repaired · 2024 Q2
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
2008 BMW Z4Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 19 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW Z4, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-119 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 25, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 BMW Z4 has problems
19 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Air bags
5Steering
2Engine and engine cooling
2Electrical system
1Vehicle speed control
1Wheels
1Engine
1Seats
1Service brakes
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 8 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 BMW Z4 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Z4 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Z4 median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'19'20'21'22'23'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 BMW Z4 safety ratings
2008 BMW Z4 Roadster w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Z4 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS FLASHING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE…
RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2008 BMW Z4. AFTER A WEEK OF OWNERSHIP THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. FAULT CODE POINTS TO THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR OC3. BMW ISSUED A 15 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY TO MANY BMW MODELS INCLUDING THE 2006 AND 2007 Z4 WITH COMFORT SEATS, BUT NOT TO THE 2008 MODEL. THIS REPAIR…
THE AIRBAG RED LIGHT ON DASH APPEARED AND STAYED ON,ALSO PASSENGER YELLOW AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.TOOK TO BMW DEALER THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST AROUND 1,600.00. ERROR CODE 93C3 THEY INFORMED ME WITH THIS PROBLEM I DO…
Own a 2008 Z4?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.