| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
BMW Z4 repairs by problem area
Engine (31%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)
Brakes and Traction Control (3%)
Suspension and Steering (11%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (26%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (17%)
Other (5%)
Select a problem area
- Engine
- Transmission and Drivetrain
- Brakes and Traction Control
- Suspension and Steering
- Electrical and Air Conditioning
- Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim
- Other
Chart based on 714 repairs.
BMW Z4 electrical repair cost distribution
$2500+ (2%)
$1000 - $2499 (8%)
$500 - $999 (16%)
$100 - $499 (34%)
< $100 (40%)
Chart based on 163 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2011 BMW Z4 2dr Hardtop conv.
turbocharged 335hp 3.0L I6 7-speed automated manual RWD
| 29000 mi | Factory recall |
2011 BMW Z4 2dr Hardtop conv.
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 7-speed automated manual RWD
| 22000 mi | Under Warranty, dealer replaced entire right tail light. |
| 46000 mi US $200 |
Replace battery |
2009 BMW Z4 2dr Hardtop conv.
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 9000 mi | Reflash CPU. |
2008 BMW Z4 2dr Hatch
330-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 16326 mi $1200 |
Xenon light control unit replaced |
| 21000 mi | Air bag light,cup holder |
2008 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
330-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 31000 mi US $600 |
It needed a new alternator. |
2008 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 78 mi US $1000 |
Starter failed |
2008 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 16536 mi US $525 |
Convertible roof failure. Dealer quoted $1800 for repair. Fixed in a weekend for about $525. Must have technical ability and not for beginners |
2007 BMW Z4 2dr Hatch
330-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 31000 mi US $465 |
Bulbs and igniters replaced |
| 30380 mi | Tachometer not working when sold. |
| 52700 mi US $10 |
Angel eye bulb replacement. |
| 30000 mi | Driver's side headlight control module faulty causing intermittant headlight function. Module replaced under OEM warranty. |
| 48000 mi | battery was dieing, needed to be replaced. |
| 14000 mi | rough operating power seat. |
| 26000 mi US $180 |
doors sometimes do not unlock via remote, dealer reset computer and could not replicate, problem not fixed |
| 41000 mi | replaced GPS antenna |
2007 BMW Z4 2dr Hatch
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 92000 mi US $572 |
alternator bearings shot rebuilt for 72 bucks. |
2007 BMW Z4 2dr Hatch
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 65700 mi | Intermittent nuisance TPMS warnings. Some with aural, some without, sometimes flashing, sometimes solid. Dealer unable to reproduce problem. No parts replaced. Problem still exists. |
| 69000 mi US $200 |
Convinced the service department to replace TPMS sensor in left front wheel after I had isolated the problem (with great difficulty) using my own diagnostic equipment and software. Problem has not recurred since. |
| 33000 mi | Tail lights melted in center (brake lamp heat from LA stop traffic). |
2007 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
330-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 49000 mi US $1200 |
Convertible top motor failed (water in the case). Replaced motor. |
| 103000 mi US $500 |
Diagnose intermittent alternator operation. Fails when hot. Owner decided to drive on battery and self-repair later. Swapped in good battery and drove the ~150 miles home. |
| 108000 mi US $408 |
Replaced the alternator, and the two related accessory belts |
| 68000 mi US $600 |
Dead battery and bad spark plug wire. Also needed fluid changes |
| 79980 mi C $1800 |
OEM battery finally failed die to age and faulty alternator. Driveability severely affected, cruise inoperative, on board computer constantly resetting, multiple dash lights randomly illuminated, noticeable hesitation and finally stalling completely. Battery completely discharged. Replaced battery and no improvement. Alternator output appropriate voltage couldn't check regulator board but dash voltmeter extremely erratic. Alternator replaced and the random failures have left the electrical system. |
