI 11340972 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

510.9%
ODI 10546719 · 33,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A CURB IN ORDER TO GET IT TO STOP. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED OF WHAT CAUSED THE SHAKING OR BRAKING FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

Look up ODI 10546719 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 11645390

I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly.

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114.3%
ODI 11014613 · 25,000 mi

WHILE PARKING IN PARKING LOT, DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELERATED. CONTINUED TO BRAKE AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING UNTIL I HIT A POLE.

Look up ODI 11014613 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

240.0%
ODI 11363216 · 3,300 mi

WAS IN A DRIVE THRU ON 9/6/2020 WAITING OUR TURN. APPROX. 7 CARS IN FRONT OF US. AS WE ARE SLOWLY MOVING UP TO ORDER, CAR IN IDLE, FOOT ON BRAKE. AS WE ARE MOVING FORWARD, WHEN WE WERE UP TO 3 CARS, STILL IDLING AND FOOT ON BRAKE, THE CAR HAD FULLY ACCELERATED, BRAKE NOT HOLDING THE CAR, INCHING FORWARD DUE TO THE FORCE OF THE ACCELERATION. TRIED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO REVERSE. TRIED AGAIN TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, WENT INTO DRIVE, STILL INCHING FORWARD, AT THIS TIME I PUSHED THE OFF BUTTON TO STOP THE CAR. RESULT OF COLLISION WIT…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Steering24,725–69,000 mi47,000 mi156
ODI 10244414 · 17,004 mi

STICKY STEERING ON WARM DAYS OR COOLER DAYS WITH THE HEATER ON. I NEED TO USE MORE FORCE THAN USUAL TO MOVE STEERING WHEEL TO NEGOTIATE LANE CHANGES OR CURVES ON HIGHWAY. I NEED TO STEER THE CAR STRAIGHT AFTER TURNING OFF CENTER. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT BUT STILL UNNERVING. *TR

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ODI 10265040 · 42,000 mi

STEERING STICKS AT TIMES WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

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ODI 10269430 · 12,000 mi

BMW 2005 Z4 3.0 - STICKY ELECTRONIC STEERING THAT CAUSES STEERING OVER REACTION WHEN IT UNSTICKS. OCCURS AFTER VEHICLE IS SITTING THE SUN ON A HOT DAY DURING THE SUMMER. ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH DURING THE LAST OCCURRENCE. BMW JUST ADVISED THERE WAS NOTING WRONG WITH THE STEERING AS THERE WERE NO FAULTS. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. *TR

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Air BagsToo few reports for a range49,882 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10240250 · 24,994 mi

ON AUGUST 7, 2007 I TOOK MY CAR TO STERLING BMW IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA BECAUSE I NOTICED THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHTS WERE ON ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. AFTER THEY HAD INSPECTED MY VEHICLE FOR THREE DAYS I WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIRBAG/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE BMW FACTORY WARRANTY, AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED THAT I FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE CARRIER. OBVIOUSLY MY INSURANCE COMPANY DENIED THE CLAIM, BECAUSE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER LOSS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR, MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL BREAKDO…

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ODI 11051451 · 54,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 BMW Z4. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH METAL SHARDS AND A METAL ROD GOING THROUGH THE HAND OF THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS ON THE HAND AND FEET FROM THE GASES WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER…

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ODI 11101072 · 45,764 mi

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN CAR IS RUNNING.

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Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range35,800 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10240250 · 24,994 mi

ON AUGUST 7, 2007 I TOOK MY CAR TO STERLING BMW IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA BECAUSE I NOTICED THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHTS WERE ON ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. AFTER THEY HAD INSPECTED MY VEHICLE FOR THREE DAYS I WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIRBAG/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE BMW FACTORY WARRANTY, AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED THAT I FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE CARRIER. OBVIOUSLY MY INSURANCE COMPANY DENIED THE CLAIM, BECAUSE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER LOSS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR, MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL BREAKDO…

