KnownCarProblems2003 BMW Z4 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 414 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 BMW Z4, most often about the steering (83% of complaints, typically around 42,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Z4 model year since 2000 and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2003 BMW Z4 problems
Steering
342 complaints · 83%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: electric power assist system, hydraulic power assist system, column, gear box (other than rack and pinion).
I own a 2003 BMW Z4 during warm weather at highway speeds the steering becomes stuck on center. In july of 09 I attempted to swerve to avoid an obstacle on the highway and had the yank the wheel so hard to get it out of the "stuck on center" issue. I then ran off the road and into the ditch and caused about $1500…
Tl contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. While driving 60mph his vehicle shut off in traffic. The road conditions were not a factor. The vehicle was accelerating at the time the engine shut off. He was able to maintain control of the vehicle but there was no power steering and the brakes failed. It became was very difficult to…
Air bags
31 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated that the air bag warning lights illuminated as the vehicle was started. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised the contact that the VIN did not qualify for repairs under NHTSA campaign id…
Air bag warning light has been on for three years. Have had 3 tests incl lieth BMW test that verifies it is the passenger side occupancy sensor mat. This defect is a known problem in many BMW models. BMW refuses to fix it yet requires me to do these diagnosis (for a fee) over and over. Not only that - they have…
Electrical
13 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 67,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring.
My steering wheel light goes on then the car handling becomes very difficult to control. The problem started one day on the highway. The wheel was suddenly hard. This problem happens several times a day: when I start the car and at any random time while I'm driving. I have to restart the car in order to get the power…
The central locking system does not work correctly. It operates the glove box, passenger and driver doors as well as gas cap door. It does not respond properly to fob or by key. At times all locks are frozen to the point where you can not open to get in or gas. Right now passenger door has been locked for 30+ days.…
Engine
12 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 48,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
Tl contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. While driving 60mph his vehicle shut off in traffic. The road conditions were not a factor. The vehicle was accelerating at the time the engine shut off. He was able to maintain control of the vehicle but there was no power steering and the brakes failed. It became was very difficult to…
The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated that the coolant warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that she noticed smoke underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed a leak on the ground located near the rear passengerâs side tire.…
Body and structure
8 complaints · 2%Half of these problems showed up before 59,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
Had been driving on the freeway for over 45 minutes when all off sudden the drivers door on our 2003 BMW Z4 popped open. Both of my hands were on the steering wheel when this occurred.
The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated that the front driver's side interior and exterior door handles failed to function and the door would not release open. The contact exited the vehicle from the front passenger's side door. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired twice. The failure…
Transmission
7 complaints · 2%Half of these problems showed up before 5,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, driveline.
Driving slowly about 10mph and turning, transmission shifted into neutral by itself while shifter shows car was in drive. Transmission is the BMW smg (sequential manual gearbox).
Traveling between 5-10 MPH, transmission would not shift correctly. Was jumping back and forth between 1st and 2nd gear for about 4 to 5 seconds and never engaging the clutch in either gear. This has happened several times over the past 2 months.
Speed control
6 complaints · 1%Half of these problems showed up before 6,500 miles.
Engine surged then revved uncontrollablly after startup. Continued to surge and idle with RPM alternating between 0 - 2500 RPM the accelorator was unresponsive. After startup the car surged forward. Damange to front bumber and cracked light resulted. Defective part: bad throttle housing, replaced engine throttle…
Note: this is my second complaint for the same problem.... When coming to a stop at a traffic signal, my car began to rev uncontollably at speeds so high I though the engine would blow. As happened the first time, I pressed as hard as I could so as not to lunge forward. I shut the engine off but upon starting, it was…
Fuel system
6 complaints · 1%Parts named most often: delivery.
Dt: contact received recall 04v182000 concerning the fuel system, gasoline; delivery; fuel pump. He said this vehicle was doing exactly the same thing as mentioned in the recall. It was a problem that LED to engine shut down. While traveling on the highway vehicle died. Was not able to restart the car for about an…
While driving west on I-70 near exit 218 (elev 10,300', west of denver) my 2003 BMW Z4 stalled. After numerous restarts, I was able to get if off the road and onto the exit. The car was taken to the hauled to the BMW dealer in denver. They reported to me that a screen on the bottom of the fuel pump had collapsed…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 BMW Z4 recalls
Air bags
Risk: In the event of a crash, air bag deployment may not occur, increasing the risk of injuries to the driver and/or front passenger.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the air bag system processors. The recall began june 11, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger vehicles, incompatible electronic air bag system processors may have been installed.
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: If stalling were to occur, the driver would be unable to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a resistor in the electrical line powering the fuel pump in order to prevent an occurrence of vapor lock. The recall began may 11, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Full defect summary
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.
Wheels and tires: tires
Risk: Consequently, a loss of tire pressure, or a tire failure, could occur. Depending on traffic conditions and the driver's reactions, this could lead to a crash.
Fix: Dealers will unseat the tire from its rim, inspect for any damage, and then reseat the tire to its rim. If inspection reveals that a front tire has incurred damage during the mounting process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began july 14, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Full defect summary
On certain vehicles equipped with 18" tires, it is possible that the tire has been damaged during the mounting process to the rim.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
Risk: If the connection detaches, the protection provided by the safety belt is likely to be impaired, and serious injuries to the driver and/or front passenger could occur that might otherwise be mitigated.
Fix: Dealers will inspect both front safety belt tensioner and buckle assemblies, and if necessary, replace these parts. Owner notification began march 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Sticky steering
Summary
Odi has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of bmw's engineering and test data.odi found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-rel
Questions about the 2003 BMW Z4
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW Z4?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (342 complaints, typically around 42,000 miles); air bags (31 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles); electrical (13 complaints, typically around 67,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 BMW Z4 have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 24, 2004 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the BMW Z4?
- It is the most complained-about Z4 model year since 2000, with 414 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.