10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
59,314 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #14

Jul 242020

Z4

  • 145,000 miles
Reoccuring issue: -door locks not functioning by remote or central button -wipers not functioning -trunk release not functioning by remote or button -windows not functioning -lighting of interior not working, to include gauge cluster -top not functioning issues intensify on days of low/higher temperatures. Seems to reset by disconnecting battery and reconnecting after several minutes. Issues points to GM5 module being faulty/failing this is not discovered until you start the car, seems to be a random occurrence, but happens at least once weekly. Sometimes it is multiple times a day.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #13

May 022020

Z4 6-cyl

  • 64,043 miles
I had this car built and I am the only owner and driver. I have had a personal mechanic take meticulous care of it over the years and the car is stored for approximately 6 months/year because I do not drive it in the snow, and frankly, hardly drive it even when raining. However, it never fails that each year some warning light goes on for no apparent reason. Last fall it was the ABS light and the brake light. My mechanic put the car on the computer, and found no issues. Now again, this spring it started out as not being on, but within 5- 25 minutes (varies each time when I start the car up and drive) those two lights come on. Every year there seems to be new lights that come on for no apparent reason. I haven't driven the car more than a few times before a light comes on. It's cost me so much in diagnostic time. Also another problem is that often the radio doesn't turn on. When this happens, the screen also does not pop up. I have to stop the car, turn it off and then restart. Most times the electrical system seems to 'restart' itself so that the radio turns on and the screen pops up. The electrical system in this car has never been right.

- Webster, NY, USA

problem #12

Apr 222013

Z4

  • 40,395 miles
I previously filed a report about the electronic steering wheel column, poor steering, sticking prior to having it fixed on this date. I had not found the paperwork for it until after I submitted the report. The tracking # 11300634.

- Webster, NY, USA

problem #11

Apr 122019

Z4

  • 135,850 miles
GM5 module fail. When the GM5 module fauls windshield wipers won't work (this could be a big problem if it rains!), interior lights won't work, windows won't go up or down, no alarm functions and of course no automatic door lock control (doors can manually be locked and unlocked as long as the double lock is open.)

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #10

Jul 172017

Z4

  • 26,000 miles
26000 miles on car. Always in garage. Never driven in winter and use a battery tender during winter.replaced 2 batteries this summer recently after not driving it for about 2-3 weeks. This tells me that there is an electrical problem somewhere but where? it's pulling power from somewhere. Can't be trusted

- Shorewood, IL, USA

problem #9

Dec 182015

Z4 6-cyl

  • 88,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 BMW Z4. While driving 10 mph, the eps light illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000. Updated 02/26/16 updated 02/29/16.

- Kensett, AR, USA

problem #8

Jul 252015

Z4

  • 56,000 miles
I left my BMW in the sun all day and now my locks wont work. Many resources link this problem to the GM5 which controls the lighting and locks. Bad locks can be a safety and security issue on parked cars but also for moving cars as children may open vehicle doors in traffic.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #7

Oct 122011

Z4 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 BMW Z4. While driving approximately 45 mph, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure occurred several times. The dealer determined that the vehicle experienced an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000. Updated 10/07/14 updated 3/23/2015

- Chattanoota, TN, USA

problem #6

Jul 082014

Z4 6-cyl

  • 36,136 miles
Just purchased this car from a private owner. Didn't notice but the passenger side door will not unlock by either using the key fob or the central locking/unlocking switch inside. Did a google search and found that the GM-5 board needs to be replaced. I also heard that this GM-5 can cause failure on other functions with the car - wipers, lights etc. The car is 10 years old but only has 36,000 miles on it. This part should not fail so quickly.

- Viera, FL, USA

problem #5

Nov 222012

Z4

  • 78,000 miles
While driving the steering light comes on and the steering locks in place. When U try to force it the car stalls out and the steering stays locked.. extremely dangerous!!!

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #4

Jan 062012

Z4 6-cyl

  • 32,000 miles
The steering binds at almost any speed. I noticed it when driving straight forward. When a correction in direction is made the wheel binds until greater pressure is applied. It seems the problem is requiring even more pressure for the correction. I called bmwna and they told me they have heard nothing about this problem. I am in fear for my safety as well as others around BMW's Z-4 2004.

- Staugustine, FL, USA

problem #3

Sep 292011

Z4 6-cyl

  • miles
Water gets into the battery compartment through the rubber grommet that carries the main battery cable from the trunk to the front of the car. The battery compartment is a well that also houses the car stereo amplifier. Amplifier was sitting in about 2 inches of water causing the circuit board to short out and catch on fire.

- Bhm, AL, USA

problem #2

Sep 292011

Z4 6-cyl

  • 86,000 miles
Water gets into the battery compartment through the rubber grommet that carry's the main battery cable from the trunk to the front of the car. Car stereo amplifier destroyed.

- Bhm, AL, USA

problem #1

Apr 192009

Z4

  • 22,968 miles
2004 bmx Z4, steering became unresponsive while driving at highway speeds. Over correction to regain control narrowly avoiding traffic and center divider. At slower speeds it felt like there was no steering fluid in car. Very difficult to turn. BMW dealer had replacement steering column in stock it took 2 days to replace at a cost of $2942.02.

- El Segundo, CA, USA