2006 BMW Z4 problems
Owners have filed 107 complaints about the 2006 BMW Z4 with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 51.4% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of air bags at 13.1%.
Complaints107
Crashes1
Fires3
Injuries1
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Steering 51.4% · 55
Air bags 13.1% · 14
Electrical system 12.1% · 13
Engine 4.7% · 5
Engine and engine cooling 3.7% · 4
Exterior lighting 3.7% · 4
Seats 2.8% · 3
Vehicle speed control 1.9% · 2
Severity
Of those complaints, 1 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire, 1 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 4 model years of the BMW Z4 in this data, 2006 draws comparatively few complaints; 2003 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 9 in the last three years against 14 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 54,901 miles.
In owners' own words
Steering wheel tends to 'detent' in one position until moved to another position. Steering response is not smooth and linear. Vehicle steering is 'darty' and unpredictable - more pronounced on crowned roads. Lane control is difficult and requires constant steer / counter steer to prevent lane excursions. Higher ambient temperatures tend to compound / amplify problem. Vehicle build date is 05 / 2006. Steering · reported at 43,000 miles
During weather above 80 degrees, the steering becomes "twitchy" or "notchy," no longer smooth, but requiring additional effort to turn the steering wheel, at which point, the tires move more than needed, requiring a steering adjustment the opposite direction. At the same time, the car does not hold a "line" as well, requiring a series of small left and right steering corrections. Steering · reported at 80,000 miles
Steering appears to be sticking or staying at a certain point in the steering radius. I almost veered into oncoming interstate traffic. I compensated immediately, but it released its "stick" and turn to much and almost veered into traffic I was in. Very scary, very dangerous. There was a possibility of much injury or death because of this issue. Bad Steering · reported at 70,500 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…