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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2004 BMW Z4 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
1%of 411 total for the year
Median mileage
50,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 BMW Z4, 1% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 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.

“I own a suspected Z4 with a NHTSA reported sticky steering issue I can tell you a little more about it. The problem has nothing to do with the boost. When the car gets hot (summer hot) the steering gets notchy in that when you put the car in a slight turn, like changing lanes or going around a slight corner, the steering literally sticks in that position causing the driver to apply opposite pressure to break the wheel loose from the turn followed by another stick wherever the wheel is brought back to. …”

NHTSA complaint #10578571, filed 2014-04, 50,000 miles

“This is a reoccurring problem which I have attempted to address through both local mechanics and Bmw with no results. Essentially, while moving at slow speeds or stop and go traffic, the electrical system shudders , all instrument lights illuminate, the transmission shifts to neutral, and the engine shuts down then restarts. The failure occurs on an irregular basis, affecting primarily the eps light, but may also affect all lights in the instrument cluster. …”

NHTSA complaint #11253350, filed 2019-09, 100,200 miles

“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw Z4. The contact stated that upon entering her vehicle and starting it, she was unable to shift the vehicle into any gear. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed the contact that she would need to replace the automatic manual transmission. The vehicle was repaired yet the failure recurred within 32,000 miles. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that they were unable to assist with repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 41,900.”

NHTSA complaint #10377203, filed 2011-01, 41,900 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2015120%
201124%
2010110%
200915%
200713%
200611%
200431%
200372%

Other parts of the 2004 BMW Z4

Steering
378 complaints
Air bags
18 complaints
Electrical system
14 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Brakes
3 complaints
Electronic stability control
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Equipment
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 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