2009 BMW Z4 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 18%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2009 BMW Z4, 18% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 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.
“Engine unexpectedly stalled and shutdown while in movement with potential to cause accident. Vehicle cannot be turned on until full stop is achieved and transmission placed in p. Idle engine RPM continues to vary drastically up and down with indication a problem persists and is likely pose the same safety risk. I bought vehicle used on 2012 and had the issue shortly after purchase twice at highway speeds. Dealership took months to apparently resolve. I am back at risk.”
NHTSA complaint #11012694, filed 2017-08, 98,000 miles“The car has stalled multiple time when coming to a stop. In some instances I did not have to come to a complete stop such as crossing a divided highway, just slowed significantly. As I went to accelerate through the intersection the engine had stalled and I was stuck in the middle of the intersection with no power. Car starts right back up each time but you must stop to place the car in drive(automatic transmission). Nearly hit by oncoming traffic on 3 separate occasions. Dealership was able to replicate, sold me a $400 battery as the fix. Car stalled on the way home from dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10597727, filed 2014-06, 28,000 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Bmw Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11129939, filed 2018-09Related service bulletins
- 10162421Jul 10, 2019N54, N54T - Catalytic Converter Conversion Faults Stored. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp could come on with one or both of the following faults stored in the DME: * 29F4…
- 10154818Feb 1, 2018N20 AND N26 ENGINES TURBOCHARGER ELECTRIC WASTEGATE ACTUATOR LINKAGE PIN CORROSION This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 14 17 dated February 2018.
- 10135019Feb 1, 2018Engine Oil Quick Reference Chart and Drain Plug Torque: The current version of ISTA/D has an error in the engine oil capacity specification for all vehicles with the N63R engine…
- 10146811Sep 1, 2016"VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 16E-A04: DME - OBD. The DME software calibration for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on board diagnosis (OBD) may not function correctly…
- 10147017Aug 1, 2016"Delivery Stop: Remove Engine Oil Label. Affected vehicles in dealer inventory must not be retailed or delivered until the label is removed. Vehicles at ports of entry will be…
- 10151300May 1, 2016N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 06…
- 10147235Sep 1, 2015?N20 and N26 engine: Smoke from Exhaust when Starting a Cold Engine. When starting a cold engine, blue smoke can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately…
- 10151399Aug 1, 2015The plastic oil filter housing may fail and lead to an internal and/or external engine oil or coolant leak.
- 10146944Jul 1, 2015N20 Engine: Repeated Juddering or Surging While Accelerating. The vehicle judders or surges repeatedly while accelerating in hot ambient temperatures between 3,000 RPM and 5,000…
- 10147652Mar 1, 2015N20 and N26 Engine: Oil Leaks from Cylinder Head Cover. There is an engine oil leakage under the vehicle, or the vehicle smells of engine oil. The cylinder head cover gasket is…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 40% |
| 2019 | 2 | 40% |
| 2015 | 1 | 20% |
| 2012 | 1 | 20% |
| 2011 | 10 | 22% |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% |
| 2009 | 4 | 18% |
| 2008 | 1 | 5% |
| 2007 | 4 | 12% |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2009 BMW Z4
11 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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