BMW Z4 recalls

The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.

1,362 vehicles · built 2 Sep 2020 to 25 Aug 2022

For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.

Fix: Replacement of the starter motor.

2,677 vehicles · built 21 Aug 2018 to 1 Sep 2020

On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.

Fix: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.

3,695 vehicles · built 3 Sep 2009 to 3 Aug 2011

Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which were not produced according to the specifications

Fix: On the affected vehicles the brake discs will be checked and if necessary replaced

705 vehicles · built 29 Jan 2021 to 3 Feb 2021

On affected vehicles there is a possible failure of the fuel tank welding joint which could lead to leakage.

Fix: Replace the fuel tank

6 vehicles · built 7 Jun 2019 to 14 Oct 2019

A steering tie rod with an earlier design configuration can become broken in the �kink� groove area of the rod.

Fix: Both of the steering tie rods will be replaced on the affected vehicles.

4,542 vehicles · built 27 Sep 2018 to 9 Apr 2019

The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification

Fix: Replace the engine of affected vehicles

53 vehicles · built 14 Jan 2019 to 13 Jun 2019

The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However if the electrical connection is completely lost this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps.

Fix: On affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.

311,848 vehicles · built 2 Dec 2008 to 30 Nov 2009

Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.

Fix: On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version

10,849 vehicles · built 30 Dec 2010 to 29 Apr 2011

It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.

36,410 vehicles · built 1 Dec 2009 to 13 Oct 2011

The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.

Fix: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit

2,967 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2009 to 30 Nov 2011

It is possible that over a period of time the bolt securing the clutch cover/pressure plate may become loose. The drive should be warned of this by the behaviour of the clutch noise from it or inability to select gears. Under certain conditions complete loss of drive could occur which could place the driver and occupant of the vehicle in a prone position.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the clutch bolts.

4 vehicles · built 1 Feb 2013 to 30 Jun 2013

It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be make aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.

36 vehicles

Due to a component in the integrated control module not being to specification it is possible power steering assistance may fail. If this happens the EPS warning lamp will illuminate and a check control message will appear on the dashboard display. Directional control will be maintained albeit with additional driver input.

Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the steering box.

701 vehicles · built 1 Nov 2011 to 31 Dec 2011