2009 BMW Z4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 BMW Z4: 4 recalls, 22 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #09V327000 · 2009 · 195 vehicles
What's wrong: A defective crimp connector in a belt tensioner wiring plug May lead to increased electrical resistance of that connection.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: The safety belt tensioner wiring will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on September 5, 2009.
Electrical, Electrical Vehicle recall #13V044000 · 2013 · 516,791 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle May unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V683000 · 2017 · 740,561 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
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. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
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. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Wheels (11): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (10).
- Engine (4): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (2): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Seat belts (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2009 BMW Z4 has 22 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 21 Z4 model years for complaints (well below the 61 average). Complaints peaked in 2012 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 17,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (19 complaints, 2 recalls), 2010 (10 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 22 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | 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 2009 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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2009 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2009 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 2009 BMW Z4 problems?
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are wheels (11), engine (4), electrical (2).
What gas mileage does the 2009 BMW Z4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 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.