2008 BMW Z4 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 42%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 BMW Z4, 42% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 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.
“Dashboard airbag warning light came on - obd scan indicates the passenger seat oc3 airbag sensor mat has failed. I believe this means the vehicle can no longer detect if there is a child in the passenger seat, and will deploy airbags regardless of passenger weight. Bmw has a service bulletin for many other models and years (including my Z4 model - but not yet for my 2008 model year).”
NHTSA complaint #11268089, filed 2019-10, 80,000 miles“Light indicating passenger airbag was disabled began coming on while passenger in the seat. Within a few weeks of noticing this, passenger airbag always indicates off. Many 08 models were recalled for passenger airbag mat failures, but not the Z4 (too few cars made?) I called Bmw-USA and a case agent called me back. Bmw would take no responsibility for the failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10822054, filed 2016-01, 70,000 miles“A failed front passenger air bag seat sensor mat causes the air bag warning lamp and the passenger air bag 'on-off' lamp to be illuminated simultaneously. In august 13, 2008, Bmw issued a voluntary recall involving front passenger seat sensor mat on u.s.a. Model bmws regarding the front passenger air bag seat sensor mat involving approximately 200,000 model year 2004-06 vehicles. My similarly affected 2008 vehicle was not included in the recall. The recall also states that in this situation, Bmw recommends customers not to use the front passenger seat and have the vehicle serviced immediately. …”
NHTSA complaint #11089840, filed 2018-04, 55,920 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Bmw Z4. The contact stated that for several months the air bag warning indicator was flashing. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was constantly illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11316959, filed 2020-03, 60,000 miles“Recently purchased a 2008 Bmw Z4. After a week of ownership the airbag light came on. Fault code points to the passenger seat occupancy sensor oc3. Bmw issued a 15 year extended warranty to many Bmw models including the 2006 and 2007 Z4 with comfort seats, but not to the 2008 model. This repair costs upwards of $1500 and is safety related. Bmw needs to step up and cover all affected models!”
NHTSA complaint #11282391, filed 2019-11Related service bulletins
- 10148018Sep 1, 2014"?SI B01 09 14 September 2014 WarrantiesWarranties This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 09 14 dated August 2014. Please read this Service Information bulletin in…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 20% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 2 | 29% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 8 | 42% |
| 2007 | 6 | 18% |
| 2006 | 14 | 15% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 18 | 4% |
| 2003 | 31 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2008 BMW Z4
5 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW Z4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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