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Known Faults Database

BMW Z4 problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used BMW Z4, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 4 known faults for this model, 3 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the BMW Z4 reliable?

The BMW Z4 has 4 known faults in our database across 3 generations, 3 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (separate from the N20's main timing chain, a second, smaller chain) and engine (the N20 runs two separate chains off the crankshaft, each with its own plastic guides). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which BMW Z4 years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

E85 / E86, 2003 to 2009
1 known fault, none rated high severity
E89, 2009 to 20163 high severity
3 known faults, the serious ones in the engine
G29, 2019 on
No faults on record yet

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2011 to 2015, 2.0i (N20 Petrol) - oil pump drive chain and gear: separate from the N20's main timing chain, a second, smaller chain
  • 2012 to 2017, 2.0 N20 petrol (badged 20i and 28i), timing chain and guides: the N20 runs two separate chains off the crankshaft
  • 2006 to 2010, 3.0 Twin Turbo (N54): high Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure and severe turbo wastegate rattle

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 31 known fault · 6 owner reports · 4 good notes

BMW Z4 E85 / E86 (2003 to 2009) problems

ElectricalMedium severity📝 Editorial

Water getting into the electric motor and pump that work the 2003 to 2009 Z4 roadster's folding roof is noted as a common problem: the unit sits beside the passenger-side B pillar where run-off from the roof collects, and early cars housed the pump in a plastic tray that filled with water and seized it. Two owners also reported the motor failing. Quoted costs run from about £650 plus VAT at a specialist to £900, or £1,400 if the control unit goes too.

Rough guide
£650-1400

Typical symptoms

  • folding roof will not open or close
  • no response when the roof switch is pressed

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All engines
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
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What owners report on the E85 / E86

6 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Suspension and steering · May 2019A 2006 BMW Z4 experienced sticky and jumpy power steering, likely due to wear in the electric power assistance motor.
  • Electrics · January 2017A 2006 BMW Z4 experienced condensation forming inside its foglights, indicating a potential sealing issue with the lamp units.
  • Engine · May 2015An 86,000 mile 2007 Z4 coupe with a 3.0 litre N52 engine suffered low power and engine knocking, requiring replacement of Vanos solenoids and Valvetronic motor.
  • Brakes · June 2014The Dynamic Stability Control failed on a 2008 Z4 at 31,000 miles, resulting in a £2,000 charge for replacement.
  • Exhaust · January 2012A four-year-old Z4 with 32,000 miles suffered terminal corrosion of the exhaust manifold and entire exhaust system.
  • Bodywork · December 2011A Z4 convertible hood began leaking after seven years, and the door mirror glass detached from its pods.

What owners like about the E85 / E86

4 notes
  • The Z4's classic long nose and short boot design is complemented by balanced weight distribution, providing excellent handling characteristics.
  • Larger six-cylinder engines provide expected BMW sports car performance and sound, offering reasonable fuel economy when driven carefully.
  • SE models, with their softer suspension setup, are well-suited for daily driving while still delivering ample sporting enjoyment.
  • The Z4M is exceptionally fast and produces a superb sound, thanks to its Motorsport-developed engine.
End of the E85 / E86 section.Pick another year ↑Check a BMW Z4 advert →
Generation 2 of 33 known faults · 5 owner reports · 4 good notes

BMW Z4 E89 (2009 to 2016) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

The N20 runs two separate chains off the crankshaft, each with its own plastic guides: the main timing chain, and a smaller chain that drives the oil pump. This is the main timing chain fault. On early engines the guide plastic degrades, the slackened chain may skip a tooth at the camshaft sprocket, and because the N20 is an interference engine the pistons then meet the valves. Broken guide fragments collect in the sump, where they can block the oil pickup and starve the engine. The chain driving the oil pump fails separately that tends to strike earlier; a car of this age can suffer either or both, and specialists normally replace the two together because the engine has to come apart either way.

