2003 BMW Z4 Problems

This vehicle has a "sticky steering" issue in warm or hot weather, the steering sticks and requires a lot of effort to get the wheel to turn. If I am doing any speeds over 40 mph and keep adjusting the steering, I have almost wrecked the car on more than one occasion. The problem is the electric steering on the early year models of the BMW Z4. Mine is a 2003, the first year the car was on the market.

Steering is binding up, very hard to steer and control. Car starts out running fine after parked in hot weather and restarted it is almost uncontrollable. Looking for corrective action. Only 39,920 miles on car. Would like to use it or sell it, can do neither in current condition. Steering column needed or components

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE TO TAYLOR BMW 4180 WASHINGTON RD, EVANS, GA 30809 WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS INOPERABLE AND NEEDED TO BE SERVICES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V247000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

FROM DAY ONE I HAD AIRBAG PROBLEM FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE. AIR BAG NEVER WORKED. BMW HAD RECALL AND EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS, BUT THEY DON'T ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY STEERING COLUMN HAS PROBLEMS TOO

Sticky steering steering wheel hard to turn and stops intermittently when outside temperature is hot

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER SIDE TO SIDE AND AS A RESULT, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE ON THE LEFT LANE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNKYARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated that the coolant warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that she noticed smoke underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed a leak on the ground located near the rear passenger’s side tire. Additionally, the contact then stated that while operating the convertible drop top, she heard an abnormal sound in the motor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FROM A STOPPED POSITION. STALLS AT OR IN TRYING TO MOVE THROUGH INTERSECTIONS

The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated that the coolant warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that she noticed smoke underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed a leak on the ground located near the rear passenger’s side tire. Additionally, the contact then stated that while operating the convertible drop top, she heard an abnormal sound in the motor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FAILED TO FUNCTION AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT RELEASE OPEN. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND REPAIRED TWICE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,618. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER SIDE TO SIDE AND AS A RESULT, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE ON THE LEFT LANE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNKYARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

CAR STEERING HARD TO CENTER , STEERING STICKS TO THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT , WHEN TEMPERATURE OUT SIDE IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES OR WHEN YOU DRIVE A LONG WAYS AND THE CAR BEGINS TO PRODUCE HEAT.VERY HARD TO DRIVE OR TAKE A LONG TRIP IN.VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR

VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FROM A STOPPED POSITION. STALLS AT OR IN TRYING TO MOVE THROUGH INTERSECTIONS

12-31-08 MY CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHILE I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE BETWEEN 55-65 MILES PE HOUR. I WAS TRAPPED IN THE MIDDLE LANE BUT WAS ABLE TO CRUISE TO THE OUTER LAND BUT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. TAFTER 10 =15 MINUTES MY CAR STARTED, AND THE FLORIDA STATE TROOPER ASSIST ME TO THE NEXT EXIT. AFTER I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO MY HOME 45 MILES AWAY.... IT COST ME $197.00 BUT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY PAID 70 DOLLARS OF THE FULL COST..... BMW HAVE A RECALL ON CERTAIN 2003 Z4 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT HAS REFUSED TO RECALL MY CAR AFTER IT IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED 2003 BMW Z4 SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL WHILE GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, ON JULY 7, 2005. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND SHE WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED. THE SECOND TIME SHE HAD BEEN IN THE VEHICLE FOR A WHILE AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON JULY 18, 2005, WHILE GOING 65-70 MPH. SHE CONTACTED A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS. SHE HAS NOT CONTACTED BMW. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO BACK INTO GEAR WHEN ITSHIFTED TO NEUTRAL. SHE PULLED OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE GOT SCRATCHED WHILE ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY.*AK

WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND THEN IT WENT INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. *AK *CB *JB

MY NAME IS [XXX] , I JUST RECENTLY OWN A 2003 BMW Z4. IT IS ABOUT 65K CLEAN TITLE. I HAVE JUST NOTICE SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE STEERING. I RESEARCHED THIS ON MULTIPLE FORUMS AND IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS EXAMPLES OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS. MOST RELATE TO ISSUES IN HOT TEMPERATURES AND TO SPEED. PROBLEM WAS VERY NOTICEABLE LAST EVENING AT 70 DEGREES. HERE ARE THE SYMPTOMS... AT LOW SPEEDS (UNDER 20MPH) STEERING IS VERY LIGHT AND SMOOTH, NO ISSUES AT ALL. AS SPEED INCREASES, THE STEERING GETS HEAVIER (AS IT SHOULD) BUT DEVELOPS A "DETENT" AT STRAIGHT CENTER. THE FASTER THE SPEED, THE MORE EFFORT NEEDED TO OVERCOME THE DETENT RESISTANCE, TO THE POINT THAT IT BECOMES EASY TO OVERSTEER THE CAR. THIS CAN BE REAL SCARY DURING AVOIDANCE MANEUVERS AND QUICK LANE CHANGES. THE HOT WEATHER JUST MAKES IT WORSE. FROM WHAT I KNOW FROM RESEARCH, THE WAY TO FIX THIS IS DO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN. I M SINCERE ASKING FOR HELP. I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE IT CHANGE ON MY OWN WHEN IS IT MORE LIKE BMW' ENGINEER PROBLEMS. I HOPE YOU GUYS CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEFORE IT GET TOO SERIOUS. THANKS IN ADVANCE. PLEASE CALL OR CONTACT ME THROUGH MY EMAIL AT [XXX] OR MY NUMBERS AT [XXX]. (BEST TO CALL ME) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH OR WHEN DRIVING IN HIGH TEMPERATURES ABOVE 80 DEGREES THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE. UPDATED 09/26/11

