2008 BMW Z4 recalls and problems

The 2008 BMW Z4 has 2 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

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Recalls may cover only some 2008 BMW Z4 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 BMW Z4 recalls

Recall 22V-119: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 2, 2022 · 917,106 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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 (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Fix: 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 charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 17V-683: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 30, 2017 · 740,561 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2008 BMW Z4 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	13
Steering	5
Electrical System	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Wheels	1
Engine	1
Seats	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Service Brakes	1

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 4
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) — 1
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 BMW Z4 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Oct 4, 2022

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.

Vehicle Speed Control · at 75,000 miles · reported Apr 28, 2021

Idling in gear (Automatic transmission) at a drive thru. Car suddenly tried to accelerate. Put car in park and engine continued to increase to max rpms. I shut off the engine at the ignition. Restarted engine and idled normally.

Air Bags · at 60,000 miles · reported Mar 9, 2020

The contact owns a 2008 bmw z4. The contact stated that for several months the air bag warning indicator was flashing. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was constantly illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Air Bags · reported Nov 26, 2019

Recently purchased a 2008 bmw z4. After a week of ownership the airbag light came on. Fault code points to the passenger seat occupancy sensor oc3. Bmw issued a 15 year extended warranty to many bmw models including the 2006 and 2007 z4 with comfort seats, but not to the 2008 model. This repair costs upwards of $1500 and is safety related. Bmw needs to step up and cover all affected models!

Air Bags · reported Oct 25, 2019

The airbag red light on dash appeared and stayed on,also passenger yellow airbag light stays on .took to bmw dealer they informed me that the passenger seat occupancy sensor mat was defective and needed to be replaced at a cost around 1,600.00 . Error code 93c3 they informed me with this problem I do not have any airbag protection . This is a safety problem and I believe they have repaired other models but not this model . Why ?

Other BMW Z4 years

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 200920082007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

Compare all BMW Z4 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW Z4 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 BMW Z4: 22V-119 (engine and engine cooling), 17V-683 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW Z4?

Owners report air bags problems most often (13 reports), followed by steering (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.