2009 BMW Z4 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Z4 years
- Far more complaints than other years 7th of 21 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 4 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 BMW Z4. That ranks 7th out of 21 Z4 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is wheels (11 complaints, 50%), typically at around 18,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.
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- 22owner complaints
- 4safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2009 BMW Z4 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 11 | 50% | 18,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 4 | 18% | 63,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 2 | 9% | 54,600 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 9% | 38,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 1 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 5% | 11,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 5% | 98,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 1 | 5% | 2,516 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 5% | 5 | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 5% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2009 BMW Z4 recalls (4)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers; electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Electrical system:wiring
Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2009 z4 30i and 35i vehicles manufactured between march 10 and march 19, 2009. A defective crimp connector in a belt tensioner wiring plug may lead to increased electrical resistance of that connection.
Risk: Increased electrical resistance in that circuit could cause the safety belt tensioner to fail to deploy in a crash, possibly resulting in increased injury to the seat occupant.
Fix: The safety belt tensioner wiring will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on september 5, 2009. Owners may contact bmw customer relations at 1-800-525-7417.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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…
Drivers side seat belt frayed at the point where it comes out of the vehicle when I am seated and buckled in. This is nearly impossible for me to see and I only saw it by chance pulling the seat belt out for some incidental reason. I am unclear how long it had been like this. Otherwise this defect…
The seat belt is fraying at the point where it most commonly rests against the chassis while i am wearing it. It seems to be rubbing against the car causing it to fray. I only noticed it by chance, as it is not a common spot to look at while seated in the vehicle.
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.
Wheels developed cracks and air was leaking.
Other BMW Z4 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Z4 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 Z4 | 0 | 2 |
| 2022 Z4 | 1 | 3 |
| 2021 Z4 | 1 | 5 |
| 2020 Z4 | 5 | 6 |
| 2019 Z4 | 5 | 6 |
| 2016 Z4 | 4 | 1 |
| 2015 Z4 | 5 | 1 |
| 2014 Z4 | 7 | 3 |
| 2013 Z4 | 7 | 3 |
| 2012 Z4 | 5 | 4 |
| 2011 Z4 | 46 | 6 |
| 2010 Z4 | 10 | 5 |
| 2009 | 22 | 4 |
| 2008 Z4 | 19 | 2 |
| 2007 Z4 | 33 | 2 |
| 2006 Z4 | 91 | 2 |
| 2005 Z4 | 191 | 0 |
| 2004 Z4 | 411 | 1 |
| 2003 Z4 | 414 | 4 |
| 2002 Z4 | 4 | 0 |
See all BMW Z4 problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.
Similar BMW models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW Z4?
Owners most often report wheels, engine, electrical system problems. The top one, wheels, accounts for 11 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2009 BMW Z4?
Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2009 BMW Z4 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Z4 model years, the 2009 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.