2009 BMW Z4 recalls and problems

The 2009 BMW Z4 has 4 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
22
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 BMW Z4 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 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.

Recall 13V-044: Electrical System

Reported Feb 7, 2013 · 516,791 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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 manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Recall 09V-327: Electrical System

Reported Aug 11, 2009 · 195 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: Increased electrical resistance in that circuit could cause the safety belt tensioner to fail to deploy in a crash, possibly resulting in increased injury to the seat occupant.

Fix: 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.

2009 BMW Z4 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Wheels11
Engine4
Electrical System2
Seat Belts2
Air Bags2
Power Train1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Steering1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Service Brakes1

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 18,000 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 2009 BMW Z4 complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Feb 9, 2024
The airbag sensor in my passenger seat has failed. I have been quoted approximately $2000 to repair this. However researching online I see BMW Service Bulletin SB-[XXX] which indicates this may be a widespread problem? [XXX] I am concerned to take passengers in the vehicle as I do not know if the airbags will deploy, or deploy at the wrong "rate" based on my understanding of how the sensors work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seat Belts · reported Feb 9, 2024
Drivers side seat belt frayed at the point where it comes out of the vehicle when I am seated and buckled in. This is nearly impossible for me to see and I only saw it by chance pulling the seat belt out for some incidental reason. I am unclear how long it had been like this. Otherwise this defect is completely hidden as it disappears into the vehicle when I unbuckle.
Seat Belts · at 38,000 miles · reported Sep 1, 2020
The seat belt is fraying at the point where it most commonly rests against the chassis while I AM wearing it. It seems to be rubbing against the car causing it to fray. I only noticed it by chance, as it is not a common spot to look at while seated in the vehicle.
Service Brakes · at 5 miles · reported Jul 22, 2020
Ebrake failure. I went on the z4 forum and many people report this same issue of the electronic parking brake / emergency brake simply failing to work.
Engine · reported Sep 17, 2018
The contact owns a 2009 bmw z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v683000 (Engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Other BMW Z4 years

Compare all BMW Z4 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 BMW Z4 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2009 BMW Z4: 22V-119 (engine and engine cooling), 17V-683 (engine and engine cooling), 13V-044 (electrical system), 09V-327 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW Z4?

Owners report wheels problems most often (11 reports), followed by engine (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 18,000 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.