CAR STEERING HARD TO CENTER , STEERING STICKS TO THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT , WHEN TEMPERATURE OUT SIDE IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES OR WHEN YOU DRIVE A LONG WAYS AND THE CAR BEGINS TO PRODUCE HEAT.VERY HARD TO DRIVE OR TAKE A LONG TRIP IN.VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. SHE STATED THAT THE CENTER, HIGH MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHT WAS FRACTURED IN THREE PLACES. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO HERS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WERE THERE ANY REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 25,000.

1.VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE; UNABLE TO MAINTAIN STEERING OR KEEP VEHICLE ON THE ROAD SAFELY. 2.VIBRATIONS WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 3.MANUAL GEAR BOX; SHIFTING THROUGH GEARS NOT SMOOTH, NOT ENGAGING SMOOTHLY 4.WATER LEAKING INSIDE OF VEHICLE TRUNK AND REAR SEAT AREAS. VEHICLE TRUNK AREA WAS SATURATED WITH WATER AFTER RAINING; FILLING WATER OVER THE BATTERY BOX AND CARPETS, SHORTING OUT ELECTRONICS. 5.OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE; PLASTIC COMPONENTS EARLY DETERIORATION; FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER AREA BLACK PLASTIC COWL AND ANTENNA. INSIDE OF VEHICLE BLACK PLASTIC COVER FOR CONVERTIBLE TOP 6.RAIN SENSOR INOP 7.DOOR LOCKS INOP/INTERMITTENT 8.WINDOWS REGULATORS PLASTIC BROKEN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CANNOT INTERNALLY OR EXTERNALLY OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE FAILURE WOULD PREVENT HIM FROM EXITING THE VEHICLE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,000.

TAKATA RECALL. 2003 BMW Z4 AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID SEAT BELTS LOCK WHEN CAR HIT A TRACTER TRAILER WHO SUDDENLY STOPPED SHORT ON THE HIGHWAY. BMW WAS MOVING AT APPROX 80 MPH WHEN DRIVER HIT BREAKS UPON SEEING TRAILER STOP SHORT.

THE SEAT BELT NO LONGER LOCKS, THE SEAT BELT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THE TENSION HAS NOT BEEN GREAT. BUT THE SEAT BELT HAS FAILED. *TR

THE POWER STEERING QUIT I LOST THE POWER STEERING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IT WAS MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER. WHEN IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER I WAS INFORMED THEY HAD BEEN REPLACING THEM FREE OF CHARGE ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS, BUT I WAS OUT OF LUCK BECAUSE I WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE GIRL I SPOKE WITH SAID SHE WOULD TALK TO HER SUPERVISOR AND SEE IF THEY COULD HELP. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED BACK. IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING THE CAR AT THE TIME THE PUMP FAILED IT DEFINITELY COULD HAVE BEEN A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. *TR

1.VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE; UNABLE TO MAINTAIN STEERING OR KEEP VEHICLE ON THE ROAD SAFELY. 2.VIBRATIONS WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 3.MANUAL GEAR BOX; SHIFTING THROUGH GEARS NOT SMOOTH, NOT ENGAGING SMOOTHLY 4.WATER LEAKING INSIDE OF VEHICLE TRUNK AND REAR SEAT AREAS. VEHICLE TRUNK AREA WAS SATURATED WITH WATER AFTER RAINING; FILLING WATER OVER THE BATTERY BOX AND CARPETS, SHORTING OUT ELECTRONICS. 5.OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE; PLASTIC COMPONENTS EARLY DETERIORATION; FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER AREA BLACK PLASTIC COWL AND ANTENNA. INSIDE OF VEHICLE BLACK PLASTIC COVER FOR CONVERTIBLE TOP 6.RAIN SENSOR INOP 7.DOOR LOCKS INOP/INTERMITTENT 8.WINDOWS REGULATORS PLASTIC BROKEN. *TR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH ON DRY ASPHALT ROADS, A VIBRATION WAS HEARD IN THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. UPON INSPECTION OF THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE, THE CONTACT DETERMINED THAT THE SIDE OF THE TIRE CLOSEST TO THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO HAVE RUBBED AGAINST THE SHOCK ABSORBER, AND THE CORDS WERE VISIBLE WHERE THE TREAD MET THE SIDEWALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE.

