2006 BMW Z4: problems, recalls and reliability

“When the car gets hot (parked in the sun) the steering becomes knotchy or sticky and the car becomes difficult to control. No problems whatsoever when the car is cool or on a cooler day. This problem has been witnessed by a BMW technician and there are no warning lights. This appears to be a fairly common issues with these cars.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2023

“The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the PCV valve heater needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2022

“The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. Additionally, there was a burning odor on the inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed the engine spark plugs however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2022

“The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2022

“When the outside temperatures are warmer (mid 80's and above) the steering wheel will stick in the center position and require it to be jerked a bit to keep control. This occurs at all speeds, but does not seem to be the case when stopped. since it requires the steering wheel to be jerked to correct, it can cause the car to swerve. I have had the car for several years began noticing the issue once the weather got warmer. The date entered below is today's date, but I have had the issue for perhaps 5 years.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2021

“During warm weather the steering will momentary stick while driving which requires additional force to overcome. This happens at all speeds but is more noticeable at highway speeds while trying to maintain vehicle in driving lane. There are numerous complaints of this on the NHTSA site. I have written to BMW North America about this safety problem and mentioned the multitude of similar complaints but they refuse to address the problem and suggest I purchase a new steering column at $2500+!”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2021

“Vehicle steering becomes "sticky" after vehicle has been exposed to warm temperatures. This causes the steering to center and require greater than usual force to off center the wheel, causing the car to be difficult to control especially at highway speeds.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2020