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ODI 10294709 · 35,100 mi

I HAVE A 2005 BMW 3.0 W/AUTO TRANSMISSION. MY CAR HAS HAD TWO RECURRING ISSUES FROM TIME TO TIME STARTING WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LIGHT ENGAGING WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING DEAD AT IDLE OR AT CORNERS. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THAT MY CAR HAS STALLED WITH THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN THRICE ON I-95 AND ON LOCAL ROADS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT WAS A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION TWICE WITH MY GIRLFRIEND SWEARING NEVER TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. HOW IT HAPPENS? AT SPEEDS OF 40MPH OR LESS, EPS, ABS, BRAKE, DTC COMES ON AND OFF WITH THE NAVIGATION SCREEN OPENING…

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ODI 10418476 · 36,500 mi

DRIVING ON FREEWAY, GOING ABOUT 72 ON A WARM DAY, ABOUT 86DEGEES. FELT CAR SLOW DOWN, LIKE TIRES WERE STUCK TO PAVEMENT AND COULD NO LONGER STEER CAR. STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY TIGHT, AND CAR WAS HARD TO HANDLE, AND HARD TO TURN. *TR

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EngineToo few reports for a range42,800 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi

BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T…

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ODI 10691844 · 42,800 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BELT TENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,800.

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ODI 10716007 · 7,635 mi

OCCASIONALLY, WHEN BRAKING AND PRESSING CLUTCH, RPMS JUMP AND ENGINE REVS UP.

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SuspensionToo few reports for a range78,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10486198 · 74,580 mi

VEHICLE WOULD RUN FINE IN THE MORNING BEFORE THE DAY HEATED UP. AT NOON, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STICK AND MORE FORCE THAN USUAL HAD TO BE APPLIED WITH BOTH HANDS TO OPERATE THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THERE ARE TIMES THE CAR WILL JERK LEFT OR RIGHT UPON BREAKING. IF THE ROAD IS SLIGHTLY UNEVEN, YOU HAVE TO BE PREPARED IN CASE THE CAR JERKS IN ANY DIRECTION. I HAVE TRIED UPGRADING THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION SYSTEM TO NO AVAIL. MAKES THE CAR FEEL UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I LOVE THE CAR, BUT I WOULD LIKE THESE ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS SERI…

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ODI 10682696 · 78,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

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ODI 11040856 · 80,000 mi

STEERING COLUMN EXPERIENCE SUDDEN JERKS TO THE LEFT, OR TO THE RIGHT RANDOMLY MAKING THE CAR REALLY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE SAFELY. IT'S WORSE WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. ALL TIRES PSI ARE NORMAL AND TIRES JUST BRAND NEW. CAR WAS ALIGNED TO DISCARD EVERYTHING. EVEN WITH MANY SIMILAR ISSUES FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS BMW IS NOT ACCEPTING THIS FAILURE AS ONE TO RECALL. BUT WHEN I GETS INTO THE DEALERSHIPS THEY DIAGNOSE THAT THE HOLE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. MY CAR HAS ONLY 86,000 MILES AND THIS IS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE VEHICLE HAD 8…

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Steering:ColumnToo few reports for a range44,750 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10342563 · 26,500 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE POWER STEERING BECAME STUCK IN POSITION AND AS IT WAS FORCED TO MOVE IT MADE THE VEHICLE LUNGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 26,500.

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ODI 11173290 · 63,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL FELT TIGHT AND WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO APPLE BMW (2208, 1370 ROOSEVELT AVE, YORK, PA 17404, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST SINCE THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

Look up ODI 11173290 at NHTSA ↗

Steering:Electric Power Assist SystemToo few reports for a range65,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10416476 · 35,000 mi

2005 BMW Z4 WITH STICKING STEERING PROBLEMS. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. YOU HAVE TO MAKE CONSTANT CORRECTIONS TO THE STEERING WHEEL. HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WISH TO SEE A RECALL FROM BMW BEFORE ANYONE GETS KILLED OR DISABLED. THANK YOU *KB

Look up ODI 10416476 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10588283 · 95,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10588283 at NHTSA ↗

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Too few reports for a range60,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10638735 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED OUT OF ITS LANE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO REGAIN STEERING CONTROL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Look up ODI 10638735 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-041None
ODI 11656879

While moving, especially in warm weather, the steering will stick. This requires excessive force to move the steering wheel which results in a "jump" when the steering moves (breaks loose). This sudden "jump" results in vehicle moving excessively, especially scary in traffic! I have not had the vehicle inspected by a mechanic but reading various forums this appears to be a common problem with BMW Z4s.