| 54500 mi US $284 |
Front left Xenon out |
| 25000 mi | Rain sensor for wipers did not work after windshield replaced due to stone. Unable to fix sensor or understand why it wasn't working. |
| 26100 mi US $50 |
Bad O-ring caused system to vent |
2007 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 64900 mi US $109 |
Battery would die after a week of non use. Replaced battery with one from bj s for $109.00 with 720 cca. Original was only 520 cca. Found center console switch was defective. |
| 71000 mi | D2s xenon bulbs replaced |
2007 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 98000 mi US $50 |
One bi-xenon bulb was turning red, indicating end of life. Replaced both bulbs to ensure color and brightness match. |
2007 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 33000 mi | The xenon light turned off one night.. got it replaced |
| 37000 mi | Computer enter transport mode, no ac, defroster available |
| 66000 mi | Original battery replaced |
2006.5 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
330-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 26000 mi | Intermittent headlight not working |
| 27000 mi | Retractable nav display intermittantly would not open. |
2006 BMW Z4 2dr Hatch
330-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 92200 mi US $1500 |
Airbag light came on. |
| 64000 mi US $900 |
Power window regulator broken, repaired by dealer. |
2006 BMW Z4 2dr Hatch
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 107200 mi US $525 |
replaced starter |
2006 BMW Z4 2dr Hatch
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 44000 mi US $25 |
alarm would go off after set. replaced the under hood switch. |
2006 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
330-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 21000 mi | nav system error, blown speaker |
| 51000 mi US $100 |
Starter failed the day before a scheduled repair for the other items, intermittent starting |
| 52000 mi US $40 |
Angle eye bulb replaced |
| 58300 mi US $396 |
Xenon bulb failed, replaced the pair myself. |
| 62000 mi US $200 |
Battery ran low, triggering 'transport mode'. Had to reset codes. Also, changed headlights (not related. |
| 8680 mi | Left hand side inner Halo light ring not lighting, Light out warning on dash. Dealer had to order new headlight assembly for repair. |
| 17360 mi C $250 |
Replaced battery |
| 22320 mi C $200 |
hid bulb would not always turn on |
| 38000 mi US $450 |
Car has "Top HIFI System Professional DSP" sound system. All four woofers stopped working. I correctly guessed the ten channel amplifier had partially failed. New amp was $1,000. I purchased a used one for $450, installed it, problem solved. |
| 70000 mi US $300 |
Dead battery |
| 72000 mi US $500 |
A/C not cooling air, vacuum tested, no leaks found, A/C recharged and functioning well. |
| 40000 mi | headlight replaced |
| 51000 mi | Small electrical component in front fascia. |
| 51500 mi | Wire wrap melted on wire next to vanos. Replaced wire wrap. |
| 73300 mi US $150 |
Battery died. Cable was corroded to battery terminal. |
| 97000 mi US $100 |
Rear Third Brake Light was falling apart. Repair unsuccessful. |
| 50000 mi US $634 |
Radio would cut out, was suspected as a radio issue. Turned out to be alternator needing replacement. Windshield sprayers stopped working; pump was replaced. |
| 57000 mi US $60 |
Battery refused to take charge; replaced with proper sized battery (48R). |
| 52500 mi US $10 |
Windshield washer pump replaced |
| 36200 mi US $165 |
A/C fan inoperative |
| 26000 mi | AC computer (IHK) died. Blew hot air when the compressor was working. Replaced IHK, now working. |
| 35600 mi US $625 |
Starter intermittently dead. Replaced starter. |
| 97000 mi US $80 |
Burned out xenon driver headlight. Replaced via access panel in the wheel well using instructions found on YouTube |
| 107000 mi US $30 |
Burned out passenger xenon headlight. Replaced. Extra time spent figuring out how to get metal spring back on to assembly |
2006 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 90000 mi US $150 |
