U.S. public vehicle records

2009 Bmw Z4: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

22 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

17,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2009 model year. Data snapshot: 2026-09-12 (September 12, 2026). 16 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Wheels is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 22 complaints (50.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Engine operation	5	22.7%
Transmission and shifting	3	13.6%
Braking behavior	2	9.1%
Electrical and battery issues	1	4.5%

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.

Wheels

Engine

Electrical System

Seat Belts

Air Bags

Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification

Engine And Engine Cooling

Fuel/Propulsion System

Wheels: 11; Engine: 4; Electrical System: 2; Seat Belts: 2; Air Bags: 1; Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 12; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 6 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.

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2017

2018

2020

2024

2009: 1; 2010: 2; 2011: 1; 2012: 4; 2013: 2; 2014: 4; 2017: 1; 2018: 2; 2020: 3; 2024: 2

Pattern summary

Wheels leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 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 10292691 · 2009-11-18 (November 18, 2009)

MY 2009 BMW Z4 WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AT ABOUT A 65 ANGLE TO THE REAR OF MY TOYOTA PICKUP TRUCK. I GOT INTO THE BMW INTENDING MOVE IT INTO THE GARAGE. THE CAR HAS A STANDARD TRANSMISSION AND WAS IN FIRST GEAR WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON. I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND STARTED THE ENGINE. AN INSTANT AFTER THE PARKING BRAKE RELEASED, THE RUBBER CLUTCH PEDAL COVER SLIPPED OFF THE CLUTCH PEDAL TAKING MY FOOT WITH IT. THE BMW SHOT FORWARD. THE FRONT RIGHT FENDER OF THE BMW STRUCK THE LEFT REAR BUMPER OF THE TOYOTA PICKUP TRUCK STALLING THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 2,516 miles reported. Look up ODI 10292691 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10356054 · 2010-09-16 (September 16, 2010)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 11,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10356054 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10356178 · 2010-09-17 (September 17, 2010)

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.…

Owner-reported narrative. 11,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10356178 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10436662 · 2011-11-21 (November 21, 2011)

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 …

Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10436662 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10446207 · 2012-02-01 (February 1, 2012)

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, CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO 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 IN THE FOLLO…

Owner-reported narrative. 17,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10446207 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10475288 · 2012-09-13 (September 13, 2012)

Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10475288 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10482880 · 2012-11-01 (November 1, 2012)

BOTH REAR WHEELS DEVELOPED CRACKS. THESE WERE 19 INCH BMW STYLE 296 WHEELS WITH RUN-FLAT TIRES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 18,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10482880 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10483777 · 2012-11-08 (November 8, 2012)

I HAD TWO OF THESE RIMS BEND AND CRACK ( MODEL 296) I HAD THE RIM AND TIRE WARRANTY THAT I PAID EXTRA FOR AND BMW COVERED A REPLACEMENT FOR ONE AND PAID TO HAVE THE OTHER STRAIGHTENED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10483777 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

09V327000 · Electrical System:Wiring

Reported: 2009-08-11 (August 11, 2009)

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 Z4 30I AND 35I VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 10 AND MARCH 19, 2009. A DEFECTIVE CRIMP CONNECTOR IN A BELT TENSIONER WIRING PLUG MAY LEAD TO INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.

Consequence: INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE IN THAT CIRCUIT COULD CAUSE THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER TO FAIL TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INCREASED INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy: THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER WIRING WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

13V044000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables | Electrical System

Reported: 2013-02-07 (February 7, 2013)

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)

Reported: 2017-10-30 (October 30, 2017)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

22V119000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)

Reported: 2022-03-02 (March 2, 2022)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