2011 BMW Z4 Owner Complaints

ON 3 APRIL 2026 I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 BMW Z4 SDRIVE 30I E89 N52K (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) THAT HAS 31,000 MILES ON IT, SUDDENLY A STEERING ASSISTANCE MALFUNCTION TROUBLE LIGHT APPEARED AND I LOST ALL ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT!! THEN SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING CONTROL RETURNED. ON APRIL 4 I LOST THE STEERING CONTROL AGAIN AND TOOK IT TO A BMW REPAIR SHOP. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE EPS (ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROL). UPON INVESTIGATION, A SPECIFIC RECALL EXISTS FOR 2012 BMW Z4 REGARDING THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) SYSTEM. (NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN #12V302000: ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE.) THE RECALL CAMPAIGN NOTES THAT, AFTER THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTARTED, THE EPS MODULE MAY FUNCTION PROPERLY. IN THAT CASE, THE WARNING SYMBOL IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL NO LONGER APPEAR, AND THE AUDIBLE WARNING WILL NOT ACTIVATE. HOWEVER THE CONDITION MAY OCCUR AGAIN. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS OCCURRING WITH MY CAR AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL OCCUR. THE CAMPAIGN COVERS 2012 Z4'S AND COVERED SOME CARS MANUFACTURED IN LATE 2011. HOWEVER, THE VIN FOR MY 2011 BMW Z4 SDRIVE 30I E89 N52K (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) IS WBALM5C58BE162421 AND IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 04/2010. THE EPS IN MY 2011 BMW Z4 IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE EPS THAT IS COVERED IN THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN #12V302000: ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE.) CLEARLY MY 2011 BMW Z4 SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WHICH REQUIRES A 4 HR REPAIR BY A CERTIFIED BMW DEALER AND REPLACEMENT OF THE EPS UNIT. FOR Z4 MODELS THE TECHNICIANS ARE TO REFER TO REPAIR INSTRUCTION 32 13 370, "REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) ELECTRIC STEERING BOX (EPS)." E89 STEERING GEAR PART # 32 10 6 855 888. PLUS FOLLOWING PARTS: ASA BOLT (#32 10 6 773 068); HEX NUT (#33 32 6 768 884); TORX BOLT (#32 30 6 778 609); COMBINATION NUT (#33 30 6 787 062). ALL ABOVE REFERENCED PARTS WERE LISTED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. !

NHTSA ID

11729687

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

Electrical power steering system failed, warning light came on. Vehicle suddenly became very difficult to impossible to steer. Failed to negotiate a turn and nearly hit a tree. I have an appointment set with an independent service dealer near me, but I’m afraid to drive it there, so I may have it towed. The warning light came on just moments before the initial failure.

NHTSA ID

11658036

Incident

Apr 24, 2025

Steering assist failed almost resulting in head on collision. Failure is serious and likely to cause fatalities

NHTSA ID

11650357

Incident

Mar 24, 2025

Power steering is intermittent where assist goes from working to not working changing the effort required to turn the wheel. When power assist goes off it is difficult to steer the car.

NHTSA ID

11621433

Incident

Aug 2, 2024

October, 9, 2024 BMW USA Customer Relations, Recall Services Ms. Ikevia, Thank you following up. My 2021 claim regarding the 2011 BMW Z4 Vanos Bolts recall has been pending since April, 2021. My Z4 almost destroyed itself, after having been left off your recall list. December, 2023 BMW USA provided me written notice my VIN had been added to the recall list so I will be reimbursed for the costly repair. I hope you will help your colleagues who are stonewalling to appreciate my patience as well as my willingness to fight for reimbursement for as long as it takes You do have all my information in your Vanos Bolts Recall file, including detailed photos from my Syncro Car Care professionals who did the repair when you declined to help me. My VIN which is: [XXX] - 2011 Z4 3.0 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11618865

Incident

Apr 15, 2021

Electric power assist intermittently fails without warning making steering impossible. Similar to 2012 z4 recall