Look up ODI 11656879 at NHTSA ↗

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2022: 1 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2022011
2023000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2022100
2023000

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentSteeringAir BagsElectrical SystemEngineSuspensionSteering:ColumnSteering:Electric Power Assist SystemElectronic Stability Control (Esc)
Steering—0
2
ODI 10294709 · 35,100 mi

I HAVE A 2005 BMW 3.0 W/AUTO TRANSMISSION. MY CAR HAS HAD TWO RECURRING ISSUES FROM TIME TO TIME STARTING WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LIGHT ENGAGING WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING DEAD AT IDLE OR AT CORNERS. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THAT MY CAR HAS STALLED WITH THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN THRICE ON I-95 AND ON LOCAL ROADS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT WAS A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION TWICE WITH MY GIRLFRIEND SWEARING NEVER TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. HOW IT HAPPENS? AT SPEEDS OF 40MPH OR LESS, EPS, ABS, BRAKE, DTC COMES ON AND OFF WITH THE NAVIGATION SCREEN OPENING…

Look up ODI 10294709 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi

BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T…

Look up ODI 10504547 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi

BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T…

Look up ODI 10504547 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10486198 · 74,580 mi

VEHICLE WOULD RUN FINE IN THE MORNING BEFORE THE DAY HEATED UP. AT NOON, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STICK AND MORE FORCE THAN USUAL HAD TO BE APPLIED WITH BOTH HANDS TO OPERATE THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THERE ARE TIMES THE CAR WILL JERK LEFT OR RIGHT UPON BREAKING. IF THE ROAD IS SLIGHTLY UNEVEN, YOU HAVE TO BE PREPARED IN CASE THE CAR JERKS IN ANY DIRECTION. I HAVE TRIED UPGRADING THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION SYSTEM TO NO AVAIL. MAKES THE CAR FEEL UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I LOVE THE CAR, BUT I WOULD LIKE THESE ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS SERI…

Look up ODI 10486198 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11040856 · 80,000 mi

STEERING COLUMN EXPERIENCE SUDDEN JERKS TO THE LEFT, OR TO THE RIGHT RANDOMLY MAKING THE CAR REALLY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE SAFELY. IT'S WORSE WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. ALL TIRES PSI ARE NORMAL AND TIRES JUST BRAND NEW. CAR WAS ALIGNED TO DISCARD EVERYTHING. EVEN WITH MANY SIMILAR ISSUES FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS BMW IS NOT ACCEPTING THIS FAILURE AS ONE TO RECALL. BUT WHEN I GETS INTO THE DEALERSHIPS THEY DIAGNOSE THAT THE HOLE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. MY CAR HAS ONLY 86,000 MILES AND THIS IS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE VEHICLE HAD 8…

Look up ODI 11040856 at NHTSA ↗

0
2
ODI 10416476 · 35,000 mi

2005 BMW Z4 WITH STICKING STEERING PROBLEMS. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. YOU HAVE TO MAKE CONSTANT CORRECTIONS TO THE STEERING WHEEL. HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WISH TO SEE A RECALL FROM BMW BEFORE ANYONE GETS KILLED OR DISABLED. THANK YOU *KB

Look up ODI 10416476 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10588283 · 95,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10588283 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10638735 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED OUT OF ITS LANE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO REGAIN STEERING CONTROL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Look up ODI 10638735 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags0—
2
ODI 10240250 · 24,994 mi

ON AUGUST 7, 2007 I TOOK MY CAR TO STERLING BMW IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA BECAUSE I NOTICED THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHTS WERE ON ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. AFTER THEY HAD INSPECTED MY VEHICLE FOR THREE DAYS I WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIRBAG/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE BMW FACTORY WARRANTY, AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED THAT I FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE CARRIER. OBVIOUSLY MY INSURANCE COMPANY DENIED THE CLAIM, BECAUSE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER LOSS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR, MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL BREAKDO…

