Engine
2.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 409 of 414 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 347 of 414 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Steering
344 complaint records2 crash reports
"STEERING WHEEL STICKS AND RESULTS IN ERRATIC DRIVING TO MOVE IT FROM THE STUCK POSITION. HAPPENS IN CITY AND THE HIGHWAY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Air bags
32 complaint records1 crash report
"PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT'S FAILED SEAT SENSOR AND REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE SEAT. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Electrical system
14 complaint records1 crash report
"ALL SENSORS LIT UP AND WILL NOT GO OFF: TIRE PRESSURE, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE, AIR PRESSURE, AIRBAG, ETC. SENSORS. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE10020 opened Jun 2010 | closed Jun 2011 | Steering | Sticky Steering ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V247000 | Air Bags | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, INCOMPATIBLE ELECTRONIC AIR BAG SYSTEM PROCESSORS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. | Normally free |
| 04V182000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, A VAPOR LOCK IN THE FUEL PUMP COULD OCCUR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. | Normally free |
| 03V214000 | Tires | ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18" TIRES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE TIRE HAS BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE MOUNTING PROCESS TO THE RIM. | Normally free |
| 03V032000 | Seat Belts | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CONNECTION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TO THE STEEL ROPE OF THE TENSIONER DOES NOT MEET BMW SPECIFICATIONS. IN SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES, THIS CONNECTION CAN DETACH. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004123 2004-04-05 | Fuel System | 456 | Certain vehicles contain a defect involving the electric fuel pump. Under certain environmental conditions, for example, driving during high outside temperatures in combination with high altitudes (over 5,000ft.), vapor lock in the fuel... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 Jan 2024 | Visibility | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. | |
| B662419 Sep 2022 | Equipment | Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. | |
| B340414 Apr 2021 | Steering | Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. | |
| B110208 Apr 2020 | Power Train | Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. | |
| 513608 Jul 2019 | Visibility | "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. |
Show 39 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B650709 Jun 2018 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance: | |
| B650709 May 2018 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance: | |
| B650709 Jan 2016 | Equipment | Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials. | |
| B360215 May 2015 | Tires | Valve Stem Replacement with Wheel Electronics. INFORMATION The valve stems are single-use only, and must be replaced every time the wheel electronics are replaced. If you loosen the nut (1), you must replace the valve stem. | |
| 010914 Sep 2014 | Air Bags | "?SI B01 09 14 September 2014 WarrantiesWarranties This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 09 14 dated August 2014. Please read this Service Information bulletin in its entirety, the content has been completely updated. | |
| 610314 Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15°F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control... | |
| 610314 Apr 2014 | Equipment | Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control... | |
| 120913 Nov 2013 | Equipment | State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due To an Invalid VIN Number. The customer of an affected vehicle may fail to pass an I/M test due to a non-compliant 17digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic). | |
| 513608 Nov 2013 | Electrical System | "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. | |
| 513608 Aug 2013 | Visibility | "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. | |
| 641105 May 2013 | Electrical System | Clicking/Popping Noise from Dash at Startup. The customer states that when the vehicle is started, or the ignition switch is turned on, there is a clicking/popping noise coming from the dash area. CAUSE Mis-alignment of the fresh air/recirculation flap gears. | |
| 513608 Feb 2013 | Visibility | "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. | |
| SIB-65-75-06 Aug 2011 | Air Bags | BMW SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP (AWL) IS ILLUMINATED, TOGETHER WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP (POL). THE PROBLEM MAY BE INTERMITTENT. MICROCRACKS IN THE OC3 SEAT MAT. *PE UPDATED 9/30/11. *PE | |
