2006 BMW Z4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2006 BMW Z4 ranks 2nd-worst of 17 model years, with a complaint index of 94 and 91 complaints, mostly steering (60%). NHTSA lists 2 recalls, and this year carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Z4 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 94/100
- #2 of 17 Z4 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 91
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 1
Top 2006 BMW Z4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering55 (60%)
- Airbags14 (15%)
- Electrical System13 (14%)
- Engine11 (12%)
- Structure & Body4 (4%)
- Other2 (2%)
- Fuel System1 (1%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (1%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (1%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering pulls suddenly to one side at highway speed, in one case causing a crash into a curb.
- Electronic power steering becomes very heavy or tight after the car sits in hot weather, then feels normal again once cooler.
- Steering shows a lag or dead spot of up to an inch of wheel movement before the car responds.
- Power steering unit fails to engage at startup, sometimes going unconfirmed by dealer testing.
- Electrical system fires have started while driving or after using keyless entry, in one case destroying the vehicle.
- Passenger airbag warning light stays on due to a faulty seat pressure sensor, leaving owners unsure if the airbag will deploy.
2006 BMW Z4 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V119000Mar 2, 2022Engine917,106 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
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.
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 19V273000Apr 4, 2019Engine184,505 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si 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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.
2006 BMW Z4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other Z4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 BMW Z4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Z4 has a complaint index of 94, the second-highest among 17 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Z4 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2006 BMW Z4?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 55 of 91 complaints (60%), with a median failure mileage of 52,244 miles and one reported crash.
- Does the 2006 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 Z4, both related to the engine, including a PCV valve heater replacement and a later electrical wiring recall that superseded earlier campaigns.
- How does the 2006 Z4 compare to other years?
- The 2006 Z4 ranks 2nd-worst out of 17 model years by complaint index (94), behind only 2005 (100), while years like 2012 (index 19) rate Best.