2021 BMW Z4

The 2021 BMW Z4 is a stylish two-seat roadster known for its sporty handling, comfortable interior, and powerful engine options. The base model Z4 sDrive30i features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the Z4 M40i brings a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that delivers 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers often praise the Z4 for its engaging driving experience and upscale feel. Some common criticisms include limited storage space and a higher price point compared to some competitors.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (sDrive30i)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling or whining noise from the engine bay, check engine light illumination.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (M40i)

• Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak near the top of the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, particularly when cold. Hesitation upon acceleration.
  • Solution: Software update of the transmission control module (TCM) or transmission fluid flush. In severe cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Software Update) - $3,000+ (Valve Body Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive M Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride quality, clunking noises from the suspension, failure of the adaptive dampers resulting in a warning light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected adaptive damper(s) or recalibration of the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per damper
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system freezes, reboots unexpectedly, or displays error messages.
  • Solution: Software update of the iDrive system. In some cases, replacement of the iDrive control unit may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $1,500+ (Control Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the parasitic drain (e.g., faulty module, improperly closing trunk lid). Repair or replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top fails to open or close properly, makes excessive noise, or gets stuck mid-cycle.
  • Solution: Inspection of the hydraulic system, sensors, and mechanical components. Repair or replacement of faulty parts. Recalibration of the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the complexity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heater fails to warm up, heats unevenly, or shuts off prematurely.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or the seat heater control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Screen Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: The screen on the dashboard (instrument panel) starts to peel apart and look hazy.
  • Solution: Replacement of the screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2021 BMW Z4 appears to have a few common issues, ranging from relatively minor software glitches to more significant mechanical problems. Turbocharger and oil filter housing gasket issues in the engine, as well as rough shifting issues in the transmission, are prevalent across the range. The adaptive suspension and the infotainment system are also areas to watch out for. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for a software update to several thousand for a turbocharger or suspension component replacement, so a pre-purchase inspection is recommended.