2003 BMW Z4 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 0%of 414 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,550miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 BMW Z4, 0% of the 414 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,550 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Center high mounted stop lamp (third brake light) easily chips/breaks that would allow water from rain or washing to sip into the rear compartment of the vehicle where the battery and other electronic components are located. Water could short the electrical wires and cause a fire, or stall the vehicle while it is in motion, causing an accident. Broken third brake light incidents have been reported and discussed in bwm internet forums.”
NHTSA complaint #10093819, filed 2004-10, 100 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Bmw Z4. She stated that the center, high mounted brake light was fractured in three places. The dealer was contacted and advised the that there were no recalls or complaints similar to hers for the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor were there any repairs. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10326706, filed 2010-04, 25,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10041281Nov 1, 2010Bmw: the rear lamp is not water tight due to cracks due to stress. Water may enter the lamp.
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 BMW Z4
342 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW Z4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology