Photo: LuvsMG481 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2004 BMW Z4: common problems and reliability
· E85One of the worst Z4 years.
One of the BMW Z4 years to avoid. All Z4 years
411 owner complaints, most about steering. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2004 Z4?The 2004 BMW Z4 has 411 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are steering and air bags. Owners most often flag cooling system component failures, including water pump, expansion tank, and plastic lines.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 BMW Z4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Z4 years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the Z4?
Across the 20 Z4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2022) to 414 (2003). With 411 complaints, the 2004 Z4 sits above the model's median of 19.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2004 Z4
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 04V182000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, A VAPOR LOCK IN THE FUEL PUMP COULD OCCUR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES.
What owners report on the E85 Z4
Owners of the E85 Z4 broadly describe it as one of the more reliable BMWs they have owned, with many praising the inline-six engines, the manual gearbox, and the distinctive styling that has aged well.
- Very frequentCooling system component failures, including water pump, expansion tank, and plastic lines
- RecurrentConvertible top motor strain or failure, sometimes leading to expensive repair or manual conversion
- RecurrentValve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket leaks
- RecurrentDISA valve failure
- RecurrentVANOS issues, including solenoids and seals
Owner insights for the E85 Z4. Read the full E85 owner report.
Typical used price
Used Z4 listings typically run $13,934–$38,487.
Other Z4 model years
Compare every Z4 year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Z4 against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy