The BMW Z4 is a rather underrated sports car, considering how agile and good-looking it is. This is because of several reasons. But the main reason was that the Z4 was overshadowed by its rivals, not that it was bad on its own.
People do tend to get the Z4 even today and its coupe version is considered by many to be a future classic. So, let’s say that you want one, which are the BMW Z4 years to avoid? Well,
the E85 Z4 years to avoid starting from the very first one – 2003. Beyond that, you should avoid 2005, 2007, and 2008 Z4 years.
Then you have the E89 Z4, for which you must avoid the 2011 and 2016 models. Finally, for the G29 Z4, you should avoid the 2020 year. The following tells you why you need to avoid these years with a bit of background.
BMW Z4 years to avoid
Below are the Z4 years you need to avoid, with the reasons stated as well:
2003 BMW Z4 (445 NHTSA Complaints)
The 2003 Z4 was the very first one to enter production. However, it didn’t do much for the Z4 brand as it generated many complaints and 4 recalls. Among the large number of cases picked up by the NHTSA, the most concerning issues were related to problems with the steering, the fuel and the cooling setups.
Plus, it is literally the oldest Z4 out there so you can expect a lot of mileage and wear-and-tear. It simply won’t cut it in this day and age. All of these things make the 2003 Z4 the worst model to buy.
2005 BMW Z4 (200 NHTSA Complaints)
BMW worked on the aforementioned problems in the 2004 model, but the 2005 model arrived with its own set of issues. Its most disturbing and widely reported problem is that its steering tends to stick in the summer. Apart from this, it is also susceptible to electrical faults.
2007 BMW Z4 (43 NHTSA Complaints)
The steering issues persist in this version of the Z4 as well. The vehicle has been reported to get into a drift when you steer it. Another dangerous fault with this car is a bad electronic power-assist system.
You’ll be spending a lot on repairs according to the consumers online. Another alarming situation rose 10 years after this model was released. Drivers received a warning that indicated a melted PCV valve, which was a huge fire hazard.
2008 BMW Z4 (17 NHTSA Complaints)
The 2008 Z4 is the last vehicle of the first generation of this make. However, it wasn’t a good sendoff due to some overheating problems encountered by its owners. It got recalled two times.
2011 BMW Z4 (29 NHTSA Complaints)
While there were no serious problems with the 2009 and 2010 model years, the 2011 brought a bit of shame to the second generation Z4. It suffered from wheel and brake issues, and was recalled 5 times.
2020 BMW Z4 (7 NHTSA Complaints)
The 2020 Z4 is the newest model on this list and it is part of the third generation of the make. The owners of this car have complained about problems with its engine, brakes, suspension, and steering.
The car has been subjected to a whopping 5 recalls as a result of its recurring issues.
Are older BMW Z4s reliable?
Despite the several years listed here, the Z4 should be generally reliable. Take its data from Repair Pal for example, based on all of the data it has received since the car’s inception, the site has given the Z4 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of a possible 5.
This puts it at average, the same as a BMW 3 series in fact. If you plan to get a used BMW Z4, just keep in mind that you don’t buy one of the aforementioned models.
Also, ensure that you get all the spark plugs, the filters, the fluids, and other components changed. And yes, you should also remember that the repairs on this car will be pricey. So, try to make preventative maintenance a priority for a great ownership experience.
Is BMW Z4 Worth it?
Yes, the BMW Z4 is worth looking at. Sure, you can find better options in the market, but the Z4 is more luxurious and you can expect to have fun on the tarmac with it as well. An older Z4 will be a cheap find in the used car market and you can expect it to become a future classic.