Replaced battery |
| 28000 mi | passenger side power window and same side cup holder. |
| 41540 mi | Windshield wipers were erratic. Stopping for several minutes, not shutting off. Took wiper motor out and cleaned grease off electrical contacts. |
| 46000 mi US $4200 |
antennae for gps had to be replaced |
| 50000 mi US $500 |
Battery safety fuse fired off. Mechanic put back together but dash light is still on. He will order parts to replace. Airbag light is on. |
| 52000 mi US $4000 |
New battery New CRC?? SRC? computer Headlight starter |
2006 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 26000 mi | Defective starter motor was replaced |
| 23900 mi | Replace Xenon headlight control unit - under warranty |
| 39000 mi | Replaced bad motor for power window |
| 50000 mi US $100 |
A/C did not cool properly. Shop could not find leak and added refrigerant. |
| 45000 mi US $400 |
Zenon bulb actuator, left side. Also replaced bulb. |
| 39000 mi | switch on clutch was replaced so engine could be started |
2006 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 48800 mi US $175 |
Had to replace battery, found a 3 year warrenty for 175.00 |
| 81500 mi US $650 |
Headlights would not come on after they had been on for a time, turned off, and turned back on. Found light ballast failing and replaced. |
| 28300 mi | Plugged condensation drain |
| 38000 mi US $378 |
Problem with battery reset after a battery replacement. Had problems getting the electrical system to respond. |
| 34200 mi US $1035 |
Battery was not being charged properly. Alternator was not charging at low speed, but seemed to be charging at higer rpm. Alternator was replaced. Amount paid included alternator, labor and 2 hours charge for 'diagnosis'. |
| 35200 mi | The very expensive alternator repair did not work. Battery was replaced as it was defective at 2+ years. Repair shop did not have a battery tester that could cycle batt. Maybe I did not need alternator!! O'Reilly had this batt. tester. |
| 30000 mi | Starter pinion not always fully retracting causing noise on some start ups. |
2006 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 34300 mi US $50 |
driver side window regulator went bad, required replacement. driver side window regulator went bad, required replacement. |
| 36000 mi US $50 |
Head was replaced due to ongoing lifter tick problem, covered under CPO warranty. |
| 21800 mi C $105 |
Replaced original 8 year old battery (it was getting weak and a load test showed 50%). Bought a Costco battery for $105, reset clock, all done. |
2005 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 41200 mi US $223 |
Passenger side Window regulator failed. Replaced with new window regulator. |
| 38000 mi | Things would not work..problem would move when battery terminal lifted. Probably in the main computer. Dealer would never repair. Had problem from when vehicle was new. Dealer would always say "no problem found" even when I brought it in wi. |
| 56000 mi US $35 |
Exterior temperature sensor showing incorrect values. Replace temperature sensor. |
| 28000 mi | Radio not working correctly. Presets play other stations than what is set. Will not go to next station. |
2005 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 28920 mi C $65 |
Passenger airbag/occupancy sensor replaced |
| 8810 mi | Battery wasn't charging, service could not find a problem. |
| 52000 mi US $21 |
security alarm misbehaved . . . would sound off when car was parked in the sun or on warm days. replaced underhood relay switch. |
| 102080 mi US $1975 |
Non-start issue. Random and unpredictable. Difficult to reproduce problem in shop. Finally replaced starter. The unpredictable starting malfunction remains unrectified in my Z4. The issue appears now to be isolated to the ignition switch deeper in the steering column than the keyway. I have not been back to the shop to have that switch changed until I'm thoroughly convinced it is the root issue. |
| 23000 mi | car won't start in morning (intermittent issue) - dealer has re-charged battery |
| 24000 mi | car won't start in morning - dealer re-placed battery |
| 26000 mi | car won't start in morning - dealer re-programmed computer. |
| 25000 mi US $700 |
