2006 BMW Z4 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 14%of 91 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,050miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 BMW Z4, 14% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,050 miles. 2 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.
“My battery is in good condition but I can't start the engine.-700km oil service warning light display on my dash.fuel pump is working.them open the key like that sound gap gap is come out...pls help me...”
NHTSA complaint #11230059, filed 2019-07, 15 miles“My car had approximately 65k miles on it when the light on the dashboard indicated an issue. It was manufactured in 08/06. Reading from the computer indicated a passenger occupancy mat failure. Bmw extended the warranty for 10 years through model year 05 but won't do anything for 2006. I called Bmw USA and escalated it. They called me back and stated it will not be covered. I am concerned that this may prevent the airbag from operating in case of a collision for the passenger. …”
NHTSA complaint #10875931, filed 2016-06, 65,000 miles“Changing a headlight bulb on drivers side noticed flaking insulation on wiring harness. In the process of removing headlamp, insulation on all the wiring almost completely disintegrated. I can only assume that this same condition exists on the passenger side. This would seem to present a fire hazard at worst and a loss of lighting at the least. I understand from reading various forums that this is a problem across many Bmw models. Further, it appears that Bmw used a soy based insulation product on these wires. Isn't soy biodegradable? Why would this be used in a wiring harness.”
NHTSA complaint #10781296, filed 2015-10, 20,000 miles“On my 2006 Bmw Z4 3.0i, while replacing a blown headlight bulb I discovered that the insulation on the low beam headlight wiring was crumbling off and in parts had bare copper wire showing. As this is the main headlight wiring and both the + and - wires were showing bare copper a short circuit and or fire could be possible. This wiring is within the headlight housing it's self. Upon doing research online I am not the only person affected. I reported this issue to my local Bmw dealer who said there were no recalls at this time and I could call Bmw na. …”
NHTSA complaint #10545520, filed 2013-09, 60,050 miles“The insulated wiring inside the headlight housing has hardened and the insulation had cracked and fallen off. This allows the wires to short and causes unexpected failure of the headlights, parking lights, turn signals and other items inside the headlight housing. The lights failed unexpectedly and intermittently.”
NHTSA complaint #11267326, filed 2019-10, 95,000 milesRelated 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 2006 BMW Z4
55 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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