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BMW Z4 2004

The 2004 BMW Z4 came with 2 engines: 2.5 L 6-cylinder, 3.0 L 6-cylinder. It gets 20 to 21 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 1 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Two Seaters Rear-wheel (RWD)
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BMW Z4
Representative photo of the Z4. It may show a different year or version. Photo: Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
2,500 cc
6
Cylinders6
TransmissionAutomatic · 5 speeds
DrivetrainRear-wheel (RWD)
Dimensions (L × W × H)4,090 × 1,780 × 1,300 mm (161.0 × 70.1 × 51.2 in)
Wheelbase2,495 mm (98.2 in)
Curb weight1,345 kg (2,965 lb)
Body styleTwo Seaters

Dimensions and weight: median of the 2 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2004 BMW Z4 Convertible w/SAB
🇺🇸 Local data

Fuel economy (MPG)

🇺🇸 Local data
City
18 MPG
Highway
26 MPG
Combined
21 MPG
Emissions
263 g/km
CO₂

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
2.5 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 18 MPG 26 MPG 21 MPG
2.5 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 6 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 18 MPG 27 MPG 21 MPG
2.5 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 18 MPG 26 MPG 21 MPG
3.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 17 MPG 25 MPG 20 MPG
3.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 6 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 18 MPG 27 MPG 21 MPG
3.0 L 6-cylinder Manual · 6 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 18 MPG 27 MPG 21 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

1 campaign🇺🇸 Local dataNHTSA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP 04V182000 · 2004-04-12 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE ELECTRICAL LINE POWERING THE FUEL PUMP IN ORDER TO PREVENT AN OCCURRENCE OF VAPOR LOCK. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

2 campaigns🇨🇦 CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Seats And Restraints 2008307 · 2008-08-26 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue during field usage depending on the seat configuration, vehicle geometry, manner and frequency of front passenger entry/exit. Over time micro cracks could develop in the side flanks of the mat, which could lead to a break of the conductive path and the system will recognize a failure and with exception of head protection system the front passenger air bag will be deactivated. The airbag On/Off lamp will be illuminated to make the occupants aware of the deactivation. Correction: The occupant detection mat will be granted a warranty extension of 10 years.

Fuel System 2004123 · 2004-04-05 · Transport Canada
Details

Certain vehicles contain a defect involving the electric fuel pump. Under certain environmental conditions, for example, driving during high outside temperatures in combination with high altitudes (over 5,000ft.), vapor lock in the fuel pump could occur. This could cause the engine to stall. If this were to happen, the engine could be unable to be restarted for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Correction: Dealer will install a resistor in the electrical line leading to the fuel pump. This will reduce the power output of the fuel pump and preclude an occurrence of vapor lock.

Common problems

40 reports🇺🇸 Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

STEERING 2025-06-09 · NHTSA

Twice this month, while operating the vehicle, the power steering completely stopped functioning, causing the vehicle to be almost uncontrollable. No prior warning light. When I purchased the vehicle in 2018, the same problem occurred and the dealer replaced the steering column under warranty. In researching online I …

STEERING 2025-06-03 · NHTSA

Power steering wheel went out of power during a trip at about 70mph. Yellow light at the dashboard went ON then so, car became imposible to drive or so.

STEERING 2025-04-09 · NHTSA

Power steering stopped working.

STEERING 2025-02-12 · NHTSA

The electric steering gets sticky when very often. It feels locked in its position and requires extra force to unstick, once its past the sticking point it over corrects and causes the vehicle to swerve. This failure seems to be quite common and is well known. It seems to be a manufacturing defect inside the electric …

STEERING 2024-06-04 · NHTSA

When driving the steering is loose or sticky. The problem gets worse when the weather is warm. Sometimes it’s hard to keep the car driving in a straight path. This is scary and dangerous. His occurs whenever the car is driven. Other z4 drivers are having the same problem.

STEERING 2023-09-08 · NHTSA

The steering sticks, in warmer weather, at freeway speeds. Continuously trying to unstick the steering wheel, with the possibility of overcorrecting, at freeway speeds, could present a safety hazard. Yes, the alignment company recognized the problem during their post-alignment test drive. The vehicle has not been in…

STEERING 2023-08-24 · NHTSA

The electric steering gets sticky when hot. It feels locked in its position and requires extra force to unstick, once its past the sticking point it over corrects and causes the vehicle to swerve. This failure seems to be quite common and is well known. It seems to be a manufacturing defect inside the electric stee…

STEERING 2023-04-17 · NHTSA

The steering is sticky, like the steering system is locking up. It isn't smooth but instead very jerky, and requires serious effort to manage. It is becoming dangerous and is very unsafe. I have seen a lot of complaints on the internet and can not believe this isn't a recall item!

STEERING 2022-11-07 · NHTSA

Component or system failed: Steering Column. It is available for inspection. Safety or the safety of others put at risk: When driving the steering column will lock or stick into place until it is forced back into a normal driving position. This consistently occurs when driving on a corner or making slight steering adj…

STEERING 2022-08-10 · NHTSA

Steering is "sticky" with a feel of detents in the steering instead of expected smooth engagement. At highway speeds this is concerning and feels unsafe. Difficult or impossible to steer smoothly.

STEERING 2022-07-27 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2004 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in warm weather, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The contact continued driving with caution to his destination. The veh…

STEERING 2022-06-10 · NHTSA

The the vehicle sits out in the sunlight or its warm outside (usually over 80F) the steering wheel will get very notchy and “stick” towards the center position at highway speeds. This makes minor steering corrections at highway speeds very difficult to make without unintentionally leaving your own lane possibly into …

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2004 BMW Z4 have?
The 2004 BMW Z4 came with 2 engines: 2.5 L 6-cylinder, 3.0 L 6-cylinder.
What is the fuel economy of the 2004 BMW Z4?
It gets 20 to 21 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2004 BMW Z4 have recalls?
1 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Fuel System, Gasoline (2004-04-12).
What are the common problems of the 2004 BMW Z4?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Steering.

Other years

Which BMW Z4 year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by BMW

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