2005 BMW Z4

190 complaints on file, page 1 of 10.

1. Filed Apr 25, 2025Failure Apr 25, 2025Carbondale, ILSteering

   While moving, especially in warm weather, the steering will stick. This requires excessive force to move the steering wheel which results in a "jump" when the steering moves (breaks loose). This sudden "jump" results in vehicle moving excessively, especially scary in traffic! I have not had the vehicle inspected by a mechanic but reading various forums this appears to be a common problem with BMW Z4s.

   NHTSA complaint 11656879
2. Filed Jul 18, 2024Failure Jul 17, 202499,000 milesCorona, CAStructure

   The contact owns a 2005 BMW Z4. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the heavy plastic interior liner panel fell on his head. The contact stated that the plastic cover was used to hide the windshield clasps that hold the convertible top in place when the convertible top was closed. The contact attempted to reattach the plastic liner however, the fasteners had fractured. The contact placed the plastic liner into the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated while driving, the rear view of the vehicle was blocked by the detached plastic liner. The contact stated that the convertible top was able to retract and return into place, but the convertible top attachment clasps and mechanism were exposed. The contact was unable to reattach the liner. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or to an independent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11603228
3. Filed May 13, 2024Failure May 12, 2024New Orleans, LAAir bags

   The passenger air bag suddenly deployed while the car was parked in my driveway, braking the dashboard and the windshield.

   NHTSA complaint 11588461
4. Filed Aug 13, 2023Failure Aug 12, 2023Naranjito, PRAir bags

   Passenger airbag dash deploys while car is parked. It’s deploy from nothing.

   NHTSA complaint 11538263
5. Filed Jul 24, 2023Failure Jul 24, 2023Marshfield, MASteering

   Generally described as sticky steering. Steering wheel binds up and needs pressure to overcome, then released and the car overcorrects so steering is erratic. This is particularly dangerous when cornering. Issue seems temperature related and is worse in high temperatures. This is a well known problem in 2003-2005 BMW Z4. The car has been sittting in my garage for a year as it is unsafe to drive. When is the recall?

   NHTSA complaint 11534188
6. Filed Feb 17, 2023Failure Feb 16, 2023Bluffton, SCSteering

   This 2005 BMW Z3 was bought from a dealer who sold the car to the original owner and maintained it. The car has 45,000 miles on it, and I am the second owner. I have only owned the car for one month. Yesterday was the first day of 80 degree weather, and the steering is now "sticking". It will not track in a straight line and needs constant corrections from side to side to compensate for the problem. If you do not pay close attention and correct the steering input, you will go off the road. I have now read about others with the same problem, and that BMW is aware of its design flaw. There should be a recall issued for them to correct the problem. My understanding is that it is a costly repair, and it will most likely reoccur after the fix. Needless to say, I am very disappointed with the dealer as I feel they knowingly sold me this car with the steering problem. We are in the south, so warm weather for nine months out of the year is common.

   NHTSA complaint 11507748
7. Filed Dec 1, 2021Failure Jul 1, 2021Lynchburg, VASteering

   While driving the vehicle will loose all power steering, and becomes very difficult to steer, warning lamp comes on with a steering wheel and a exclamation point. Has been diagnosed as needing a steering wheel column assembly.

   NHTSA complaint 11442298
8. Filed Aug 13, 2021Failure Aug 1, 2021Brookings, SDExterior lighting

   The front headlight wiring harness is flaking off and could cause a short and lose your lights at night and cause a accident. there has been no recall and it's happening to all of the bmw cars that had this environmentally friendly insulation. It is a hazard because you can lose both headlights without notice and have a accident. It has been going on for years according to several mechanics I've spoken too. It also is a huge expense to replace.

   NHTSA complaint 11428937
9. Filed Aug 3, 2021Failure Jul 27, 2021Madison, CTSteering

   Owned the vehicle since purchased new in July 2005. Warranty expired ~2010. Approximately 2014, symptoms started. In the heat -- 80F - 90F degree sunny day -- response of the steering wheel became notchy, as though requiring a push to get the wheel past a notch. After some time the symptom disappeared, until the (black color) car was again heated in hot sun of a 90F day. It seemed incidental. I was no longer commuting and drove the car less in 2015-2019 period, so noticed it less often. 2020 was Covid-19 so car was barely driven until Spring 2021. Now in hot Summer 2021, the symptom is back and much stronger. Again, only after the car has been baked in hot sunlight for some period. Both directions (L and R) moving the wheel off centerline, requires pushing past a "notch" type feeling...it is NOT a smooth turn of the steering wheel. As the car is turning, re-centering the steering wheel also is notchy with the wheel moving in jumpy increments.

