Photo: Michael Gil from Calgary, AB, Canada / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2009 BMW Z4: common problems and reliability
· E89One of the weaker Z4 years.
22 owner complaints, most about wheels. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2009 Z4?The 2009 BMW Z4 has 22 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are wheels and engine. Owners most often flag retractable hardtop electrical harness wires fatiguing and breaking at the joints.
Safety record for the 2009 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 BMW Z4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Z4 years only. How we score it
Is 2009 a good year for the Z4?
Across the 20 Z4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2022) to 414 (2003). With 22 complaints, the 2009 Z4 sits about the same as 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 2009 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.
electrical system
Campaign 13V044000BMW 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.
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 09V327000BMW 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.
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 E89 Z4
Owners of the E89 Z4 generally regard it as a beautiful, distinctive roadster that has held its value unusually well for a BMW, with the retractable hardtop and the DCT transmission drawing particular praise.
- RecurrentRetractable hardtop electrical harness wires fatiguing and breaking at the joints
- RecurrentHardtop tray and roof mechanism repairs
- RecurrentSqueaks and creaks from the dash, center console, steering column, behind the seat, and the hardtop
- RecurrentCracked or fractured wheels
- RecurrentHigh-pressure fuel pump failure
Owner insights for the E89 Z4. Read the full E89 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 2009 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Z4 against its rivals
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