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ODI 10693675

FIRST THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, I WENT TO HOUSTON MOMENTUM BMW DEALER TO CHECK AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY SIGNAL FROM SOMEWHERE THEY WERE NOT SURE ABOUT. THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE FOR THAN A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIND IT AND REPAIR IT. IT WOULD COST MORE IF THEY FOUND OUT THE REAL PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM THIS SHOULD BE UNDER BMW WARRANTY, BUT THEY SAID IT WASN'T. I REFUSED THE WORK. THIS CASE HAPPENED FEW YEARS AGO. NOW I HAVE AIR BAG LIGHT ON, I DON'T KNOW WHY. I DON'T DARE TO GO BACK TO DEALER TO CHECK BECAUSE I'M AFRAID THEY WILL …

Look up ODI 10693675 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Electrical System
2
ODI 10294709 · 35,100 mi

I HAVE A 2005 BMW 3.0 W/AUTO TRANSMISSION. MY CAR HAS HAD TWO RECURRING ISSUES FROM TIME TO TIME STARTING WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LIGHT ENGAGING WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING DEAD AT IDLE OR AT CORNERS. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THAT MY CAR HAS STALLED WITH THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN THRICE ON I-95 AND ON LOCAL ROADS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT WAS A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION TWICE WITH MY GIRLFRIEND SWEARING NEVER TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. HOW IT HAPPENS? AT SPEEDS OF 40MPH OR LESS, EPS, ABS, BRAKE, DTC COMES ON AND OFF WITH THE NAVIGATION SCREEN OPENING…

Look up ODI 10294709 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi

BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T…

Look up ODI 10504547 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10240250 · 24,994 mi

ON AUGUST 7, 2007 I TOOK MY CAR TO STERLING BMW IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA BECAUSE I NOTICED THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHTS WERE ON ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. AFTER THEY HAD INSPECTED MY VEHICLE FOR THREE DAYS I WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIRBAG/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE BMW FACTORY WARRANTY, AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED THAT I FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE CARRIER. OBVIOUSLY MY INSURANCE COMPANY DENIED THE CLAIM, BECAUSE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER LOSS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR, MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL BREAKDO…

Look up ODI 10240250 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10693675

FIRST THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, I WENT TO HOUSTON MOMENTUM BMW DEALER TO CHECK AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY SIGNAL FROM SOMEWHERE THEY WERE NOT SURE ABOUT. THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE FOR THAN A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIND IT AND REPAIR IT. IT WOULD COST MORE IF THEY FOUND OUT THE REAL PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM THIS SHOULD BE UNDER BMW WARRANTY, BUT THEY SAID IT WASN'T. I REFUSED THE WORK. THIS CASE HAPPENED FEW YEARS AGO. NOW I HAVE AIR BAG LIGHT ON, I DON'T KNOW WHY. I DON'T DARE TO GO BACK TO DEALER TO CHECK BECAUSE I'M AFRAID THEY WILL …

Look up ODI 10693675 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi

BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T…

Look up ODI 10504547 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Engine
1
ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi

BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T…

Look up ODI 10504547 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10504547 · 99,662 mi

BOUGHT THE 2005 Z-4 BMW USED FROM A DEALER IN HIGH POINT NC. DROVE IT AND ENJOY DRIVING UNTIL THE WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING STICKS TO A POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. TO COMPENSATE, I STEER TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN I BRING THE STEERING BACK TOWARDS THE CENTER AND FEEL IT STICKING SO I COMPENSATE BY STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE WHOLE TIME DOWN THE HIGHWAY I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. I REALLY HAD TO CONCENTRATE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD AND I'M SURE IT APPEARS I'M DRIVING ERRATICALLY TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. T…

Look up ODI 10504547 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Suspension
2
ODI 10486198 · 74,580 mi

VEHICLE WOULD RUN FINE IN THE MORNING BEFORE THE DAY HEATED UP. AT NOON, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STICK AND MORE FORCE THAN USUAL HAD TO BE APPLIED WITH BOTH HANDS TO OPERATE THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THERE ARE TIMES THE CAR WILL JERK LEFT OR RIGHT UPON BREAKING. IF THE ROAD IS SLIGHTLY UNEVEN, YOU HAVE TO BE PREPARED IN CASE THE CAR JERKS IN ANY DIRECTION. I HAVE TRIED UPGRADING THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION SYSTEM TO NO AVAIL. MAKES THE CAR FEEL UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I LOVE THE CAR, BUT I WOULD LIKE THESE ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS SERI…

