Most common 2009 BMW Z4 problems
Share of the 22 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 →
2009 BMW Z4 recalls (4)
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.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013.
Electrical system › Wiring
BMW is recalling certain model year 2009 z4 30i and 35i vehicles manufactured between March 10 and March 19, 2009. A defective crimp connector in a belt tensioner wiring plug May lead to increased electrical resistance of that connection.
Remedy: The safety belt tensioner wiring will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on September 5, 2009. Owners May contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417.
What 2009 BMW Z4 owners say
Wheels & tires
Aluminum wheel (style 296) crack on the inside bead. Car has 22,000 miles on 1/23/14 and 3 wheels currently have cracks. The cracks prevent the tires from maintaining air pressure and lowers the structural integrity of the rim, causing a safety hazard. BMW is only offering to repair one wheel under warranty because the runout on the other 2 wheels was 0.059" which they are claiming indicates that the wheels are damaged due to a road hazard but offered no visual evidence of damage. Online research indicates there is a high rate of failure of the 296 style wheel and contributing factors include the design of the 19" wheel, the use of 30 series (rear) or 35 series (front) run-flat-tires and the negative camber. The negative camber puts the majority of the forces and load from the road onto the inside bead of the rim. …
When I got into my car one morning the sensor went off letting me know that I had a low tire pressure. I went and filled the tire to the proper level; I thought everything was fine, then the next following morning the same thing happened. I took the car in to get it checked out and they found that the rim was cracked in 4 places. I was wondering how the rim could have gotten cracked cause I barely drive the car, sits in the garage most of the time, I drive on even roads when I do, but I have only had the car for 4 months, purchased it from car max. I went to various posts and found out that there is a problem with the rims that BMW put on the Z4 35i because they are run flat tires (which my car initially had on them). When I purchased the car, run flats wasn't on this car. …
Engine & cooling
Engine unexpectedly stalled and shutdown while in movement with potential to cause accident. Vehicle cannot be turned on until full stop is achieved and transmission placed in "p." idle engine RPM continues to vary drastically up and down with indication a problem persists and is likely pose the same safety risk. I bought vehicle used on 2012 and had the issue shortly after purchase twice at highway speeds. Dealership took months to apparently resolve. I am back at risk.
The car has stalled multiple time when coming to a stop. In some instances I did not have to come to a complete stop such as crossing a divided highway, just slowed significantly. As I went to accelerate through the intersection the engine had stalled and I was stuck in the middle of the intersection with no power. Car starts right back up each time but you must stop to place the car in drive(automatic transmission). Nearly hit by oncoming traffic on 3 separate occasions. Dealership was able to replicate, sold me a $400 battery as the fix. Car stalled on the way home from dealership. Returned the car but they could not replicate and since the instances did not produce a fault code they could do nothing. Car continues to stall which makes it a safety hazard. There are 100's of post on BMW forums with the same issue but BMW claims to have no knowledge of the issue. …
2009 BMW Z4 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 29 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 BMW Z4 a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Z4 rates average: about as many complaints as 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 2009 BMW Z4?
The wheels & tires — 11 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (5) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW Z4 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2009 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 2009 BMW Z4 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 18,000 miles; 94% 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.