CarBrief

NHTSA lists 414 owner complaints for the 2003 Z4[1], and steering is named in 342 of them[2]. Four recalls are on file[3][4][5][6].

414owner complaints[1]
4recalls[7]
20–21MPG combined (EPA)[8]

Most reported problems

Steering stands out by a wide margin. 342 complaints name the steering group, with 2 crashes and a median mileage at failure of 42,000[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, 9 of 12[2] describe steering that gets stiff, sticks or does not return to center in hot weather. Some of those owners say a replaced steering system did not cure it[2].

Other groups are much smaller:

These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several groups. Overall, 5 complaints mention a crash and 1 mentions injuries[1].

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls. Each lists a dealer remedy. Newest first:

Recall coverage can depend on the individual car[3][6]. Recall coverage can depend on the individual car[3][6].

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions, all rear-wheel drive and all needing premium fuel:

Engine and transmission City / Hwy / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5)[8] 18 / 26 / 21 $3,900
2.5L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[16] 18 / 26 / 21 $3,900
2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6)[17] 18 / 27 / 21 $3,900
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5)[18] 18 / 25 / 20 $4,100
3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[19] 18 / 27 / 21 $3,900
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6)[20] 18 / 27 / 21 $3,900

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Engine and size

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Z4 2.5i Z4 3.0i
Length[21][22] 161 in 161 in
Width[21][22] 70 in 70 in
Height[21][22] 51 in 51 in
Wheelbase[21][22] 98 in 98 in
Curb weight[21][22] 2,932 lb 2,998 lb

How 2003 compares with other years

2003: 414 complaints, 4 recalls41420032004: 411 complaints, 1 recalls2005: 191 complaints, 0 recalls20052006: 91 complaints, 2 recalls2007: 33 complaints, 2 recalls20072008: 19 complaints, 2 recalls2009: 22 complaints, 4 recalls20092010: 10 complaints, 5 recalls2011: 46 complaints, 6 recalls20112012: 5 complaints, 4 recalls2013: 7 complaints, 3 recalls20132014: 7 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 5 complaints, 1 recalls20152016: 4 complaints, 1 recalls2019: 5 complaints, 6 recalls20192020: 5 complaints, 6 recalls2021: 1 complaints, 5 recalls20212022: 1 complaints, 3 recalls2024: 1 complaints, 0 recalls20242025: 1 complaints, 0 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Z4 model year. The 2003 is highlighted[7].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20034144
20044111
20051910
2006912
2007332
2008192
2009224
2010105
2011466
201254
201373
201473
201551
201641
201956
202056
202115
202213
202410
202510

The 2003 model year has the most complaints of any Z4 year on file, 414[7]. The 2004 year is close at 411, and 2005 drops to 191[7]. Counts drop sharply in the next few years, to 91 in 2006 and 33 in 2007, and stay far below 2003 in every later year[7]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so fewer complaints can partly reflect fewer cars or less time on the road.

For recalls, 2003 has 4[7]. Some later years have more, including 6 in 2011, 6 in 2019 and 6 in 2020[7].

Should you buy a used 2003 Z4?

The record is dominated by steering complaints, 342 of 414[1][2]. Owners in the sample we read tie the problem to hot weather, and some say a replacement did not fix it[2]. If you consider one, drive it on a warm day and ask what steering work has been done. Also check that the air bag warning light behaves normally and that all four recalls were completed[3][4][5][6]. Our data has no crash rating for this car[23], and it cannot tell you about repair cost or condition of an individual car.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW Z4?
Steering is named in 342 of 414 NHTSA complaints[1][2]. Air bags (31), electrical (13) and engine (12) follow[9][10][11].
Does the 2003 BMW Z4 have recalls?
Yes, four: air bag processors, fuel pump vapor lock, damaged 18-inch tires and the front seat belt buckle[3][4][5][6].
What is the gas mileage of a 2003 BMW Z4?
EPA rates it at 20 to 21 combined MPG depending on engine and transmission[8][16][18][19][20][17].
Is the 2003 Z4 the worst year for complaints?
Among Z4 model years on file, 2003 has the most, 414, just ahead of 2004 with 411[7].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 414 owner complaints on file for the 2003 BMW Z4 (5 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 342 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 04V247, filed May 24, 2004: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 04V182, filed April 12, 2004: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 03V214, filed June 9, 2003: Tires. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 03V032, filed February 4, 2003: Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  7. Owner complaints and recalls for every BMW Z4 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Z4 Roadster, 2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. 31 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 13 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 12 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 8 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,435). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 7 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 6 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,498). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 5 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. EPA rating for Z4 Roadster, 2.5L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Z4 Roadster, 2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Z4 Roadster, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Z4 Roadster, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Z4 Roadster, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, Z4 2.5i 2DR CONV RWD: length 161 in, width 70 in, height 51 in, wheelbase 98 in, curb weight 2,932 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, Z4 3.0i 2DR CONV RWD: length 161 in, width 70 in, height 51 in, wheelbase 98 in, curb weight 2,998 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.