2019 BMW Z4

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints reported for the 2019 BMW Z4, categorized by major components and engine/transmission options, following your requested format.

The 2019 BMW Z4 marked the return of the roadster after a brief hiatus. It was offered with two primary engine options: the sDrive30i featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and the M40i equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine delivering 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were exclusively paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the Z4 for its sharp handling, stylish design, and comfortable interior. Common criticisms often revolve around the lack of a manual transmission option and the relatively firm ride, particularly on models with larger wheels and the adaptive suspension.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder (sDrive30i)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing, and oil pan. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the leak and replacing the corresponding gasket or component. Retorquing fasteners may also be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the leak location and labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-Six (M40i)

• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from the water pump, coolant hoses, or expansion tank. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty component and topping off the coolant.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+ depending on the component and labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. In more severe cases, replacement of the valve body or the entire transmission may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) to $6,000+ (transmission replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunctions (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Models equipped with the adaptive M suspension may experience issues with the electronic dampers. Symptoms include a harsh or uneven ride, suspension warning lights, and error messages.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ per damper, including labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing occasional glitches with the iDrive infotainment system, such as freezing, lagging, or connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software updates are often the first step. More severe cases may require replacement of the iDrive module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) to $1,500+ (module replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor failures
  • Description/Symptoms: It’s not uncommon to encounter issues such as malfunctioning tire pressure sensors, parking sensors, or even those related to the advanced driver-assistance systems. When one of these sensors fails, it can trigger a warning light on the dashboard, affecting the reliability of safety features.
  • Solution: The solution generally involves replacing the faulty sensor and sometimes recalibrating the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: This can vary quite a bit, ranging from $200 to $500+ depending on which sensor needs replacing and the labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top mechanism can sometimes experience issues such as slow operation, failure to open or close completely, or unusual noises.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the cause of the issue, which may involve lubricating the mechanism, replacing faulty sensors or motors, or repairing hydraulic lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+, depending on the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2019 BMW Z4 is a generally reliable sports car, but like any vehicle, it’s not without its potential issues. The most common complaints relate to engine oil and coolant leaks, transmission shifting issues, and potential glitches with the infotainment system. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, but it’s advisable to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified BMW technician to identify any potential problems before purchasing a used 2019 Z4. While none of the issues seem to be extremely common across all vehicles, some can become very costly to fix.