Most common 2011 BMW Z4 problems
Share of the 46 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 →
2011 BMW Z4 recalls (6)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024.
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.
Power train › Driveline › Constant velocity joint
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge.
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.
What 2011 BMW Z4 owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2011 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 contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, he started to smell a burning plastic odor. Additionally, white smoke started coming from the vents. The contact stated that the smoke was not heavy but steady. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. The VIN was not available. The contact stated that the issue has not been resolved yet. …
The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact started while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer also stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Steering
The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering was locked in a slight left turn and he had to apply the brakes to keep the vehicle on the road. The contact was able to pull off to the left side of the highway. The contact stated that a yellow steering wheel warning light was illuminated, and a warning bell was chiming. The contact turned the vehicle off and upon restarting the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that as soon as he exited the highway, the failure occurred again and has persisted. The contact researched and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V302000 (Steering) however, the model year was not included. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. …
Electrical power steering system failed, warning light came on. Vehicle suddenly became very difficult to impossible to steer. Failed to negotiate a turn and nearly hit a tree. I have an appointment set with an independent service dealer near me, but I'm afraid to drive it there, so I may have it towed. The warning light came on just moments before the initial failure.
Wheels & tires
I'm a owner of 2011 BMW Z4 35i with 296 style wheels. BMW's 296 style wheel considered has design defects by most of owners, since they really easily cracked without impact. Reason why 296 style wheels got easily cracked definitely seems flawed design, and it can be proved by other wheels with same diameter don't have these kind of problem. Also fatigue structure failure means, structure strength of wheel design wasn't properly reviewed. Also BMW changed its design of inner barrel to reinforce strength around 2012. There was settlement between owners and BMW na about this issue, but it only covers during initial factory warranty. (http://z4296wheelsettlement.com) although my BMW Z4 doesn't have initial factory warranty, it still has cpo warranty. BMW na and local dealer refused to replace or fix my cracked wheels, since my cpo warranty don't cover wheels. …
I've noticed that my rear passenger tire was losing pressure even after inflating it multiple times so I brought the car into BMW of murrieta to get the wheels inspected. It was verified by their technicians that both rear rims were cracked and that it would cost and estimate of nearly $1,800 to replace. I denied the repair/replacement as I didn't believe I should pay out of pocket for what I believe is a manufacturer defect. I learned that many other owners are having the same exact issue with the same exact rim style on this vehicle, the rear rims are prone to cracking under normal driving conditions, which I believe is a major safety hazard. I filed a claim with BMW corp, claims department and they denied reimbursing me or agree to fix the wheels under my extended warranty. My vehicle has since been in nonoperation without a loaner vehicle given to me by BMW.
2011 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 | 18 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 BMW Z4 a good car?
Based on 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Z4 rates avoid: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the Z4 at the same age. It is one of the Z4 years we suggest avoiding. 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 2011 BMW Z4?
The engine & cooling — 17 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (13) and wheels & tires (8).
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW Z4 have?
There are 6 recalls for the 2011 BMW Z4, the most recent from October 20, 2023 (engine). 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 2011 BMW Z4 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 36,000 miles; 66% 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.