Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2010 BMW Z4, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Visibility/wiper1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Electrical system1
- Engine1
- Wheels1
- Power train1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 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 2010 BMW Z4 failed the safety check 0.00% of the time — 100% less often than the average 2010 passenger car (2.50%). Median odometer at inspection: 51,116 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2010
5,805 new BMW Z4 cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2010; the largest markets were the United Kingdom (2,462), Italy (1,377), Belgium (523).
- Average mass
- 1,507 kg
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 100%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2010 BMW Z4 cars on Dutch roads are the 2.5 petrol (150 kW, 201 hp), 3.0 petrol (250 kW, 335 hp) and 3.0 petrol (225 kW, 302 hp), out of 4 versions with at least 20 cars.
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 petrol | 150 kW 201 hp | 206 |
| 3.0 petrol | 250 kW 335 hp | 73 |
| 3.0 petrol | 225 kW 302 hp | 65 |
| 3.0 petrol | 190 kW 255 hp | 60 |
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
404 first registered in 2010 are on Dutch roads; 85% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €67,163.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde139
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld60
- Band beschadigd46
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm44
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen40
- Band onvoldoende profiel30
- Schokdemper aanwezig die lekkage vertoont26
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht22
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
1,777 cars built in 2010 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 258 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, 2,019 of these cars first registered in 2010 took their annual MOT test. 79% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2010 the figure was 60%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.4% | 7.4% |
| Suspension | 6.0% | 15.5% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5.0% | 17.8% |
| Visibility | 3.7% | 6.0% |
| Brakes | 2.3% | 9.6% |
| Road Wheels | 2.0% | 0.5% |
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
70 of these cars first registered in 2010 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 132,000 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
77 2010 cars are on the New Zealand register; 77% arrived as used imports, 18% 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 10.4–11.9 L/100 km (about 20–23 mpg US), CO₂ 239–274 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z4 sDrive30i · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 12.2 | 8.2 | 10.4 |
| Z4 sDrive30i · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 12.8 | 8.2 | 10.7 |
| Z4 sDrive35i · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 13.1 | 9.1 | 11.3 |
| Z4 sDrive35i · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 13.6 | 9.7 | 11.9 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
7 Transport Canada recalls for the 2010 BMW Z4.
| 2024544 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "N… |
| 2023568 20 Oct 2023 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles, the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) adjustment unit housing bolts could loosen or break. As a result, the camshaft could become in… |
| 2022095 2 Mar 2022 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater (blow-by heater) to short … |
| 2017470 28 Sept 2017 | Engine On certain vehicles equipped with the N52 6-cylinder engine, an electrical short could occur in the PCV valve heater due to manufacturing irregularities. If thi… |
| 2014170 13 May 2014 | Engine On certain vehicles, housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate. If this occurs, the engine would re… |
| 2014127 10 Apr 2014 | Engine On certain vehicles, housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate. If this occurs, the engine would re… |
| 2013048 7 Feb 2013 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the positive battery cable connection to the fuse box could fail while the vehicle is being driven. This could interrupt the vehicle’s ele… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
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 2010 BMW Z4: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10249437 | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| 10249027 | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints. |
| 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. |
| 10200487 | TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. |
| 10199287 | CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al |
| 10198894 | CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al |
| 10182619 | Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root caus |
| 10174032 | AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle is connected to the diagnostic system ISTA to perform PDI/QC1 the step to activate the navigation system (part of Delete Transport Mode) will automatically request the INITIAL NAV enabling code (VIN-specific) without pre-ordering the enabling code. This enabling code will be automatically delivered through ISTA and it then activates the nav |