   NHTSA complaint 11427659
10. Filed Aug 27, 2020Failure Jul 17, 202076,500 milesOcala, FLSteering

    THE STEERING STICKS WHILE DRIVING YOU HAVE TO FORCE IT TO TURN CAUSING YOU TO TRAVEL BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE LANE. THIS ONLY HAPPENS AT HWY SPEEDS ON VERY WARM DAYS AND AT SLOWER SPEEDS WORKS NORMAL.

    NHTSA complaint 11351691
11. Filed Jul 16, 2020Failure Jul 6, 202018,000 milesKailua Kona, HISteering

    STEERING IS NO LONGER SMOOTH OR SAFE, TAKES 2 HANDS AND EVEN ON STRAIGHT ROAD HAS TO BE MOVED IN JERKS SIDE TO SIDE, AS IF SOMEONE ELSE IS HOLDING THE WHEEL AND FIGHTING BACK WHEN YOU TRY TO TURN WHEEL. WARM IS WORSE AND ON HIGHWAY AT SPEED ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP STRAIGHT. ON MY DRIVE MONDAY HAD I HAD TO MAKE AN EVASIVE MOVE I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AND WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. IN HAWAII IT IS ALWAYS OVER 80 DEGREES ON HIGHWAY. WHEN FIRST TURNED ON IN GARAGE IT IS NOT NEARLY AS BAD. BUT AFTER COUPLE MINUTES IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN CHOSEN DIRECTION. EVASIVE ACTION NOW IMPOSSIBLE AND TOLD BY DEALER THAT AN ENTIRE NEW STEERING COLUMN IS REQUIRED AND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN Z4S FROM 2004-2006. HAS ONLY 18,000 MILES ON IT. IN FLAWLESS SHAPE. IN 2012 WITH 11,442 MILES ON THE CAR THE STEERING WAS DOING THE SAME THING. MY FATHER WHO BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, THE CAR TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. THUS THE CAR NOW HAS 7,000 MORE MILES AND AGAIN I AM TOLD IT NEEDS ANOTHER STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT FOR $6000. FROM INVESTIGATING OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE IT IS THE UNSEALED BEARING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE COLUMN THAT THE LUBRICANT DRIES AND HARDENS ONTO. THAT BEARING CAN BE DUG OUT, CLEANED OFF AND NEW LUBRICANT APPLIED. BUT THIS IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX. THE LUBRICANT WILL DRY AND HARDEN REQUIRING ANOTHER COSTLY (QUOTED AT $1700) OPENING AND CLEANING/LUBRICATING. THE 2007 MODELS HAVE HAD 0 COMPLAINTS SO SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY BMW FIXED THE UNSEALED BEARING PROBLEM. I AM ASKING FOR A NEW STEERING COLUMN WITH ONE OF THE SEALED BEARING ASSEMBLIES TO BE INSTALLED BY THE BMW DEALER AT THEIR COST.

    NHTSA complaint 11339814
12. Filed Jun 26, 2020Failure Jun 26, 2020160,000 milesPompano Beach, FLSteering

    MY CAR WAS PARKED WHILE I WAS ON THE BEACH FOR 2 HOURS WHEN I STARTED MY CAR THE POWER STEERING WAS GONE I COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 11331131
13. Filed Jun 15, 2020Failure Jun 4, 2020Travelers Rest, SCAir bags

    PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. FACTS: VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT RUNNING. KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED NO IMPACT ' NO COLLISION. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 11328841
14. Filed Feb 24, 2020Failure Feb 20, 202060,300 milesBinghamton, NYSteering

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES, THE STEERING CEASED WITHOUT WARNING. GAULT AUTO SPORT BMW LOCATED AT (2311 NORTH ST, ENDICOTT, NY 13760) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,300.

