CarBrief

NHTSA has 33 owner complaints for the 2007 BMW Z4, and steering is the biggest group with 11[1][2]. Its latest recall covers a heater that can short and cause a fire, and the repair is still being developed[3].

33owner complaints[1]
2recalls[4]
17–22MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Three mention a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

In a sample of steering complaints we read, 5 of 11 describe power steering that turned heavy, stuck or stopped helping[2]. Another 4 of 11 describe the car pulling or veering from side to side[2].

In the engine complaint texts we read, 5 are about the PCV recall below[6]. Owners say the repair parts were not available when they asked[6]. In a sample of air bag complaints, 2 of 6 mention warning lights tied to the passenger seat sensor[7]. Another 2 of 6 describe an air bag going off without a crash[7].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year[4]. Both cover the same part, the heater on the PCV valve. This valve is part of the engine's crankcase ventilation.

BMW customer service is listed at 1-800-525-7417[3]. Because the 22V119 remedy was still being developed, check with a BMW dealer on whether it is ready before relying on it.

Fuel economy

EPA lists these ratings for premium fuel and rear-wheel drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version Transmission City / Hwy / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
Z4 3.0i[14] Manual 6-spd 18 / 28 / 21 $3,900
Z4 3.0i[5] Automatic (S6) 18 / 28 / 22 $3,750
Z4 3.0si[15] Manual 6-spd 18 / 28 / 21 $3,900
Z4 3.0si[16] Automatic (S6) 18 / 28 / 22 $3,750
Z4 Coupe[17] Manual 6-spd 18 / 28 / 21 $3,900
Z4 Coupe[18] Automatic (S6) 18 / 28 / 22 $3,750
Z4 M Coupe (3.2L)[19] Manual 6-spd 15 / 22 / 17 $4,850
Z4 M Roadster (3.2L)[20] Manual 6-spd 15 / 22 / 17 $4,850

Safety ratings

NHTSA has not rated this model year in its 5-Star Safety Ratings[21][22].

Engine and size

The EPA lists 3.0L 6-cylinder engines for the 3.0i, 3.0si and Coupe, and a 3.2L 6-cylinder for the M models[14][15][17][19][20]. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Z4 2.5i convertible[23] 161 in 70 in 51 in 98 in 2,998 lb
Z4 3.0i / 3.0si convertible[24] 161 in 70 in 51 in 98 in 3,053 lb

How 2007 compares with other years

2003: 414 complaints, 4 recalls20032004: 411 complaints, 1 recalls2005: 191 complaints, 0 recalls20052006: 91 complaints, 2 recalls2007: 33 complaints, 2 recalls3320072008: 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 2007 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

The 2007 Z4 has 33 complaints and 2 recalls[4]. Four earlier years have more complaints: 2003 with 414, 2004 with 411, 2005 with 191 and 2006 with 91[4]. The 2011 model year also has more, with 46 complaints and 6 recalls[4]. The 2008 and 2009 years have fewer complaints, with 19 and 22[4].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2007 Z4?

Complaint numbers are modest next to the 2003 to 2006 model years[4]. Still, steering is the biggest complaint group, and its complaints include a fire and an injury, so ask for a steering check before you buy[2]. The PCV heater recall carries a fire risk and its remedy was still being developed, so ask a BMW dealer for the current status using the car's VIN[3]. The 3.0L cars run 21 to 22 mpg combined and the M models get 17, with M fuel costs of $4,850 a year against $3,750 to $3,900[14][5][19].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2007 BMW Z4?
Steering has the most NHTSA complaints at 11 of 33, then engine with 9 and air bags with 6[1][2][6][7].
Does the 2007 BMW Z4 have recalls?
NHTSA lists 2, both about the PCV valve heater and the risk of a fire[4][3][13]. The remedy for 22V119 was still being developed[3].
What is the gas mileage of a 2007 BMW Z4?
The 3.0L cars are rated 18 city and 28 highway, with 21 or 22 combined[14][5]. The M models are rated 15 city, 22 highway and 17 combined[14][5][19].
How does the 2007 Z4 compare with other model years?
It has 33 complaints[4]. That is fewer than 2003 to 2006 and 2011, and every other listed year has fewer[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 33 owner complaints on file for the 2007 BMW Z4 (3 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 1 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 11 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,000). 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 3.0i, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 9 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 6 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 4 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 2 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 2 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 1 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 1 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 17V683, filed October 30, 2017: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). NHTSA recall database
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. EPA rating for Z4 3.0si, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Z4 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
  18. EPA rating for Z4 Coupe, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Z4 M Coupe, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 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: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  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
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, Z4 3.0i / 3.0si 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

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.