| SIB-33-01-02 Jul 2011 | Suspension | BMW: A GRINDING NOISE IS COMING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL DURING SLOW CORNERING. WHEN TURNING A SLIP/STICK EFFECT IS CREATED ON THE LINING AND STEEL DISCS INCORPORATED IN THE DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH CAUSES A GRINDING NOISE. *RM | |
| SIB-23-01-08 Apr 2011 | Power Train | BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED REGARDING TRANSMISSION CONCERNS. *RM | |
| SI B12 55 06 Jan 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: THERE MAY BE EXCESSIVE CRANKING BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTS. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT MAY ALSO BE ON WITH A LACK OF ENGINE POWER. *RM | |
| SIB-51-42-10 Nov 2010 | Structure | BMW: WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DUE TO A DAMAGED SEAL ON REAR VENTS. *RM | |
| SIB-63-14-10 Nov 2010 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: THE REAR LAMP IS NOT WATER TIGHT DUE TO CRACKS DUE TO STRESS. WATER MAY ENTER THE LAMP. *RM | |
| SIB-63-02-01 Aug 2010 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM | |
| SI B12-55-06 Jul 2010 | Electrical System | N54-DIAGNOSIS FOR DME FC 29DC/2FBF FOR MODELS E90, E92 PRODUCED FROM 06/06 AND E93, E60, E61 PRODUCED FROM 03/07. *PE UPDATED 7/8/09. *PE MODELS E82, E88 PRODUCED FROM START 2000 AND E71 PRODUCED FROM START 2000. UPDATED 7/21/10. *PE MODELS X6, E89, Z4 FROM START OF PRODUCTION. | |
| SIB-11-08-03 Jul 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: SIX DIFFERENT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE M54 ENGINE COULD HAVE VALVE COVERS BREAK IN COLD WEATHER AND RUIN THE ENGINE. THIS IS DUE TO MOISTURE ACCUMULATION. *RM | |
| SIB-32-04-07 Jun 2010 | Steering | BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM | |
| SIB-28-02-08 Jun 2010 | Power Train | BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS IS BEING USED ON MANY MODELS TO DETERMINE THE ROOT CAUSE OF DOUBLE-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *RM | |
| SI B12 12 10 Jun 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: WHEN AT LOWER SPEEDS OR STOPPING THE ENGINE IDLE DIPS TOO LOW BECAUSE OF A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. *RM | |
| SIB-16-02-09 Dec 2009 | Fuel System | BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. | |
| SI-B72-02-09 Aug 2009 | Seat Belts | BMW: BELT TENSIONER HARNESSES. A REPAIR HARNESS FOR THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT TENSIONERS AT THE BELT RETRACTORS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. *PE | |
| SI-B-34-11-08 Aug 2009 | Service Brakes | BMW VEHICLES: TEILECLEARING FOR DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC). A PART REPLACEMENT AUTHORIZATION MUST BE OBTAINED BY SUBMITTING A TC CASE IN PUMA BEFORE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DSC COMPONENTS ARE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED IN THE MODEL SECTION OF THIS... | |
| SIB-12-20-07 Nov 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW VEHICLE: M54/M56-MIXTURE TOO LEAN-FAULT CODES 2882/2883 ARE STORED IN THE DME. COMPLAINTS THAT SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. THE FAULT CODES 2882/2883-FUEL TRIM, MIXTURE TOO LEAN ARE STORED IN THE DME. | |
| SIB-12-24-07 Nov 2007 | Fuel System | BMW VEHICLE: S54-CATALYST PROTECTION MODE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS LOW ON FUEL. COMPLAINTS THAT THE VEHICLE HAS NO POWER DURING HEAVY ACCELERATION. FUEL RESERVE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND THE FUEL LEVEL, WHEN MEASURED WITH THE SERVICE TESTER, IS BELOW 10 LITERS. | |
| 04V182 Apr 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V-182 ENGINE STALLING. *TT | |
| 041904 Apr 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V182 - ENGINE STALLING. CORRECTION PRODUCTION DATES. *TT | |
| 720204 Apr 2004 | Air Bags | RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V-XXX CHECK AIRBAG COMPONENTS AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY. *TT | |
| 121104 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RETROFIT THE POWER SUPPLY CABLE FOR THE THERMAL OIL LEVEL SENSOR. *EH | |
| 121003 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF A READINESS CODE, THE SELF-DIAGNOSIS OF THE TANK VENTING VALVE (TEV) IS NOT BEING COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY. THIS SERVICE ACTION REPROGRAMS THE DME FOR TANK VENTING VALVE OPERATION. *TT | |
| 610203 Mar 2003 | Electrical System | CANNOT INSTALL FOG LAMP / CRUISE CONTROL RETROFIT KITS. *TT | |
| 120403 Feb 2003 | Equipment | SERVICE ACTION TO REPROGRAM THE DME FOR ELECTRONIC FAN ACTIVATION. PRODUCED FROM 11/13/02 UP TO 12/3/02. *TT | |
| 720402 Jan 2003 | Air Bags | AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON, FC 986B OR 98EB STORED. VEHICLES PRODUCED UP TO DECEMBER, 2002. *TT | |
| 640702 Dec 2002 | Equipment | IHKA HEATING OUTPUT IS INADEQUATE. *TT | |
| 090501 Dec 2002 | Equipment | CODING, INDIVIDUALIZATION, PROGRAMMING (CIP) MODULE. *TT |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this BMW Z4 →