Most common 2008 BMW Z4 problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW Z4 complaints by model year
Best Z4 years: 2012, 2015, 2021. Years to avoid: 2011, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006. Compare all years →
2008 BMW Z4 recalls (2)
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…
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…
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.
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.
What 2008 BMW Z4 owners say
Air bags
A failed front passenger air bag seat sensor mat causes the air bag warning lamp and the passenger air bag 'on-off' lamp to be illuminated simultaneously. In August 13, 2008, BMW issued a voluntary recall involving front passenger seat sensor mat on U.S.A. Model bmws regarding the front passenger air bag seat sensor mat involving approximately 200,000 model year 2004-06 vehicles. My similarly affected 2008 vehicle was not included in the recall. The recall also states that in this situation, BMW recommends customers not to use the front passenger seat and have the vehicle serviced immediately. When I called my local BMW dealer, I was advised of a $152 shop diagnosis fee and a likely repair cost of $1800. This is a prohibitive cost for a factory defect on a 73 year old senior citizen living on social security.
'the vehicle was purchased used from a dealer in October 2012, with about 30600 miles;, current mileage is about 57400. The airbag disabled light in instrument cluster started acting up several months ago; now it is on at all times, whether or not a passenger is in the seat or the car is in motion or stopped. A scan of the vehicle shows a defective passenger occupancy sensor / mat. Resetting the light with the scan tool does not fix the problem. Many 2008 BMW models were recalled for a similar problem, but not the Z4, even though there are several complaints listed here. The local BMW dealer wants $152.00 shop diagnosis fee and a replacement mat switch could be $1800.00. This is a safety issue known by the manufacturer from the beginning and should be included in the recall.
Steering
Very erratic steering. Crossing the crown of a road will pull one way and then quickly pull in the opposite direction unlike anything I have ever driven. Also same effect with trying to stay in lanes with any common deviation. This is worst at hwy speeds but does occur at lower speeds as well.
After starting up the car (but during ignition, the key slipped in my fingers causing a missed start, I therefore had to turn the key again to get engine to turn over.) and driving from my driveway, there was a complete failure of the steering assist which caused extremely difficult steering/cornering. I pulled over, thinking it had to do with the missed start, turned off the engine and restarted it; still no power assist. Took it to the dealer, they were able to do a computer reset which restored power assist, but told me they could not say if or when it would happen again. I could opt for complete steering column replacement at a cost of $3500! I've owned the car for 5 months and maybe put 400 miles on it? This is too dangerous a thing to let go, I don't think this is safe. This should be recalled.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2008 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the recall parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2008 BMW Z4 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 BMW Z4 a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Z4 rates better than average: 41% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Z4 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW Z4?
The air bags — 8 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sensor › occupant classification. Next are the steering (5) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW Z4 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 BMW Z4, the most recent from March 2, 2022 (crankcase (pcv)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW Z4?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2015 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. See the full BMW Z4 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 BMW Z4 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 23% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.