Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2003 BMW Z4, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering342
- Air bags31
- Electrical system13
- Engine and engine cooling11
- Structure8
- Power train7
- Vehicle speed control6
- Fuel system, gasoline5
- Unknown or other4
- Latches/locks/linkages4
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2003 BMW Z4 failed the safety check 0.92% of the time — 56% less often than the average 2003 passenger car (2.11%). Median odometer at inspection: 65,431 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Engines
The most common engines in 2003 BMW Z4 cars on Dutch roads are the 3.0 petrol (170 kW, 228 hp) and 2.5 petrol (141 kW, 189 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 petrol | 170 kW 228 hp | 125 |
| 2.5 petrol | 141 kW 189 hp | 100 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
248 first registered in 2003 are on Dutch roads; 100% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €60,459.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde180
- Waarschuwingsinrichting airbag- / gordelsysteem geeft defect91
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen86
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld67
- Band onvoldoende profiel55
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm33
- Remleiding door corrosie aangetast32
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm27
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
1,786 cars built in 2003 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 1,405 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 2,710 of these cars first registered in 2003 took their annual MOT test. 66% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2003 the figure was 57%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 11.6% | 13.9% |
| Suspension | 11.5% | 16.4% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 10.6% | 21.6% |
| Visibility | 6.6% | 7.7% |
| Tyres | 6.5% | 6.3% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.8% | 3.1% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
157 of these cars first registered in 2003 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 162,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
197 2003 cars are on the New Zealand register; 69% arrived as used imports, 25% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 4 variants: combined 11.0–11.4 L/100 km (about 21 mpg US), CO₂ 253–262 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z4 Roadster · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 12.9 | 8.8 | 11.0 |
| Z4 Roadster · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 12.9 | 9.1 | 11.2 |
| Z4 Roadster · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 13.1 | 9.1 | 11.3 |
| Z4 Roadster · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 13.2 | 9.3 | 11.4 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
1 Transport Canada recall for the 2003 BMW Z4.
| 2004123 5 Apr 2004 | Fuel System Certain vehicles contain a defect involving the electric fuel pump. Under certain environmental conditions, for example, driving during high outside temperatur… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, INCOMPATIBLE ELECTRONIC AIR BAG SYSTEM PROCESSORS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, A VAPOR LOCK IN THE FUEL PUMP COULD OCCUR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18" TIRES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE TIRE HAS BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE MOUNTING PROCESS TO THE RIM.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What BMW told its dealers about the 2003 BMW Z4: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10249437 | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| 10225126 | 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. |
| 10194296 | 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. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form. |
| 10175267 | 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. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally. |
| 10162404 | "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. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Follow the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. In Information Search, select the "Function Structure"" tab. Select Body, Mirror, Door mirror, Drive |
| 10151023 | 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. |
| 10150224 | "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. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Complete the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. The test plan can be accessed via the following path: ""Information Search / Function Structure / |
| 10150173 | "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. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Complete the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. The test plan can be accessed via the following path: ""Information Search / Function Structure / |
| 10150160 | 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). The VIN read out and displayed on the state test printout does not match the actual VIN of the vehicle. If the DME was reprogrammed using the previously available BMW service equipment (e.g., Progman, GT1), it is possible that only the last 7 digits of the VIN were entered into the DME, and positions 4 through10 may only contain default chara |
| 10149612 | 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. |
| 10149441 | "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. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Complete the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. The test plan can be accessed via the following path: ""Information Search / Function Structure / |
| 10148273 | 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 information display. Under these conditions, the vehicle starts. Various power management faults can be stored: * 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer * 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F * 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached |
| 10148120 | 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 information display. Under these conditions, the vehicle starts. Various power management faults can be stored: * 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer * 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F * 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached |
| 10148018 | "?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. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Front Passenger Air Bag Seat Occupancy Sensor (OC3) Mat: Limited Warranty Extension to 15 years Without Mileage Limitation. INFORMATION BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is extending the limited warranty for the Supplemental Restraint System's (SRS) front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat on certain |
| 10147136 | 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. Failure to replace the valve stem will lead to a pressure leak. The proper repair procedure can be found in REP 3611533. Not applicable. [ Copyright (c)2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ] Page 1 of 3 Page 1 of 1 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/232...6/4/2015 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/t |
| 10145306 | 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: |
| 10143564 | 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: |
| 10041281 | BMW: THE REAR LAMP IS NOT WATER TIGHT DUE TO CRACKS DUE TO STRESS. WATER MAY ENTER THE LAMP. *RM |
| 10040853 | 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 |
| 10040045 | BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED REGARDING TRANSMISSION CONCERNS. *RM |
| 10037702 | BMW: WHEN AT LOWER SPEEDS OR STOPPING THE ENGINE IDLE DIPS TOO LOW BECAUSE OF A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. *RM |
| 10037700 | 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 |
| 10037464 | BMW: WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DUE TO A DAMAGED SEAL ON REAR VENTS. *RM |
| 10037025 | BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM |
| 10037010 | 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 |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Sticky Steering
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation