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2009 BMW Z4: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2009 BMW Z4, most recently filed March 2022. Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the wheels.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Recalls 4campaigns 2 engine · 2 electrical Source: NHTSA Complaints 22filed Owner reports, 2005–2014 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 22mpg combined $2,969/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 3 L 6-cyl· 6-speed manual 4 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (4)

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2009 BMW Z4. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2009 BMW Z4. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V119000 Filed Mar 2, 2022

PCV Heater May Short Circuit

Engine and engine cooling · exhaust system · emission control · crankcase (pcv)
Official NHTSA text
Summary
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
35.8% repairedof 917,106 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V119000
Listed for 2009 BMW Z4. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V683000 Filed Oct 30, 2017

PCV Heater may Short Circuit

Engine and engine cooling · exhaust system · emission control · crankcase (pcv)
Official NHTSA text
Summary
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
53.7% repairedof 740,561 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V683000
Listed for 2009 BMW Z4. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V044000 Filed Feb 7, 2013

Loss of Electrical Power/Stalling

Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence
If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Repair progress not yet reported516,791 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V044000
Listed for 2009 BMW Z4. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 09V327000 Filed Aug 11, 2009

SAFETY BELT TENSIONERS

Electrical system · wiring
Official NHTSA text
Summary
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 Z4 30I AND 35I VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 10 AND MARCH 19, 2009. A DEFECTIVE CRIMP CONNECTOR IN A BELT TENSIONER WIRING PLUG MAY LEAD TO INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.
Consequence
INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE IN THAT CIRCUIT COULD CAUSE THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER TO FAIL TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INCREASED INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy
THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER WIRING WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-800-525-7417.
Repair progress not yet reported195 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V327000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Z4 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the BMW Z4All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (22)

22 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The wheels is mentioned most often.

1involved a crash
0involved a fire
0injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 BMW Z4, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 22.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2009 compares with other Z4 years

Best and worst Z4 years →
190 91 33 19 22 10 46 5 7 7
2005200620072008200920102011201220132014
This year (2009)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined

22
mpg combined
19
city
28
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,750
CO₂ tailpipe
404 g/mi
EPA class
Two Seaters

What it costs you to run

$2,969per year
$247per month
682gallons a year

Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2009 BMW Z4 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manualRear-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22$3,750404
3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive19 / 29 / 22$3,750404
3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manualRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20$4,100444
3 L 6-cyl · 7-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20$4,100444

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2009 Z4 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Z4 years

Where to next

Which Z4 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2010 BMW Z4 report10 complaints · 5 campaigns →2008 BMW Z4 report19 complaints · 2 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2009 BMW Z4 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2009 BMW Z4 have?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns: 22V119000 (engine), 17V683000 (engine), 13V044000 (electrical), 09V327000 (electrical). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2009 BMW Z4 problems?

Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. Wheels (11), Engine (4), Electrical system (2) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2009 BMW Z4 get?

EPA rates the 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual version at 19 city, 28 highway and 22 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2009 Z4 compare with other years?

Among the 2005–2014 BMW Z4 model years at least five years old, the 2012 drew the fewest complaints (5) and the 2005 the most (190). The 2009 drew 22. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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