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT BOTH REAR TIRES BULGED WHILE PARKED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO CONFIRMED THAT BOTH INSIDE SIDEWALLS WERE BULGING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK *SB *NM

WHEN STEERING SHARPLY OR TURNING THE WHEEL FREQUENTLY LIKE TO PARALLEL PARK FOR EXAMPLE, THE ELECTRICAL SUDDENLY COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN IN MY CAR. THE CAR'S POWER COMPLETELY DIES AND I LOSE ABILITY TO STEER. SOMETIMES THIS IS WHILE MAKING A QUICK TURN WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING QUICKLY. I MUST STOP TURNING, WAIT FOR THE POWER TO TURN BACK ON, AND RESUME DRIVING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR. *TR

2003 BMW Z4 3.0 WITH THE SMG TRANSMISSION (W/ SPORT PACKAGE). THE FOLLOWING INSTANCE HAS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN THE CURRENT 2,600 MILES ON THE NEW VEHICLE. WHILE IN THE "MANUAL MODE" IN THE SMG TRANSMISSION AND DOWNSHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR (AT A 4-WAY STOP INTERSECTION), WHILE WAITING TO ACCELERATE OUT INTO THE INTERSECTION THE TRANSMISSION "SLIPPED" INTO NETURAL WITHOUT MYSELF (DRIVER) KNOWING, SO WHEN IT WAS TIME TO ACCELERATE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION I WAS VERY SUPRISED TO FIND I DID NOT MOVE BUT HEARD THE ENGINE JUST REV WHILE I STAYED PUT!! AFTER WAVING OFF (HOLD ON A MINUTE) TO THE CARS WAITING BEHIND ME, I HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND PUT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, WAIT.., THEN PUT THE VEHICLE IN NETURAL, WAIT.., THEN PUT THE VEHICLE IN FIRST GEAR, WAIT.. IT ENGAGED AND I PROCEED FROM THERE. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS VERY SIMILIAR BUT WAS AT A 4-WAY TRAFFIC LIGHT, AND WAS A LITTLE MORE DIFFICULT TO GET BACK INTO FIRST GEAR (ALSO, OTHER VEHICLES BEEPING HORNS, ETC.). I HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THIS TO THEM AND THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THE PROBLEM AND COULD NOT FIX A PROBLEM THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE AND/OR HAD NO INFORMATION FROM BMW ABOUT A FIX? I FILED A FORMAL COMPLIANT THROUGH BMWNA ON FRIDAY AUGUST 22ND, 2003. THROUGH FORUMS ON WEB-SITES, I HAVE FOUND I'M NOT ALONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I FEAR THAT A DRIVER COULD BE PUT IN A VERY COMPROMISING POSITION, SUCH AS WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN IN A LEFT TURN LANE, EMERGENCY AVOIDANCE, GIVING RIGHT OF WAY TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES, ETC.). POSSIBLLY A QUICK TEMPORARY SOLUTION SUCH AS AN "AUDIBLE TONE" WHEN GENERATED WHILE THE SMG TRANSMISSION "AUTOMATICALLY" SLIPS INTO NETURAL FROM FIRST GEAR? THANK YOU.*AK

1.VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE; UNABLE TO MAINTAIN STEERING OR KEEP VEHICLE ON THE ROAD SAFELY. 2.VIBRATIONS WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 3.MANUAL GEAR BOX; SHIFTING THROUGH GEARS NOT SMOOTH, NOT ENGAGING SMOOTHLY 4.WATER LEAKING INSIDE OF VEHICLE TRUNK AND REAR SEAT AREAS. VEHICLE TRUNK AREA WAS SATURATED WITH WATER AFTER RAINING; FILLING WATER OVER THE BATTERY BOX AND CARPETS, SHORTING OUT ELECTRONICS. 5.OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE; PLASTIC COMPONENTS EARLY DETERIORATION; FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER AREA BLACK PLASTIC COWL AND ANTENNA. INSIDE OF VEHICLE BLACK PLASTIC COVER FOR CONVERTIBLE TOP 6.RAIN SENSOR INOP 7.DOOR LOCKS INOP/INTERMITTENT 8.WINDOWS REGULATORS PLASTIC BROKEN. *TR

VEHICLE WINDSHIELD WIPER DRIVE FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY DURING A SEVERE RAINSTORM WHILE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING IN INSIDE LANE AT 65 MPH IN MODERATE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ON I-65 AT LEE ST. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE INTERSTATE WITHOUT CRASHING. NOTE: DRIVE MOTOR FOR WIPERS OPERATES PASSENGER SIDE WITH LINKAGE TO DRIVER'S SIDE. NO INDICATION PRIOR TO FAILURE. DRIVERS SIDE BEARING FAILED ALLOWING LINKAGE TO DROP FROM DRIVER'S SIDE WIPER PIN. DESIGN SHOULD BE MODIFIED TO DRIVE THE DRIVERS SIDE RATHER THAN THE PASSENGER SIDE OR LINKAGE MODIFIED TO ALLOW GRAVITY TO SECURE THE LINKAGE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DRIVE PIN. *TR