| 10162434 | Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD). |
| 10162421 | N54, N54T - Catalytic Converter Conversion Faults Stored. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp could come on with one or both of the following faults stored in the DME: * 29F4: catalytic converter conversion - bank 1 * 29F5: catalytic converter conversion - bank 2 DME software diagnostic error. |
| 10162418 | "Engine Idle Speed Dips Too Low While Braking at Lower Vehicle Speeds. The engine speed may drop too low when slowing to a stop, braking at low road speeds, or while parking the car. This occurs intermittently, but can be more apparent when the automatic transmission selector lever is in the ""Sport mode"" position. Unfavorable DME software application" |
| 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 |
| 10154818 | N20 AND N26 ENGINES TURBOCHARGER ELECTRIC WASTEGATE ACTUATOR LINKAGE PIN CORROSION This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 14 17 dated February 2018. |
| 10152345 | N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp and Engine Malfunction warning are illuminated, and the vehicle has reduced power output. Various faults related to VANOS operation are stored in the DME. While performing the test plan, the results may appear to be inconclusive because the fault will not clear from DME fault memory. CAUSE This is due to a programming error associated with ISTA/P 2.49 and lower. The error is corrected with ISTA/P 2.50.2 or higher. |
| 10152316 | "Google(tm) Local Search Inactive. When searching for a Point of Interest (POI) in the navigation menu, the ""Google(tm) Local Search"" option cannot be selected. The POI search option ""Google(tm)Local Search"" is not activated." |
| 10152314 | Door Open Message Displayed, Even Though Door Is Closed. The customer complains that while driving, a CCM (check control message) indicates the doors are open, even though they are closed. Also, sometimes the gong will sound and the interior lights will go on and off. Unspecified FRM door lock status due to voltage variations |
| 10152306 | "N20 and N26 Engines: ETK Injector Part Number Error. INFORMATION The current version of ETK has an error on screen 13_1417: ""High -pressure pump/Tubing."" When selecting the high-pressure pump, the screen states ""only in conjunction with injector."" Disregard this statement and only replace the high-pressure pump. If injectors need to be replaced, enter the VIN of the vehicle into the ETK and select the part numbers found on screen 13_1416: ""High-pressure rail/injector/mounting."" Always enter the VIN for the vehicle into ETK when searching for parts. When the ETK is corrected, this SIB wi |
| 10151399 | The plastic oil filter housing may fail and lead to an internal and/or external engine oil or coolant leak. |
| 10151335 | Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware. |
| 10151300 | N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 06 16 dated April 2016.. The customer may complain about one of the following: Rough engine running Engine cannot be started (crank no start) Check Engine Light illuminated One or more of the following faults may be stored in the DME: 2A37 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft sensor plausibility 2A47 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft, signal plausibility 134E08 - Eccentric shaft plausibility (on F10, F25 vehicles only) CAUSE The V |
| 10151249 | N20 and N26 engine: Smoke from Exhaust when Starting a Cold Engine. When starting a cold engine, blue smoke can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. No turbo charger boost faults are stored and no drivability issues can be detected. CAUSE When the vehicle is parked overnight the engine oil pressure will equalize and may leak past the turbo charger exhaust side turbine seal. |
| 10151247 | N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints. The customer may complain about one of the following: Rough engine running Engine cannot be started (crank no start) Check Engine Light illuminated One or more of the following faults may be stored in the DME: 2A37 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft sensor plausibility 2A47 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft, signal plausibility 134E08 - Eccentric shaft plausibility (on F10, F25 vehicles only) CAUSE The VVT eccentric shaft sensor connector, and/or DME connector may have oil contamination due to |
| 10151119 | SI B84 03 14 February 2016 Communication Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 14 dated October 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures CAUSE Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its varia |
| 10151115 | SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the Audio Test CD (ATC) from BMW. This CD has been discontinued. |
| 10151079 | SI B13 03 15 February 2016 Fuel Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B13 03 15 dated March 2015 and replaces SI B13 04 13 dated March 2014. SUBJECT N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error. The current version of the ETK incorporates multiple part number errors for the Bosch type injectors. Ordering the injectors by VIN number or manual identification in ETK may result in an incorrect part number. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)