2012 BMW Z4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 BMW Z4: 4 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 27 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #12V302000 · 2012 · 162 vehicles
What's wrong: Variations in electrical current May occur within the electric power steering assistance system, leading to sudden loss of power steering assistance.
Why it matters: Sudden loss of steering assistance May increase the steering effort required to control the direction of a vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering assistance module, free of charge. The safety recall began during July 2012.
Brakes (hydraulic), Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #13V454000 · 2013 · 76,191 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance May fail.
Why it matters: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014.
Brakes (hydraulic), Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #14V627000 · 2014 · 8,988 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance May fail. Note: this recall is an expansion of recall 13v-454.
Why it matters: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014.
Electrical, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #24V608000 · 2024 · 720,796 vehicles
What's wrong: 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. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump May be exposed to water and short…
Why it matters: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
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
- Engine & cooling (3): the most common themes are electrical failure (3).
- Electrical (2): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Engine (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2012 BMW Z4 has 5 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 21 Z4 model years for complaints (well below the 61 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 12 years old, at a median of 65,900 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (46 complaints, 6 recalls), 2013 (7 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | 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 2012 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 2012 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2012 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 2012 BMW Z4 problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (3), electrical (2), engine (1).
What gas mileage does the 2012 BMW Z4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 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.