2005 BMW Z4 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 191 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 BMW Z4, 3% of the 191 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,800 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.
“Bought the 2005 z-4 Bmw used from a dealer in high point nc. Drove it and enjoy driving until the warm weather. The steering sticks to a point of being dangerous. To compensate, I steer to the left and car pulls to the left then I bring the steering back towards the center and feel it sticking so I compensate by steering to the right. The whole time down the highway I fear for my life driving this car. I really had to concentrate to keep the car from steering off the road and I'm sure it appears I'm driving erratically to others on the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10504547, filed 2013-03, 99,662 miles“I have a 2005 Bmw 3.0 w/auto transmission. My car has had two recurring issues from time to time starting with the electric power steering light engaging with the power steering going dead at idle or at corners. The other problem is that my car has stalled with the car shutting down thrice on I-95 and on local roads. Needless to say, it was a life and death situation twice with my girlfriend swearing never to drive the car again. How it happens? At speeds of 40mph or less, eps, ABS, brake, DTC comes on and off with the navigation screen opening and closing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10294709, filed 2009-12, 35,100 miles“On august 7, 2007 I took my car to sterling Bmw in newport beach, ca because I noticed the airbag malfunction lights were on along with other electrical issues. After they had inspected my vehicle for three days I was informed that the airbag/electrical problem would not be covered by the Bmw factory warranty, and the service department recommended that I file a claim with my insurance carrier. Obviously my insurance company denied the claim, because automobile insurance does not cover loss due to wear and tear, mechanical or electrical breakdown/failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10240250, filed 2008-08, 24,994 miles“Driving on freeway, going about 72 on a warm day, about 86degees. Felt car slow down, like tires were stuck to pavement and could no longer steer car. Steering wheel became very tight, and car was hard to handle, and hard to turn.”
NHTSA complaint #10418476, filed 2011-08, 36,500 miles“Heater/air conditioner stopped blowing. Took to local shop and found multiple wires melted. Concerned due to fire risk so researched and found this is a major issue with many now recalled bmws-mine is not included in the recalls but it's highly suspicious that I'm having the apparent exact same issue as those vehicles being recalled. I saw white smoke coming from under my hood and smelled a burning odor a few months ago so drove straight home and popped the hood-saw no additional smoke but did smell some residual burning odor but nothing was visible. …”
NHTSA complaint #11057135, filed 2017-12Related service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The 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…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Discharged 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…
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10162404Jul 10, 2019"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…
- 10148120Jul 1, 2014Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15°F, customers may notice a…
- 10148273Apr 1, 2014Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check…
- 10150173Nov 1, 2013"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…
- 10149612May 1, 2013Clicking/Popping Noise from Dash at Startup. The customer states that when the vehicle is started, or the ignition switch is turned on, there is a clicking/popping noise coming…
- 10052012Mar 1, 2013Bmw: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This is causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 40% |
| 2019 | 1 | 20% |
| 2015 | 2 | 40% |
| 2014 | 3 | 43% |
| 2013 | 3 | 43% |
| 2012 | 2 | 40% |
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 9% |
| 2008 | 2 | 11% |
| 2007 | 4 | 12% |
| 2006 | 13 | 14% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 14 | 3% |
| 2003 | 13 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2005 BMW Z4
172 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 BMW Z4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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