2006 BMW Z4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 BMW Z4: 2 recalls, 91 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #19V273000 · 2019 · 184,505 vehicles
What's wrong: 0i and z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve May short circuit.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pcv valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #22V119000 · 2022 · 917,106 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (55): the most common themes are steering problems (55).
- Airbags (14): the most common themes are warning light on (9), fails to deploy (2).
- Electrical (13): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), fire / smoke (6), warning light on (3).
- Engine (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3), warning light on (3), electrical failure (2).
The 2006 BMW Z4 has 91 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 21 Z4 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 61). Complaints peaked in 2014 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 54,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (190 complaints, 0 recalls), 2007 (33 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 BMW Z4.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2006 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2006 BMW Z4. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 BMW Z4 problems?
Owners have filed 91 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (55), airbags (14), electrical (13).
What gas mileage does the 2006 BMW Z4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 BMW Z4 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.