Rough guide
£4000-7000

Typical symptoms

  • metallic rattle or tinkling from the front of the engine on cold start
  • drivetrain malfunction warning and engine management light
  • camshaft correlation fault codes stored
  • rough running or misfire once the chain has skipped

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 N20 petrol (badged 20i and 28i), timing chain and guides
Typical mileage:
50000-90000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure and severe turbo wastegate rattle

Rough guide
£800-2500

Typical symptoms

  • long cranking before engine starts
  • half engine light / limp mode on hard acceleration
  • loud metallic rattling from the exhaust side when lifting off the throttle

Affected vehicles

Engines:
3.0 Twin Turbo (N54)
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2017 to 2019

Separate from the N20's main timing chain, a second, smaller chain and drive gear run the oil pump off the crankshaft, and this one fails on its own. The drive gear wears prematurely and sends metal shrapnel through the engine; if the chain or its guide lets go, oil pressure stops dead and the engine is wrecked in under a minute. It happens early, and on cars with a full service history: one 2013 320i needed a new engine at 15,500 miles. The main timing chain is a separate failure that tends to come later and at higher mileage, so the two are different parts with different warning signs.

Rough guide
£5000-8000 (engine replacement)

Typical symptoms

  • high-pitched whine from the engine that rises and falls with the revs
  • Loud knocking or grinding noise from the engine
  • red oil pressure warning light, usually with no warning beforehand
  • Sudden engine failure or seizure
  • Engine management light illuminated

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0i (N20 Petrol) - oil pump drive chain and gear
Typical mileage:
15000-50000 miles
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What owners report on the E89

5 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Electrics · May 2018The indicator control switch on a 2014 BMW Z4 failed, with a dealer quoting £600 for replacement and fitting.
  • Suspension and steering · April 2018The electric power steering on a 2013 BMW Z4 failed at 36,000 miles, resulting in a £1,500 repair bill for the owner.
  • Suspension and steering · August 2015A BMW dealer reported cracked rear 19-inch wheels on an E89 Z4 SDrive3.0iMS during a service, quoting £1,102.66 for replacement.
  • Engine · November 2014A 29,000 mile 2010 BMW Z4 23i sDrive required an oil top-up every 700 to 800 miles.
  • Electrics · February 2013A Z4 experienced repeated complete electrical failures, affecting power steering, parking brake, wipers, speedo, and rev counter.

What owners like about the E89

4 notes
  • All Z4 models offer deft handling and a very comfortable ride across various road surfaces.
  • Refinement is a significant advantage for the Z4, providing an enjoyable driving experience with the roof up or down.
  • All engine options provide an engaging driving experience, with the four-cylinder 18i, 20i, and 28i models offering identical fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
  • The Z4's folding metal roof offers enhanced comfort, improved refinement, and greater security compared to the previous model's fabric hood.
End of the E89 section.Pick another year ↑Check a BMW Z4 advert →
Generation 3 of 30 known faults · 1 good note

BMW Z4 G29 (2019 on): owner reports

What owners like about the G29

1 note
  • September 2019The 2019 BMW Z4 achieved a 5-star NCAP rating, with high scores for adult occupant, child occupant, vulnerable road users, and safety assist.
End of the G29 section.Pick another year ↑Check a BMW Z4 advert →

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

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BMW Z4 recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 14 DVSA recalls for the Z4, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ March 2026Cars built September 2020 to April 2025

Replace the Engine Starter Motor

The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.

Put right by: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.

DVSA R/2026/0542,495 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2025Cars built August 2018 to September 2020

Replace the Engine Starter Motor

For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.

Put right by: Replacement of the starter motor.

DVSA R/2025/4052,677 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2024Cars built September 2009 to August 2011

Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55

On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.

Put right by: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.

DVSA R/2024/1913,695 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2021Cars built January 2021 to February 2021

Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which are not to specification

Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which were not produced according to the specifications

Put right by: On the affected vehicles the brake discs will be checked and if necessary replaced

DVSA R/2021/085705 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2020Cars built June 2019 to October 2019

On affected vehicles there is a possible failure of the fuel tank welding joint which could lead to leakage

On affected vehicles there is a possible failure of the fuel tank welding joint which could lead to leakage.