Look up ODI 10486198 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11040856 · 80,000 mi

STEERING COLUMN EXPERIENCE SUDDEN JERKS TO THE LEFT, OR TO THE RIGHT RANDOMLY MAKING THE CAR REALLY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE SAFELY. IT'S WORSE WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. ALL TIRES PSI ARE NORMAL AND TIRES JUST BRAND NEW. CAR WAS ALIGNED TO DISCARD EVERYTHING. EVEN WITH MANY SIMILAR ISSUES FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS BMW IS NOT ACCEPTING THIS FAILURE AS ONE TO RECALL. BUT WHEN I GETS INTO THE DEALERSHIPS THEY DIAGNOSE THAT THE HOLE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. MY CAR HAS ONLY 86,000 MILES AND THIS IS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE VEHICLE HAD 8…

Look up ODI 11040856 at NHTSA ↗

000—000
Steering:Column00000—00
Steering:Electric Power Assist System
2
ODI 10416476 · 35,000 mi

2005 BMW Z4 WITH STICKING STEERING PROBLEMS. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. YOU HAVE TO MAKE CONSTANT CORRECTIONS TO THE STEERING WHEEL. HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WISH TO SEE A RECALL FROM BMW BEFORE ANYONE GETS KILLED OR DISABLED. THANK YOU *KB

Look up ODI 10416476 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10588283 · 95,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10588283 at NHTSA ↗

00000—0
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
1
ODI 10638735 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED OUT OF ITS LANE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO REGAIN STEERING CONTROL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Look up ODI 10638735 at NHTSA ↗

000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Hard or delayed shifting

30 mentions · 15.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 47,754 mi (27 usable records).

ODI 10281663 · 40,800 mi

RECENTLY PURCHASED 2005 BMW Z4, 40800 MILES, EXHIBITS ERRATIC STEERING CONTROL WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP EXCEEDS 85 DEGREES. THE STEERING WHEEL RESPONDS AS IF ITS LAST POSITION HAS A GROVE OR NOTCH REQUIRING EXCESSIVE FORCE TO CORRECT OR SET A NEW DIRECTION. THE RESULT IS THE CAR LURCHES DOWN THE ROAD FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE WORST IS IN GRADUAL TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT FEED BACK TO STRAIGHT AS THE CAR CONTINUES ANY ARC ONCE SET ... THE CAR TRIES TO DRIVE ITSELF OFF THE ROAD. DISCOVERY OR THIS "FEATURE" IS VERY DISAPPOINTING AND CAN BE QUIT…

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ODI 10346965 · 51,000 mi

I'M EXPERIENCING VERY STIFF OR STUCK STEERING. IT SEEMS TO ONLY OCCUR DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, BUT MAINLY WHEN MY CAR IS LEFT OUT IN THE SUN AT WORK, THE DRIVE HOME IS QUITE AN ADVENTURE. KEEPING THE CAR DRIVING STRAIGHT IS NO EASY TASK, TRYING TO MAKE A SMALL CORRECTION RESULTS IN THE STEERING WHEEL MOVING A GREAT DISTANCE AS ONE HAS TO APPLY MORE FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL TO OVERCOME THE "STUCKNESS". THIS RESULTS IN A OVER CORRECTION OF STEERING AND PUSHES THE CAR TO OPPOSING LANES AT THE EXTREME, OR OTHERWISE JUST MAKES THE CAR JERK FROM…

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ODI 10363706

I HAVE MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY 2005 BMW Z4 3I, PURCHASED AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED CAR FROM A BMW DEALER. IT HAD ABOUT 11K MILES ON IT. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM DESCRIBED BELOW. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENT WITH IT, BUT THIS IS A COMPLAINT THAT THERE MAY ME A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OF THE CAR. 1)IT KEEPS PULLING TO THE LEFT, OR TO THE RIGHT ESPECIALLY AT LOWERS SPEEDS SAY BELOW 60 MI/HR. IT REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTMENTS SO THAT I COULD KEEP THE CAR ALIGNED, OR CENTERED WHILE DRIVING. …

Look up ODI 10363706 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Steering assistance concerns

21 mentions · 11.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 39,000 mi (20 usable records).

