BMW Z4 Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 5,695 MOT tests from 319 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every BMW Z4 has the same fault.

BMW Z4's have a slightly over average reliability rating of 594/999. The score was calculated from the average of every BMW Z4 that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the BMW Z4.

BMW Z4 (example)

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Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	738/999Very good	78,221 miles	803 vehicles
N/A	N/A	678/999Good	70,931 miles	1,536 vehicles
N/A	N/A	665/999Good	102,130 miles	1,316 vehicles
N/A	N/A	647/999Good	109,759 miles	1,172 vehicles
N/A	N/A	582/999Above average	74,829 miles	1,078 vehicles
N/A	N/A	535/999Above average	75,728 miles	1,300 vehicles
N/A	N/A	461/999Average	120,582 miles	1,547 vehicles
N/A	N/A	447/999Average	118,378 miles	1,511 vehicles

How reliable is the BMW Z4?

Based on 5,695 MOT tests from 319 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

319

MOT tests

5,695

Pass rate

77.9%

Median mileage

84,382 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every BMW Z4 has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 616 out of 999.

Common BMW Z4 MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 960 advisory comments and 166 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 63 advisory comments and 193 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR COIL SPRING CORRODED (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 227 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR BRAKE PIPE CORRODED, COVERED IN GREASE OR OTHER MATERIAL (1.1.11 (C))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 182 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (3.5.1G)

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 182 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 66 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING LAMP INDICATES A FAULT (7.1.6 (A))

Engine warning lamp

VehicleScore MOT data includes 37 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an engine warning lamp that was on, or did not work, during the inspection.

What to inspect

Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Example MOT wording: ENGINE MIL INOPERATIVE OR INDICATES A MALFUNCTION (8.2.1.2 (H))

BMW Z4 MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2020	9	43	95.3%	Tyre wear
2019	10	56	91.1%	Tyre wear, Ball joint wear
2016	6	53	86.8%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2015	5	45	97.8%	Tyre wear
2014	11	135	83.7%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2013	12	155	80%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2012	14	153	92.2%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2011	19	276	83.7%	Tyre wear, Shock absorber issues
2010	21	320	87.5%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2009	18	305	84.3%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2008	21	410	77.8%	Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
2007	27	574	73.7%	Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
2006	32	659	75.4%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2005	30	707	74.3%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2004	41	997	75.7%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2003	30	742	72.2%	Tyre wear, Corrosion

What to check when buying a used BMW Z4

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.
Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.
Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.
Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.
Engine warning lamp. Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Buying a BMW Z4?

Common problems tell you what can affect BMW Z4s generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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