Put right by: Replace the fuel tank

DVSA R/2020/3476 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2020Cars built September 2018 to April 2019

Steering tie rod can become broken in the 'kink' groove area of the rod

A steering tie rod with an earlier design configuration can become broken in the kink groove area of the rod.

Put right by: Both of the steering tie rods will be replaced on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2020/2194,542 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2019Cars built January 2019 to June 2019

The pressing force of the bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification

The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification

Put right by: Replace the engine of affected vehicles

DVSA R/2019/36853 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2018Cars built December 2008 to November 2009

Plug in contact cable may malfunction

The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However if the electrical connection is completely lost this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps.

Put right by: On affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.

DVSA R/2018/132311,848 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2017Cars built December 2010 to April 2011

Driveshaft universal joint may break

Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.

Put right by: On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version

DVSA R/2017/13210,849 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2017Cars built December 2009 to October 2011

Plug in contact cable may malfunction

It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.

DVSA R/2017/11436,410 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2014Cars built September 2009 to November 2011

Engine emergency mode may be activated during driving

The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.

Put right by: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit

DVSA R/2014/0682,967 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2013Cars built February 2013 to June 2013

Loss of drive

It is possible that over a period of time the bolt securing the clutch cover/pressure plate may become loose. The drive should be warned of this by the behaviour of the clutch noise from it or inability to select gears. Under certain conditions complete loss of drive could occur which could place the driver and occupant of the vehicle in a prone position.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the clutch bolts.

DVSA R/2013/0804 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2013

Engine may cut out

It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be make aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.

DVSA R/2013/02436 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2012Cars built November 2011 to December 2011

EPS may not perform as specified

Due to a component in the integrated control module not being to specification it is possible power steering assistance may fail. If this happens the EPS warning lamp will illuminate and a check control message will appear on the dashboard display. Directional control will be maintained albeit with additional driver input.

Put right by: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the steering box.

DVSA R/2012/081701 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

BMW Z4 timing chain, and service intervals

A timing chain has no change interval, which is not the same as lasting for ever. Listen for it on a used Z4, and check the oil has been changed on time. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing chainChain
N20, 2.0I, 2.8I
No fixed replacement interval

Plastic timing chain guides degrade, causing the oil pump drive chain to fail and leading to sudden engine seizure. Failures documented as low as 40,000 miles on pre-2015 engines. Listen for a high-pitched whine matching engine RPM, but note some fail silently with no rattle or fault codes.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: November 2026

BMW Z4 buying questions

What are the most common BMW Z4 problems?

Three stand out. Engine: separate from the N20's main timing chain, a second, smaller chain (typically 15000 to 50000 miles). Engine: the N20 runs two separate chains off the crankshaft, each with its own plastic guides (typically 50000 to 90000 miles). Engine: high Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure and severe turbo wastegate rattle (typically 60000 to 100000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which BMW Z4 years should I avoid?

No BMW Z4 year is a write-off, but the E89 (2009 to 2016) carries the most serious faults: engine. The E85 / E86 (2003 to 2009) and G29 (2019 on) have none rated high severity. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used BMW Z4?

Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for high-pitched whine from the engine that rises and falls with the revs, metallic rattle or tinkling from the front of the engine on cold start and long cranking before engine starts. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 4 known faults before you travel. Check a BMW Z4 advert →

Are there any recalls on the BMW Z4?

The DVSA lists 14 safety recalls for the BMW Z4 issued between 2012 and 2026. The most recent, from March 2026, is "Replace the Engine Starter Motor". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a BMW Z4?

Owners report 32.0 mpg on average across the BMW Z4 engines with data, about 93% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 569 owner submissions. BMW Z4 Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a BMW Z4 right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this BMW Z4 fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the BMW Z4 owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a BMW Z4 goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

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