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2007 BMW Z4: common problems and reliability
· E86One of the worst Z4 years.
One of the BMW Z4 years to avoid. All Z4 years
33 owner complaints, most about steering. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2007 Z4?The 2007 BMW Z4 has 33 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and engine and engine cooling. Owners most often flag convertible top motor strain or failure: owners describe the top motor as a sign of an impending expensive repair, with some reporting seized manual releases and one owner totaling a car partly due to the top motor.
Safety record for the 2007 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2007 BMW Z4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Z4 years only. How we score it
Is 2007 a good year for the Z4?
Across the 20 Z4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2022) to 414 (2003). With 33 complaints, the 2007 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 2007 Z4
engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Campaign 17V683000BMW 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.
engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Campaign 22V119000BMW 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.
What owners report on the E86 Z4
Owners of the 2006-2008 E86 Z4 are overwhelmingly positive, describing it as one of the more reliable BMWs and a special, timeless sports car that delivers a genuine driving experience.
- RecurrentConvertible top motor strain or failure
Owners describe the top motor as a sign of an impending expensive repair, with some reporting seized manual releases and one owner totaling a car partly due to the top motor.
- RecurrentCooling system component failures, including water pump and plastic lines
Owners repeatedly flag the water pump and hard plastic cooling lines as items to replace preventively.
- RecurrentRod bearing wear on the S54-powered Z4 M
Owners treat rod bearings as wear items to be replaced, with one reporting failure at 85k miles.
- RecurrentVANOS issues on the S54-powered Z4 M
Owners mention VANOS refurbishment and cam sprocket bolts as expected maintenance.
- IsolatedRun-flat tires degrading ride quality
Owners describe them as crappy but easily swapped.
Owner insights for the E86 Z4. Read the full E86 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 2007 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Z4 against its rivals
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