2010 BMW Z4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
45/100
#7 most-complained of 12 Z4 years
The 2010 BMW Z4 has a complaint index of 45, ranking 7th worst among 12 model years, with a 'Good' verdict relative to other Z4 years. NHTSA lists 10 complaints and 5 recalls, mostly tied to the engine (40% of complaints).
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 26.5 hwy
Top 2010 BMW Z4 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (40%)
- Brakes1 (10%)
- Electrical System1 (10%)
- Fuel System1 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (10%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (10%)
What owners report
- Engine stalls unexpectedly while slowing to a near stop or at highway speed, sometimes preceded by brake vibration.
- Brakes provide little to no stopping power when applied at low mileage, making it hard to slow for turns.
- Rear wheels crack after hitting potholes, with dealers unable to explain why front wheels are unaffected.
- Windshield fogs up completely during cold, rainy weather, cutting off visibility even with the defogger running.
- High-pressure fuel pump fails at higher mileage, a problem BMW addressed with an extended warranty bulletin.
- Transmission loses power and needs replacement after the accelerator fails to respond properly.
2010 BMW Z4 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V707000Oct 20, 2023Engine157,796 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- 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.
2010 BMW Z4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 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.
2010 compared with other Z4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 BMW Z4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 Z4 has a complaint index of 45 and ranks 7th worst out of 12 model years, earning a 'Good' verdict relative to other Z4 years.
- What are the main problems with the 2010 BMW Z4?
- NHTSA data shows engine issues make up 40% of complaints, with brakes, electrical system, fuel system, suspension, transmission, and visibility each accounting for smaller shares.
- Does the 2010 BMW Z4 have engine recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2010 Z4, and 4 of them involve the engine, including VANOS bolt replacement and PCV valve heater campaigns.
- What year Z4 should I avoid instead of 2010?
- The 2011 Z4 has a complaint index of 100 and a 'Avoid' verdict, and the 2013 Z4 has an index of 91 with an 'Avoid' verdict, both worse than the 2010 model.