    NHTSA complaint 11311058
15. Filed Feb 22, 2020Failure May 1, 2018130,000 milesConway, SCSteeringCrash

    SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING CAUSING THE CAR TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. WHEN READING KNOWN ISSUES REGARDING THE BMW Z4, THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON SAFETY PROBLEM. THERE IS A KNOWN RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES FOR THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE MAKE, MODEL, YEAR. MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IN HEAVY CITY TRAFFIC WHEN THE STEERING BECAME STICKY, CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AND ULTIMATELY HITTING A CURB CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT LOWER WHEEL WELL AND DOOR PANEL. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY SITTING IN A REPAIR SHOP WAITING ON FINDING A STEERING COLUMN THAT WILL NOT COST $3800 - $4000 TO REPLACE.

    NHTSA complaint 11310693
16. Filed Oct 4, 2019Failure Jun 1, 201914,731 milesHampstead, NCSteering

    MY 2005 BMW Z4 STEERING SEEMS TO DRIFT FROM SIDE TO SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP IN THE LANE. WHEN YOU ADJUST FOR THIS ( WHICH IS CONSTANT) THE STEER WHEEL FIGHTS YOU AND IT SEEMS TO BE STUCK, THEN BREAKS LOSE. THEN YOU GO TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LANE. IT'S WORSE AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND I BELIEVE THIS IS DANGEROUS DUE TO CONSTANT ATTENTION REQUIRED TO KEEP THE CAR TRACKING DOWN ROAD. IN TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT RETURN TO A CENTER POSITION AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET IT TO RETURN TO CENTER POSITION. THIS IS CONSTANT ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. I HAVE HAVE THE CAR ALIGN BY BMW AND THE TIRE ROTATED WITH NO CHANGE. I BELIEVE THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM.

    NHTSA complaint 11266045
17. Filed Aug 19, 2019Failure Aug 18, 201922,937 milesWest Palm Beach, FLSteering

    STEERING WHEEL GETS STACKED WHILE DRIVING. HAVE TO BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS, AND EVEN THEN AT TIMES STEERING CAN RESPOND IN A VERY UNORTHODOX WAY. DEFINITELY DANGEROUS, AS SE TOO MANY TIMES CAR STARTED TO SHIFT TO EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT IGNORING MY INTEND. IF I CRASH, LET THIS POST BE EVIDENCE THAT AUTHORITIES WERE NOTIFIED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE GOING WAY BACK AND MAKES WERE NEVER FORCED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU

    NHTSA complaint 11244888
18. Filed Jun 27, 2019Failure Jun 27, 201957,000 milesIndian Head, MDSteering

    STEERING WHEEL FEELS JERKY WHEN TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT AND REACHES A POINT WHERE ADDED FORCE IS NEEDED TO TURN THE WHEEL RESULTING IN SUDDEN MOVES OF THE CAR TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT RESPECTIVELY. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE APPEARS TO AFFECT WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT WAS 94F TODAY AND CAR WAS PARKED IN THE SUN FOR ABOUT FIVE HOURS. CONDITION IS LIFE THREATENING AND WILL CHANGE HOW OFTEN I WILL DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN ONLINE FORUMS BUT I HAVE OT FOUND A RECALL NOTICE FOR IT YET. MY VEHICLE SHOWS NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS BUT I CANNOT VERIFY IF A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM AND IF MY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO ADDRESS IT.

    NHTSA complaint 11223090
19. Filed Jun 26, 2019Failure Jun 24, 2019Jupiter, FLSteering

    WHEN DRIVING, THE CAR STEERING STICKS CAUSING ME TO CROSS INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ONE DAY THIS WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

    NHTSA complaint 11222720
20. Filed Apr 22, 2019Failure Jul 12, 201769,000 milesDillsburg, PASteering

    WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING ON THE BMW 2005, Z4 BECAME DIFFICULT TO GUIDE OR TURN. TO MANEUVER THE CAR IN A ROAD DRIVING LANE, IT WAS OFTEN NECESSARY TO FORCIBLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN THAT WAS DONE, THE CAR WOULD JERK TO THE SIDE WHERE THE TURN WAS BEING ATTEMPTED. THIS OFTEN CAUSE THE CAR TO VEER INTO OTHER LANES. IT WAS REPAIRED TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND BMW HAS NOT RECOGNIZED THIS PROBLEM AS A SAFETY ISSUE. BMW NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL AND EITHER PAY FOR THE REPAIR OR REIMBURSE ANY Z4 CAR OWNER WHO PAID TO FIX THE SAFETY PROBLEM AND AVOID AN ACCIDENT.

    NHTSA complaint 11202897