ODI 10280389 · 18,490 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN RIGHT OR LEFT. WHEN THE WHEEL IS RELEASED, IT OVERTURNS AND FORCES THE DRIVER TO STRUGGLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 7-8 TIMES. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURS AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, SUCH AS 80'S AND 90'S. THEY DEALER STATED THAT THE UPDATED SOFTWARE PROGRAM FAILED. THE PROGRAM WAS INSTALLED AND THE VEHICLE REBOOTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ANOTHER HOT DA…

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ODI 10294709 · 35,100 mi

I HAVE A 2005 BMW 3.0 W/AUTO TRANSMISSION. MY CAR HAS HAD TWO RECURRING ISSUES FROM TIME TO TIME STARTING WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LIGHT ENGAGING WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING DEAD AT IDLE OR AT CORNERS. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THAT MY CAR HAS STALLED WITH THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN THRICE ON I-95 AND ON LOCAL ROADS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT WAS A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION TWICE WITH MY GIRLFRIEND SWEARING NEVER TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. HOW IT HAPPENS? AT SPEEDS OF 40MPH OR LESS, EPS, ABS, BRAKE, DTC COMES ON AND OFF WITH THE NAVIGATION SCREEN OPENING…

Look up ODI 10294709 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10341263 · 500 mi

ON JUNE 28, 2010 I LEARNT THAT THE NHTSA ODI OPENED INVESTIGATION PE10020 INTO SAFETY ISSUES WITH 2003 TO 2005 BMW Z4 POWER STEERING SYSTEMS. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM EXACTLY DESCRIBES THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RECURRING PROBLEM I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING WITH MY 2005 Z4, IN THAT THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS, BINDS OR LOCKS UP, AND REQUIRES INCREASED STEERING EFFORT RESULTING IN DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE SUCH AS THE POTENTIAL TO OVER-STEER WHEN MAKING HARD AND ABRUPT STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENTS. THE FAILURES TYPICALLY OCCUR AT HIGHER VE…

Look up ODI 10341263 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 35,550 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10293435 · 949 mi

2005 BMW Z4 3.0I FAULTY FUEL PUMPS. I HAVE HAD 3 FUEL PUMPS REPLACED ON MY CAR AND STILL HAVE THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. MY CAR STALLED, THE IDLING DROPS, THE FUEL PUMP MAKES A LOUD VIBRATING RUMBLING NOISE. MANY OTHERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, THE YRS AFFECTED ARE FROM 2003 - 2009. *TR

Look up ODI 10293435 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10294709 · 35,100 mi

I HAVE A 2005 BMW 3.0 W/AUTO TRANSMISSION. MY CAR HAS HAD TWO RECURRING ISSUES FROM TIME TO TIME STARTING WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LIGHT ENGAGING WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING DEAD AT IDLE OR AT CORNERS. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THAT MY CAR HAS STALLED WITH THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN THRICE ON I-95 AND ON LOCAL ROADS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT WAS A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION TWICE WITH MY GIRLFRIEND SWEARING NEVER TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. HOW IT HAPPENS? AT SPEEDS OF 40MPH OR LESS, EPS, ABS, BRAKE, DTC COMES ON AND OFF WITH THE NAVIGATION SCREEN OPENING…

Look up ODI 10294709 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10345361 · 36,000 mi

I EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER-ASSISTED STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS, BINDS OR LOCKS UP, REQUIRING INCREASED STEERING EFFORT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND INCREASING THE POTENTIAL TO OVER-STEER THE VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10345361 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10693675

FIRST THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, I WENT TO HOUSTON MOMENTUM BMW DEALER TO CHECK AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY SIGNAL FROM SOMEWHERE THEY WERE NOT SURE ABOUT. THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE FOR THAN A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIND IT AND REPAIR IT. IT WOULD COST MORE IF THEY FOUND OUT THE REAL PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM THIS SHOULD BE UNDER BMW WARRANTY, BUT THEY SAID IT WASN'T. I REFUSED THE WORK. THIS CASE HAPPENED FEW YEARS AGO. NOW I HAVE AIR BAG LIGHT ON, I DON'T KNOW WHY. I DON'T DARE TO GO BACK TO DEALER TO CHECK BECAUSE I'M AFRAID THEY WILL …

Look up ODI 10693675 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b