BMW Z4 years to avoid and best years
Newer BMW Z4 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2020 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (5 complaints). 2019 through 2020 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2022 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2016 at 0 (from 4 complaints). The BMW Z4 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2020 BMW Z4, 1 of 5 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
2021
2022
2016
2025–26
BMW Z4 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market BMW Z4. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 25 |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 25 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 27 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 27 |
| 2022 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 3 | Electrical system, Visibility | 26.5 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 0 | 1 | 5 | — | 26.5 |
| 2020 → Most | 1 | 5 | 6 | Electrical system | 26.5 |
| 2019 → | 1 | 5 | 6 | Engine | 28 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 0 | 4 | 1 | Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system | 22.5 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 22.5 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 22.2 |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 22.2 |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | 22.4 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Convertible
- Oil
- SAE 0W-20 (N20/G29); SAE 0W-30 (E89 N55 sDrive35is; confirm under-hood label)
- Tire size
- 225/35R19–225/45R18 (E89/G29; trim-dependent), 255/30R19–255/40R18 (staggered packages) front / 255/30R19–275/40R18 (trim-dependent; staggered on M Sport / sDrive35is) rear
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA complaints and recalls for BMW Z4 vehicles in the tracked years include air-bag, braking (vacuum pump lubrication campaigns such as 13V-454 on related N20 engines), lighting, and electrical themes shared across BMW 3/4/5/7/M lines. Confirm each campaign by VIN; many unit totals span multiple BMW models.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW Z4 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2022 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2016 at 0 (from 4 complaints).
Which BMW Z4 year has the most owner complaints?
2020 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (5 complaints). 2019 through 2020 are in that same range. On the 2020 BMW Z4, 1 of 5 complaints name Electrical system.
How do BMW Z4 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer BMW Z4 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which BMW Z4 years are too early to compare?
The BMW Z4 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a US BMW Z4 use?
SAE 0W-20 (N20/G29); SAE 0W-30 (E89 N55 sDrive35is; confirm under-hood label)
What tire sizes fit a US BMW Z4?
Published US specs commonly list front 225/35R19–225/45R18 (E89/G29; trim-dependent), 255/30R19–255/40R18 (staggered packages) and rear 255/30R19–275/40R18 (trim-dependent; staggered on M Sport / sDrive35is); confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.
What NHTSA recalls affect the US BMW Z4?
NHTSA complaints and recalls for BMW Z4 vehicles in the tracked years include air-bag, braking (vacuum pump lubrication campaigns such as 13V-454 on related N20 engines), lighting, and electrical themes shared across BMW 3/4/5/7/M lines. Confirm each campaign by VIN; many unit totals span multiple BMW models.