2011 BMW Z4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 12 Z4 years
The 2011 BMW Z4 ranks worst of 12 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 46 complaints, mostly engine (37%) and steering (28%) issues. It carries 6 recalls, making it a year to avoid relative to other Z4 years.
- Complaints
- 46
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 26 hwy
Top 2011 BMW Z4 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine17 (37%)
- Steering13 (28%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (22%)
- Brakes6 (13%)
- Electrical System3 (7%)
- Fuel System2 (4%)
- Other2 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (4%)
What owners report
- Engine stalls suddenly at low speeds (around 25-35 mph) or in parking lots, sometimes with the check engine light coming on and loss of power steering.
- Rear wheels develop hairline cracks, leading to air leaks or tire blowouts even at highway speeds.
- Brakes fail to decelerate the vehicle during driving, in one case forcing the driver to steer into a curb to stop.
- Power steering seizes unexpectedly at various speeds, making the vehicle hard to maneuver.
- Idrive and AC electrical systems malfunction after dealer reprogramming, with the AC failing to work despite repeated service visits.
- Brake pedal produces a popping noise before a sudden loss of braking ability when starting to move.
2011 BMW Z4 recalls
6 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.
2011 BMW Z4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 26 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.
2011 compared with other Z4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 BMW Z4 reliable?
- Among Z4 model years with data, 2011 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst out of 12 years tracked, earning an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW Z4?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine issues lead at 37% of complaints, followed by Steering at 28% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 22%.
- Does the 2011 BMW Z4 have engine recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists multiple engine-related recalls covering this year, including VANOS bolt replacement and PCV valve heater replacement campaigns.
- At what mileage do 2011 Z4 problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 36,000 miles, with engine complaints centering around 30,000 miles and steering complaints around 45,500 miles.
- How does the 2011 Z4 compare to other years?
- The 2011 Z4 has a complaint index of 100, far above 2010 (45), 2012 (27), and 2015 (36), making it the worst-ranked year in the lineup according to NHTSA data.