2009 BMW Z4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 BMW Z4 has a complaint index of 75, ranking 5th worst among 17 model years, with a rated verdict of Avoid. NHTSA logged 22 complaints, half involving suspension, wheels & tires, plus 4 recalls including an electrical wiring and PCV valve heater issue.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #5 of 17 Z4 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 22
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18.5 city / 26.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 BMW Z4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (50%)
- Engine5 (23%)
- Electrical System2 (9%)
- Seat Belts2 (9%)
- Airbags1 (5%)
- Brakes1 (5%)
- Fuel System1 (5%)
- Steering1 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Rear 19-inch alloy wheels (style 296) develop cracks on the inner rim lip, causing sudden tire pressure loss.
- Cracked rims have recurred repeatedly on the same vehicle over several months, sometimes destroying the tire.
- The engine stalls unexpectedly at low speeds or while decelerating, then restarts without warning.
- Stalling has occurred mid-intersection or while crossing traffic, with the engine needing a full stop before restarting.
- One owner reported the recall repair for the engine/cooling issue (campaign 17V683000) had no parts available for an extended period.
2009 BMW Z4 recalls
4 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 17V683000Oct 30, 2017Engine740,561 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
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.
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 13V044000Feb 7, 2013Electrical System516,791 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
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.
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 [email protected].
2009 BMW Z4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 26.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,825
- 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.
2009 compared with other Z4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 BMW Z4 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2009 Z4 a complaint index of 75, the 5th worst of 17 model years for this model, with a rated verdict of Avoid. Suspension, wheels & tires complaints make up half of all reports.
- What are the most common problems on the 2009 BMW Z4?
- Suspension, wheels & tires issues account for 50% of complaints, mostly cracked 19-inch rear alloy wheels, with a median failure mileage of 18,000. Engine stalling complaints make up 23% of reports, with a median mileage of 28,000.
- Does the 2009 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2009 Z4, covering engine PCV valve heater replacement, electrical wiring, battery cable connector, and a seat belt tensioner wiring defect. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2009 Z4 compare to other Z4 model years?
- The 2009 Z4 has a complaint index of 75, worse than 2008 (69, Caution) and much worse than 2012 (19, Best) or 2010 (44, Good). Among 17 model years, it ranks 5th worst.