2012 BMW Z4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
27/100
#9 most-complained of 12 Z4 years
The 2012 BMW Z4 has a Complaint Index of 27, ranked 9th worst out of 12 model years, with a "Good" verdict. It has 5 complaints and 4 recalls, with engine issues (timing chain whining, overheating) making up 80% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 26 hwy
Top 2012 BMW Z4 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (80%)
- Electrical System2 (40%)
- Steering1 (20%)
What owners report
- Owners report a whining noise from the engine that BMW dealers traced to a timing chain issue, with median engine-related failure mileage at 88,532 miles.
- Some owners describe the engine overheating at highway speeds (70-75 MPH) with a warning to pull over, followed by the vehicle failing to respond to the accelerator.
- Owners describe the steering wheel seizing while turning at low speed (around 10 MPH), requiring force to bring it back to center, with shuddering felt through the wheel.
- Multiple owners report being notified of a recall repair for engine and engine cooling but told the replacement part was unavailable for an extended period.
2012 BMW Z4 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V608000Aug 13, 2024Electrical System720,796 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 14V627000Oct 7, 2014Brakes8,988 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 13V454000Sep 26, 2013Brakes76,191 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
2012 BMW Z4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 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.
2012 compared with other Z4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 BMW Z4 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2012 Z4 has a Complaint Index of 27, the 9th worst of 12 model years tracked, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other Z4 years.
- What problems does the 2012 BMW Z4 have?
- NHTSA complaints center on the engine, accounting for 80% of complaints, including timing chain noise and overheating. Steering and electrical system issues were also reported.
- Does the 2012 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Z4, covering the electrical system/engine cooling (water pump), brakes (vacuum pump and camshaft seal), and steering (power steering assistance module).
- What year Z4 should I avoid instead of the 2012?
- NHTSA data flags the 2011 Z4 (Complaint Index 100) and 2013 Z4 (Complaint Index 91) as "Avoid" years, both worse than the 2012 model at a Complaint Index of 27.
- At what mileage do 2012 BMW Z4 problems typically show up?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 65,900 miles overall, with engine-related complaints showing a median mileage of 88,532 miles.