The 2009 BMW Z4's low safety profile includes 4 recall campaigns and 22 owner-reported complaints. Make recall verification part of your pre-purchase checklist.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

17V6830002017-30-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, 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.

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.

View at NHTSA

13V0440002013-07-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. 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 electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

22V1190002022-02-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, 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 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

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.

View at NHTSA

View all 4 recalls

09V3270002009-11-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 Z4 30I AND 35I VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 10 AND MARCH 19, 2009. A DEFECTIVE CRIMP CONNECTOR IN A BELT TENSIONER WIRING PLUG MAY LEAD TO INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.

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.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2009 BMW Z4 has accumulated 22 NHTSA complaints over 1 years, with wheels leading the pack. Know what to look for before you buy.

01Wheels10

02Engine3

03Seat Belts2

04Air Bags1

05Service Brakes1

22 total across 1 model years (2009–2009)Full data at NHTSA.gov

BMW Z4 Fuel Economy

20–22mpg combined

17-19city

24-29hwy

$3,700-$4,100/yr

With 4 configurations tested, the 2009 BMW Z4 ranges from 20 to 22 MPG combined. That's a 2 MPG gap that can add up to hundreds of dollars a year in fuel costs.

By Trim

Z4 sDrive30i - Automatic (S6)

22mpg

3.0L 6-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

19 city29 hwy~$3,700/yr-1/10 Poor

Z4 sDrive30i - Manual 6-spd

22mpg

3.0L 6-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

19 city28 hwy~$3,700/yr-1/10 Poor

Z4 sDrive35i - Automatic (S7)

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

17 city24 hwy~$4,100/yr-1/10 Poor

Z4 sDrive35i - Manual 6-spd

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

18 city25 hwy~$4,100/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2009 BMW Z4

31States

34%in top 3

If you're near California, you're in luck: 15% of listings are there. But with 31 states represented, there's likely one near you too.

CACalifornia

6515%

ILIllinois

4210%

TXTexas

379%

FLFlorida

327%

AZArizona

215%

MOMissouri

205%

GAGeorgia

194%

OROregon

174%

OHOhio

143%

NCNorth Carolina

133%

WAWashington

123%

PAPennsylvania

113%

INIndiana

102%

OKOklahoma

102%

NJNew Jersey

92%

MIMichigan

92%

NYNew York

82%

DCWashington DC

82%

MA7

DE6

MD6

MN6

CO6

NH5

UT4

AL4

WI4

VA3

NV3

SC3

KY3

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2009.

2009 BMW Z4: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2009 BMW Z4 a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2009 BMW Z4. There are 4 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2009 BMW Z4?

Yes, 4 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2009 BMW Z4?

Fuel economy ranges from 20 to 22 MPG combined. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that gap is worth about $239 annually. See the fuel economy section for per-trim data.

What are common problems with the 2009 BMW Z4?

WHEELS problems top the list with 22 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.

How does the 2009 compare to other BMW Z4 years?

Each BMW Z4 model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the BMW Z4 overview page.