car will not start in morning, replaced starter |
| 26000 mi | car will not start in morning, replaced battery again (dead cell) |
| 29000 mi | car will not start in morning, replaced battery again (dead cell) - dealer still working to determine cause (dealer still treating as warranty work) |
| 84000 mi US $675 |
Replaced starter |
| 117406 mi US $275 |
Replaced 6-year old Batter |
| 175000 mi US $1000 |
I had problems starting the vehicle. I had starter replaced. |
| 72300 mi US $7000 |
starter replaced |
| 78000 mi US $250 |
Starter failed, repaired starter. |
2005 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 99000 mi US $150 |
replaced battery |
| 101000 mi US $180 |
replaced starter |
| 36 mi | Replaced dead battery |
| 41500 mi | low charge |
| 44200 mi US $350 |
dead/dying battery. Installed new battery. |
| 42000 mi US $150 |
Replaced battery |
2005 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD
| 97000 mi US $630 |
Starter motor replaced |
| 60100 mi US $112 |
Dead battery. Changed it myself with an aftermarket part. No electronic reset needed for any options on the vehicle. |
2004 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 32000 mi US $900 |
Windshield wiper and headlight sensor failed, replaced windshield and sensor |
| 26102 mi C $300 |
Battery replaced |
| 57000 mi US $50 |
Side mirror remote adjustment switch failed. Switch was replaced. |
| 109000 mi US $138 |
Starter failed -- replaced. |
2004 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 53000 mi US $700 |
Auto dimming rear view mirror broke |
| 70200 mi US $4300 |
Instrument cluster panel |
| 53940 mi $200 |
Petrol cap locking actuator not working. |
| 66340 mi $300 |
faulty tamper alarm sensor on bonnet |
| 77000 mi US $160 |
Replace the alternator with a new Bosch unit . |
| 46257 mi | Convertible motor failure |
| 53000 mi US $500 |
Right headlight burned out |
| 76000 mi US $235 |
Left headlight failed, and was replaced. |
2004 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 76600 mi US $945 |
Airbag sensor coded. Replaced driver side B-Piller Airbag Satellite Sensor |
| 83541 mi US $618 |
Starter failed. Replaced. |
| 101000 mi US $164 |
Starter failed, replaced same |
| 76500 mi | Replaced starter. I did not have to tow the car only because it was sitting in my driveway at the time. It would not make a sound when turning the ignition. |
| 148000 mi US $615 |
Replaced SIM. |
| 55136 mi | After warranty expired but repaired a/c as good will. Defected IHKA. A/C clutch would not engage. Replaced IHKA and encode using prog. 2.32.1 |
2004 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD
| 134000 mi | Electronic throttle control errors, car wouldn't stay on, throttle inoperable. Pulled battery, recharged, reinstalled. Throttle started working. |
| 134000 mi US $60 |
Battery dies frequently. Diagnostic at shop says the battery and alternator are fine, still trying to find phantom load. |
| 134000 mi US $180 |
Battery ultimately failed, still no cause of phantom power draw. |
2003 BMW Z4
Engine not specified
| 27000 mi US $1534 |
Convertible top motor went out. |
2003 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 59600 mi US $104 |
Navigation system would not extend up. Bolt broke. New unit required. |
| 62200 mi US $580 |
Starter died. Had to replace |
| 66000 mi US $600 |
Re nav broke. Found new unit out of California for 500. Ordered and had installed locally. |
| 84000 mi US $40 |
Tighten battery cables |
| 104000 mi US $270 |
Original alternator died at 104,000. Replaced with remanufactured alternator, replacement was easy DIY. |
| 122700 mi US $200 |
Starter went out, replaced with a new unit |
| 135000 mi | Passenger side window stopped going up when temperatures dropped. Cleaned window regulator, traced problem to bad relay on GM5 module. Followed online instructions to clean relay, works fine now. |
| 58000 mi | Speedometer and all related functions stopped working. Warning lights for DSC, ABS, Brake, and TPMS. |
| 44000 mi £1220 |
Electric Hood motor |
| 46000 mi £350 |
Driver Side Window Regulator |
| 68000 mi US $150 |
replaced starter |
2003 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| 24000 mi US $800 |
