2003 BMW Z4 problems
Owners have filed 460 complaints about the 2003 BMW Z4 with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 74.8% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of air bags at 7%.
Complaints460
Crashes7
Fires0
Injuries2
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 74.8% · 344
Air bags 7.0% · 32
Electrical system 3.0% · 14
Engine and engine cooling 2.4% · 11
Structure 1.7% · 8
Power train 1.5% · 7
Fuel system, gasoline 1.3% · 6
Vehicle speed control 1.3% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 7 describe a crash and 2 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 4 model years of the BMW Z4 in this data, 2003 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 15 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 43,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering became sticky and impacted the drivers ability to control the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but the technician could not replicate the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 79,650. Steering · reported at 79,650 miles
While driving on the interstate I noticed that there seems to be a dead spot or catch in the steering. You turn left or right very much and its like you have to pull harder to get it to turn. By then you have pulled too hard and the car jerks to whichever way you were turning. It does not happen all the time. I can be driving along and forget about it sticking and take a curve and it happens. Very unnerving. Steering · reported at 21,545 miles
I own a 2003 BMW Z4 roadster that seems to have an intermittent steering problem. When the temperature rises, the steering feels heavy, requiring added force to return the steering to center position. The result is jerky steering and some difficulty in steering in tight circumstances. My dealer denies any knowledge of other complaints. Following internet research, I know other are having a similar problem. Steering · reported at 37,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…