CarBrief

Owners filed 91 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW Z4, and 55 of them name steering[1][2]. The car also has a recall for a PCV valve heater that can short and start a fire, and the remedy was still being developed when the recall text was written[3]. for a PCV valve heater that can short and start a fire, and the remedy was still being developed when the recall was written[3].

91owner complaints[1]
2recalls[4]
17–21MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 91 owner complaints for the 2006 Z4[1]. One mentions a crash, three mention a fire, one mentions injuries and one mentions a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Steering[2] 55 52,244
Air bags[6] 14 55,000
Electrical system[7] 13 60,050
Engine[8] 9 53,000
Exterior lighting[9] 4 not given
Seats[10] 3 not given
Speed control[11] 2 not given
Unknown or other[12] 2 not given

Steering. This is the biggest group, with one crash among its complaints[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, 7 of 12 describe electric steering that turns heavy or sticks near the center, usually on hot days or after the car sat in the sun[2]., usually on hot days or after the car sat in the sun[2]. Another 3 of 12 describe the car pulling to one side or swaying at highway speed, and 3 of 12 say the dealer could not find or repeat the fault[2].

Air bags. In the sample we read, In the sample we read, 9 of 12 complaints describe a passenger air bag warning light that stays on or comes on, which owners tie to a failed seat occupancy mat or sensor[6]., which owners tie to a failed seat occupancy mat or sensor[6]. Owners in 5 of the 12 say they were told this car is not covered by a related recall or extended warranty[6].[6]. The complaints show no crashes, fires or injuries[6].

Electrical system. This group has 2 fires and 1 injury among its complaints[7]. In the sample we read, 4 of 12 describe headlight wiring with crumbling insulation or bare wire inside the headlight housing[7]. Two of the 12 describe a fire[7].

Engine. The engine group is small, with 9 complaints and no crashes, fires or injuries[8]. In the sample we read, 4 of 9 describe stalling or a sudden loss of power[8]. Another 2 of 9 are owners who got the PCV valve heater recall notice and were waiting for a repair part[8].

Recalls

NHTSA shows 2 recalls for the 2006 Z4[4]. Both are about the same part.

Before you buy, check the VIN for open recalls. If 22V119 is open, ask when the part will be available.

Fuel economy

The EPA rates the 3.0L six-cylinder Z4 at 18 MPG city, 27 highway and 21 combined with the automatic (S6)[14][15]. With the 6-speed manual it is 18 city, 28 highway and 21 combined[16][17]. The same ratings apply to the 3.0i and 3.0si, and to the 3.0si Coupe[5][18]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,900 for these cars, and they take premium fuel[5]. The estimate uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

The Z4 M Coupe and M Roadster have a 3.2L six-cylinder and a 6-speed manual[19][20]. They are rated 14 city, 22 highway and 17 combined, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,850[19][20].

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists the 2006 Z4 as not rated in its 5-Star Safety Ratings[21]. That means there is no star score to compare with other cars.

Engine and size

EPA data lists a 3.0L six-cylinder engine for the 3.0i and 3.0si and a 3.2L six-cylinder for the M models[5][19]. All are rear-wheel drive[5][19]. These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Z4 3.0i convertible[22] 161 in 70 in 51 in 98 in 3,053 lb
Z4 2.5i convertible[23] 161 in 70 in 51 in 98 in 2,998 lb

How 2006 compares with other years

2003: 414 complaints, 4 recalls20032004: 411 complaints, 1 recalls2005: 191 complaints, 0 recalls20052006: 91 complaints, 2 recalls9120062007: 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 2006 is highlighted[4].
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

NHTSA has 91 complaints and 2 recalls on file for the 2006 Z4[4]. Three model years have more complaints: 2003 with 414, 2004 with 411 and 2005 with 191[4]. So 2006 is the fourth highest of the years listed. Later years have fewer complaints, for example 33 for 2007 and 19 for 2008[4].

Recall counts run the other way for some years. The 2011 model year has 6 recalls, and 2006 has 2[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat these as rough signals for the same model only.

Should you buy a used 2006 Z4?

The numbers do not point to one clear defect across the car. They do point to three things to check. Steering is the largest complaint group at 55 of 91 complaints[1][2]. A passenger air bag warning light appears in 9 of the 12 air bag complaints we read[6]. The PCV valve heater recall carries a fire risk, and the remedy was still being developed when the recall text was written[3]. Run the VIN for open recalls, ask how the steering feels after the car has sat in the sun, and check that the air bag warning light works normally. Those complaints are a small sample of unverified owner reports, so use them as a checklist and not as a verdict.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW Z4?
By complaint count, steering leads with 55 of 91 NHTSA complaints, followed by air bags with 14 and electrical system with 13[1][2][6][7]. In a sample we read, steering complaints often describe heavy or sticking steering in hot weather[2].
Does the 2006 BMW Z4 have any recalls?
Yes, 2 recalls are on file[4]. Both involve a PCV valve heater that can short circuit and raise fire risk[3][13]. Recall 22V119 supersedes 19V273, and its remedy was still being developed per the recall text[3].
What is the gas mileage of a 2006 BMW Z4?
The EPA rates the 3.0L models at 21 MPG combined, with 18 city and 27 or 28 highway depending on the transmission[14][16]. The M models are rated 17 MPG combined[19][20].
Is the 2006 BMW Z4 reliable?
We cannot rate reliability from this data. NHTSA has 91 complaints for the 2006 model, which is fewer than 2003, 2004 and 2005 but more than later years[1][4].
Which BMW Z4 model year has the fewest complaints?
The lowest count in the data is 0 complaints, for 2023 and 2026[4]. Among earlier years, 2012 and 2015 have 5. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat this as a rough guide[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, and a lower count does not mean a better car, so treat it as a rough guide[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 91 owner complaints on file for the 2006 BMW Z4 (1 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 1 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 55 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,244). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 22V119, filed March 2, 2022: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every BMW Z4 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Z4 3.0si Coupe, 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
  6. 14 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 13 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,050). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 9 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 4 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 3 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 2 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 2 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 19V273, filed April 4, 2019: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for Z4 3.0i, 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
  15. EPA rating for Z4 3.0si, 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
  16. EPA rating for Z4 3.0i, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Z4 3.0si, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Z4 3.0si Coupe, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Z4 M Coupe, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Z4 M Roadster, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  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 3,053 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. 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 2,998 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

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.