Airbag light is on. Had to spend 135 to diagnose the problem and they told me it was a loose wire. The fixed it & still had the same problem. car ws in shop for 6 days and no loaned car while they tried to determine problem was a faulty mat |
2003 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 49000 mi US $617 |
Passenger door latch no longer sensed door was closed. Door would not lock and window stayed down as if door were open. Entire latch assembly had to be replaced. |
| 30800 mi | Replace Instrument Carrier. Replace passenger window regulator. |
| 33000 mi US $92 |
Replaced battery. |
| 34800 mi | Replaced driver side window regulator. |
| 36000 mi US $327 |
Replaced headlights due to fogging. |
| 40000 mi US $83 |
Replace CHMSL. The center brake lights crack on these cars. |
| 43000 mi US $132 |
Replaced starter motor. |
| 47000 mi US $1500 |
A/C compressor failure. I purchased the parts but have yet to have them installed. New compressor, condenser, drier, expansion, valve, and belt tensioner. $900.00 for parts, all new not remanufactured. Expecting labor to be $600.00. |
| 53000 mi US $175 |
Replaced the Battery. It was 2 months shy of 5 years old and would not take a charge. |
| 41000 mi | Chronic right front turn signal failure |
| 42000 mi | Replaced right front turn signal socket. Now the headlight continually fills with condensation |
2003 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| 86000 mi US $1200 |
climate control module replaced |
2003 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 81000 mi US $180 |
Window regulator replacement |
| 47120 mi A $1000 |
starter motor stopped working. couldnt start the car. |
| 77000 mi US $16 |
repaired wires chewed up |
| 81000 mi US $170 |
replaced |
2003 BMW Z4 2dr Convertible
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD
| 71300 mi US $1000 |
HVAC control panel was replaced Seat sensor not working causing airbag light |
| 27000 mi US $607 |
Airbag warning light came on. Took to 2 independent repair shops but they could not repair as their computer would not allow reflash. Took to dealer who installed airbag sensor, reflashed computer and problem solved for over $600. |
| 105300 mi US $247 |
Bad starter motor |
| 110000 mi US $100 |
Passenger door won't unlock with remote. Replaced door latch. Still does work correctly. Will need to replace GM5 module. Had GM5 Module repaired to fix passenger door not opening. $100 plus $9 shipping to have it repaired. |
| 73160 mi | problem with power door locks |
| 79360 mi C $475 |
Bought 2 new actuators after getting completely locked out(thankfully top was down). Both worked perfectly for a week, but drivers door is again not working. Next step either wire in a new relay system or replace the relays on the GM5 module. |
| 94220 mi C $30 |
Managed to fix the GM5 unit by desoldering and replacing the relays on the circuit board. Not a difficult job, but spend some time on Youtube learning how to desolder components if anyone else tries this. |
| 102300 mi | Frozen battery. Removed battery, let it thaw out in shop and slowly recharged it. Installed battery switch to easily disconnect battery for storage. |
| 57000 mi US $900 |
Replace Air Conditioner Compressor |
| 4000 mi | Instrument cluster fault, replaced - covered by warranty. |
| 78000 mi US $469 |
Starter totally failed and was replaced. |
| 79000 mi | Rain sensing wipers had never worked since I bought car @ 23000mi. Sensor had separated from glass, only way to fix was new windshield & I didn't. Recently my windshield got large crack and insurance replaced, which also fixed rain sensor! |
| 41000 mi US $250 |
AC stopped blowing cold. |
| 88000 mi US $90 |
Head light front auto leveling sensor link broke off. R&R sensor and adjusted head light |
| 52000 mi US $140 |
Air bag light came on. Problem was fault triggered by mat in passenger's seat. |
| 56000 mi US $70 |
SRS light was on, caused by fault in passenger's seat sensor mat. Installed bypass so car thinks passenger's seat is always occupied. Then had light reset by a shop. |
See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks and Convertibles.
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