NHTSA ID

11607157

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

I have written to you previously to advise of repeated engine issues with my vehicle, a 2011 BMW Z4. I also included invoices of work that was done over time to correct a likely Engineering flaw that caused excessive fuel injector failure. In 2021, there was a 10 year extended warranty to replace them. Prior and after the warranty work, there was almost constant engine misfires and engine warning lights resulting in decreased engine performance, and low oil lights that came on every 300+ miles driven. My recent issue with the car involves a starter quitting while driving at 70mph on [XXX]. It was terrifying. It's impossible to put into words that death was imminent. On [XXX], we were traveling to Orangeburg, SC when the car suddenly "died" on the highway. Once we recovered from our shock, we had the vehicle towed to a local shop. The owner advised us that it needed a new starter. Once that was replaced, the car started with a severe screeching noise. After further assessment, it was determined that there was a bent piston rod and that the engine would have rebuilt or replaced. I, a former automotive Engineer, believe that there was an inherent design flaw that caused the car to excessively use oil. Interestingly, I purchased a new BMW and as a condition of sale, was required to sign a document that I would not sue BMW or participate in a class action lawsuit. I was not provided with a copy of the form that was signed, but doubt that it would be upheld in court. BMW needs to be held accountable for their products and their performance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11599556

Incident

Jun 27, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was difficult to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11593843

Incident

May 6, 2023

Mileage

30,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11588988

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

Mileage

68,000 mi

Hello, I am writing to you about repeated repairs that I have incurred for my 2011 BMW Z4, VIN [XXX] . On [XXX] 2017, I had a BMW initiated, no cost recall/extended warranty replacement of 6 fuel injectors performed at Hilton Head BMW in Hilton Head, SC. Due to the nature of the work, it was recommended that the 6 spark plugs be replaced, which were not covered under the recall/extended warranty, and which I paid $187.71 in parts and labor for. Mileage at this time was 45,795. On [XXX], 2019, I once again had the spark plugs and ignition coils replaced at Hilton Head BMW at a cost of $1208.25 for parts and labor. Mileage at this time was 58,815. On [XXX], 2024, I had the ignition coil and spark plugs replaced again by Import Service of the Lowcountry at a cost of $840 for parts and labor. Mileage at this time was 95,977. Relative to this, I also had fuel injector replacement performed on [XXX], 2024, at a cost of $724.29 for parts and labor. Lastly, the valve cover and #2 fuel injector failed and were replaced on [XXX], 2024 at a cost of $1843.14. Mileage at this time was 97,125. I am seeking $4803.59 in reimbursement costs for a repeated field defect that is known to BMW, and for which they have failed to correct through recall/extended warranty mitigation. All of these instances caused me to lose power while driving in traffic, putting me at serious risk for injury. Please find attached copies of the receipts for the above work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11587932

Incident

Aug 17, 2017

We received notice of this recall, and while the Manufacturer administratively states there is no remedy, they then list the remedy quite simply which is to replace the Vanos Bolts. I called around to dealers and other Euroshops and every one of them has the parts to remedy the recall. Because of this it is clear that both the remedy and parts required for this recall is in fact available. Given this information this means BMW is either negligently prolonging listing the remedy as available or worse, purposely doing so in order float money that they do not yet want to shell out to dealers to fix these recalls. I have contacted BMW customer relations and while they do not dispute that the parts to remedy this recall are readily available, they refuse to administratively list the recall remedy as available. They refuse to offer to replace or refund the vehicle as well. This is a violation of federal law and our rights as a consumer, whereas the manufactures must proceed in a timely fashion and while they are granted time to develop a remedy and procure the parts needed, there is no part of the law that allows them to unilaterally administratively refuse to list the remedy as available when in fact the remedy is available as are the parts to repair it readily available. Resolutions we will accept on this matter are exactly what is required by the manufacturer by law. Correctly list the recall remedy as available so we can have it remedied at a dealer, and if BMW refuses to do that, they are violating our rights to repair this in a timely fashion and must either replace of refund.  Please assist on this matter thank you so much

NHTSA ID

11557417

Incident

Oct 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact started while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer also stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 106,000.

NHTSA ID

11518258

Incident

Apr 17, 2023

Mileage

106,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11503398

Incident

Mar 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11497074

Incident

Dec 12, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11495483

Incident

Apr 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, he started to smell a burning plastic odor. Additionally, white smoke started coming from the vents. The contact stated that the smoke was not heavy but steady. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. The VIN was not available. The contact stated that the issue has not been resolved yet. The dealer has refused to repair the damages to the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11490352

Incident

Oct 21, 2022

Mileage

52,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering was locked in a slight left turn and he had to apply the brakes to keep the vehicle on the road. The contact was able to pull off to the left side of the highway. The contact stated that a yellow steering wheel warning light was illuminated, and a warning bell was chiming. The contact turned the vehicle off and upon restarting the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that as soon as he exited the highway, the failure occurred again and has persisted. The contact researched and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V302000 (Steering) however, the model year was not included. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11462141

