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2020 BMW Z4: common problems and reliability
· G29One of the weaker Z4 years.
5 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 Z4?The 2020 BMW Z4 has 5 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag apple carplay connects and disconnects intermittently, resolved by a dealer idrive software update.
Safety record for the 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 BMW Z4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Z4 years only. How we score it
Is 2020 a good year for the Z4?
Across the 20 Z4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2022) to 414 (2003). With 5 complaints, the 2020 Z4 sits below 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 2020 Z4
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 19V850000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 Z4 M40i, Z4 sDrive30i, 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles as well as 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The headlight control units may fail causing a loss of one or both of the headlights.
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 19V684000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Campaign 20V700000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Z4 and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. The weld between the fuel tank halves may have been insufficiently welded, causing the weld to fail.
engine
Campaign 21V598000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
Show 2 more recalls
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 20V516000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The headlamps are able to be adjusted horizontally. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
electrical system:starter assembly:relay
Campaign 25V636000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
What owners report on the G29 Z4
Owners of the G29 Z4 are overwhelmingly positive, describing it as underrated, a future classic, and one of BMW's best current offerings.
- RecurrentApple CarPlay connects and disconnects intermittently, resolved by a dealer iDrive software update
- RecurrentHarman Kardon sound system quality considered mediocre
- RecurrentSoft top rather than hardtop seen as a drawback by some
- IsolatedSteering feel described as lacking or numb
- IsolatedRoad noise and potential rattles inherent to the convertible top
Owner insights for the G29 Z4. Read the full G29 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 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Z4 against its rivals
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