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Electrical systemPart report

2004 BMW Z4 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
14about this part
Share
3%of 411 total for the year
Median mileage
56,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 BMW Z4, 3% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“I had this car built and I am the only owner and driver. I have had a personal mechanic take meticulous care of it over the years and the car is stored for approximately 6 months/year because I do not drive it in the snow, and frankly, hardly drive it even when raining. However, it never fails that each year some warning light goes on for no apparent reason. Last fall it was the ABS light and the brake light. My mechanic put the car on the computer, and found no issues. …”

NHTSA complaint #11323610, filed 2020-05, 64,043 miles

“I left my Bmw in the sun all day and now my locks wont work. Many resources link this problem to the gm5 which controls the lighting and locks. Bad locks can be a safety and security issue on parked cars but also for moving cars as children may open vehicle doors in traffic.”

NHTSA complaint #10743567, filed 2015-07, 56,000 miles

“The steering binds at almost any speed. I noticed it when driving straight forward. When a correction in direction is made the wheel binds until greater pressure is applied. It seems the problem is requiring even more pressure for the correction. I called bmwna and they told me they have heard nothing about this problem. I am in fear for my safety as well as others around Bmw's z-4 2004.”

NHTSA complaint #10443737, filed 2012-01, 32,000 miles

“Gm5 module fail. When the gm5 module fauls windshield wipers won't work (this could be a big problem if it rains!), interior lights won't work, windows won't go up or down, no alarm functions and of course no automatic door lock control (doors can manually be locked and unlocked as long as the double lock is open.)”

NHTSA complaint #11195746, filed 2019-04, 135,850 miles

“26000 miles on car. Always in garage. Never driven in winter and use a battery tender during winter.replaced 2 batteries this summer recently after not driving it for about 2-3 weeks. This tells me that there is an electrical problem somewhere but where? It's pulling power from somewhere. Can't be trusted”

NHTSA complaint #11043135, filed 2017-11, 26,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2020240%
2019120%
2015240%
2014343%
2013343%
2012240%
201137%
2010110%
200929%
2008211%
2007412%
20061314%
200563%
2004143%
2003133%

Other parts of the 2004 BMW Z4

Steering
378 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW Z4

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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