Incident

Apr 20, 2022

Mileage

70,000 mi

In Sept. 2018, the car was serviced but died after leaving the BMW service center. BMW paid for towing after discovering a frayed ribbed v-belt, which they replaced at no cost. In Nov. 2021, the oil gauge was indicating a problem and the car was then serviced at the same BMW service center. The technician was shocked to find broken pieces of an old drive belt stuck in suction tube. They took a video and then replaced the leaking oil pan gasket and gasket rings. Despite the risk of serious bodily harm or death if the engine had suddenly failed on the highway, BMW service center could not explain how pieces of the old drive belt got into the suction tube. They could not tell us that this problem would not happen again. This problem is not limited to BMW; however, at least one other car manufacturer has taken steps to prevent this problem.

NHTSA ID

11449408

Incident

Nov 19, 2021

Vehicle has less than 50,000 miles and already having steering malfunction alerts. Steering randomly stops working and unable to turn vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11422827

Incident

Jun 14, 2021

Mileage

49,999 mi

CAR HAS A STEERING PROBLEM THAT GOES IN AND OUT. WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SHAKE WHEN NOT MOVING.

NHTSA ID

11366211

Incident

Oct 2, 2020

Mileage

75,000 mi

VEHICLE STOLEN BY JESUS VELASQUEZ DOB 10.30.1968 561.306.0427 678.923.0258 678.574.7991 904.464.6798 525 CARAWAY COURT ST. JONS FLORIDA 139 PAVIA PLACE ST JOHNS FLORIDA 32259 CHRYSLER FLORIDA PLATEVBXXPN4

NHTSA ID

11309602

Incident

Apr 4, 2018

ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING HAS INTERMITTENT FAULTS/ERRORS DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. BMW ACKNOWLEDGED THIS ISSUE AND DID A RECALL IN 2012 FOR 2012 MODEL YEAR Z4'S - NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V302000. THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM IS WELL BEYOND THE 162 VEHICLES THAT WERE ADDRESSED WITH THE RECALL IN 2012.

NHTSA ID

11309349

Incident

Feb 15, 2020

Mileage

41,000 mi

THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED WITH AN AMBER INDICATOR SHOWING ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN STARTING THE CAR. HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR (6SP) AND THEN GET OUT AND CHOCK THE WHEELS IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING DOWN HILL. INDEPENDANT REPAIR STATION INFORMED ME THERE WAS AN ERROR CODE - 6017 WHEEL SPEED SENSOR DFA_EMF IN THE PARKING BRAKE MODULE. THIS ERROR IS IN FACT A BUG IN THE SOFTWARE AND REQUIRED A NEW VERION OF CODE TO BE LOADED AT THE BMW DEALER FOR A COST OF $430. BMW HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE AT LEAST 2013 AND HAS NOT ISSUED A NOTICE OR RECALL. THIS ISSUE AFFECTING HUNDREDS OF BMWS NEEDS TO BE INVESIGATED DUE TO THE OBVIOUS SAFTEY CONCERNS.

NHTSA ID

11187193

Incident

Mar 7, 2019

Mileage

67,000 mi

EPS FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON STATE HIGHWAY. POWER STEERING ALARM CAME ON AND STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF AND HARD TO STEER. PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON. FAULT RESET BUT THE ALARM OCASSIONALLY STILL SOUNDED. TOOK TO BMW SERVICE, CHECKED OUT AND SAID THE EPS BOX NEEDED REPLACED. DEALER SERVICED CAR AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE CAR FOR FIVE MONTHS. THIS TIME STEERING FAILED AGAIN WHILE DRIVING , BUT THE STEERING RETURNED. HEADED TO HOME AND STEERING AGAIN FAILED AND ALARM CAME ON. STEERING NOW IS STIFF AND CANNOT DRIVE. THERE WAS A RECALL (12V3002000) NOV 2011 THROUGH 2012 WAS RECALLED. MY CAR MFG IN OCT. 2011. SO BMW SAID OUR CAR WAS NOT COVERED. I FEEL BMW SHOULD LOOK AT EARLIER CARS AS THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. IF MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR WHEN THIS FAILED SHE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OVERCOME THE STEERING FAILURE. FIRST FAILURE AT 74,000 MILES.

NHTSA ID

11162541

Incident

Dec 17, 2018

Mileage

73,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT IT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF ASHEVILLE (649 NEW AIRPORT RD, FLETCHER, NC 28732, (828) 681-9900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

NHTSA ID

11112405

Incident

Jul 4, 2018

Mileage

36,000 mi