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Electrical systemPart report

2011 BMW Z4 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
7%of 46 total for the year
Median mileage
32,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 BMW Z4, 7% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

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.

“On 01/05/2012, Bmw service center replaced an idrive part and reprogrammed the car. When I picked up the car, I noticed AC is not working. Service center took it back and did a master reset. After that several times I had the issue and they couldn't fix it. On 07/15/2013, I noticed the AC is not working. It was 85f outside. I called the service manager and drove the car to him. He checked the car and confirmed AC is not working. They took the car and gave me a loaner. Next day they found some error codes stored in the car. …”

NHTSA complaint #10525291, filed 2013-07, 32,000 miles

“Electrical power steering system failed, warning light came on. Vehicle suddenly became very difficult to impossible to steer. Failed to negotiate a turn and nearly hit a tree. I have an appointment set with an independent service dealer near me, but I’m afraid to drive it there, so I may have it towed. The warning light came on just moments before the initial failure.”

NHTSA complaint #11658036, filed 2025-04

“On 3 april 2026 I was driving my 2011 Bmw Z4 sdrive 30i e89 n52k (manual transmission) that has 31,000 miles on it, suddenly a steering assistance malfunction trouble light appeared and I lost all electronic power steering. This sudden loss of steering control almost caused an accident!! Then shortly thereafter the electronic power steering control returned. On april 4 I lost the steering control again and took it to a Bmw repair shop. They confirmed that the problem was with the eps (electric power steering control). …”

NHTSA complaint #11729687, filed 2026-04

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2020240%
2019120%
2015240%
2014343%
2013343%
2012240%
201137%
2010110%
200929%
2008211%
2007412%
20061314%
200563%
2004143%
2003133%

Other parts of the 2011 BMW Z4

Steering
13 complaints
Engine
10 complaints
Engine cooling
7 complaints
Wheels
7 complaints
Brakes
5 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Suspension
2 complaints
Tires
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Electronic stability control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 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