Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 100% | — |
| 2020 | 2 | 40% | — |
| 2019 | 1 | 20% | — |
| 2015 | 2 | 40% | — |
| 2014 | 3 | 43% | 112,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 43% | 53,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 40% | — |
| 2011 | 3 | 7% | 32,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% | 10,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 9% | 98,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 11% | 34,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 12% | 41,000 miles |
| 2006 | 13 | 14% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% | 37,000 miles |
| 2004 | 14 | 3% | 56,000 miles |
| 2003 | 13 | 3% | 70,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2014 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted to schedule a diagnostic test; however, the appointment was not scheduled because parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW Z4. The contact stated that rodents had chewed through some electrical wiring in the vehicle. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to monitor the oil levels due to the damaged electrical wiring. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, where it was determined that the electrical wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact was informed about other methods to deter the varmints from chewing on the electrical wiring. The contact called an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure had occurred on several types of vehicles. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 111,544.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal while in the reverse(R) position. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation upon restart of the engine. A few days later while the contact's husband was driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle continued to accelerate upon depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was depressed multiple times but to no avail, as a result, the contact's husband crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not upon impact and no injuries were reported. A police report was not filed. Despite the failure, the vehicle was able driven to the contact's home but was later towed to a dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer would be sending an investigator to inspect the vehicle. …
I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly.
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.
On 01/05/2012, BMW service center replaced an idrive part and reprogrammed the car. When I picked up the car, I noticed ac is not working. Service center took it back and did a master reset. After that several times I had the issue and they couldn't fix it. On 07/15/2013, I noticed the ac is not working. It was 85f outside. I called the service manager and drove the car to him. He checked the car and confirmed ac is not working. They took the car and gave me a loaner. Next day they found some error codes stored in the car. While they are looking into the codes, ac started working all on its own. BMW says the error codes are bogus codes and instructed the service manager to clear the codes and return the car to me. Service manager is doing his best to diagnose the issue. But without bmws help and support he can't fix the issue. …
The wiring harness under the dash spontaneously ignited while I was driving. The fire was put out with a fire extinguisher, but re-ignited two more times. It didn't stop re-igniting until the battery wires were disconnected from the battery terminals. Police and the fire dept were called.
While driving straight, the steering wheel tends to stick, force is needed to steer to the left or right or to even keep it going straight. Once you start turning it seems to feel normal until you start to move the wheel back to the neutral position, then you realize the wheel is now stuck in this position. It usually takes quite a tug to get it moving again! It appears to be getting more extreme and requiring more force to move the wheel. I have owned the car for about 2 1/2 years and have always thought it steered a little different, I just figured it was a BMW thing and it being a smaller car that was causing it to handle this way!! I don't think that any more!
Related recalls (6)
Electrical system › Starter assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Electrical system › Starter assembly › Relay
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026.
Electrical system › Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025.
Electrical system › Software
BMW of North Americal, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 8 Series Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, Alpine B8 xDrive), 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i xDrive, M2), and 2022-2023 Z4…
Remedy: Dealers will update the software for the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. In addition, the digital key function via cellular service and Wi-Fi capability will be deactivated until the vehicle is updated…
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.
Show 1 more recall
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW Z4 years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (14), 2003 (13), 2006 (13) and 2005 (6) model years. Electrical complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for BMW Z4 electrical problems?
Yes — 6 recalls, including 26V-056 (starter assembly, Jan 30, 2026); 25V-636 (relay, Sep 23, 2025); 24V-608 (connectors/plugs/receptacles, Aug 13, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do BMW Z4 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring (1 mentions).
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.