Owners have filed 107 complaints
about the 2006 BMW Z4 with NHTSA between 2008 and 2024.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 46
Against the median year of the BMW Z4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 29
5.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
44.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
22.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
66.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2426.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4448.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
66.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
55.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2008peak 7Mar 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 BMW Z4
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA08001Opened 4 Jan 2008Closed 31 Dec 2008AIR BAGS
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN T...
Recalls on the 2006 BMW Z4
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
22V119000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
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.
19V273000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202209598,111 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater (blow-by heater) to short circuit and overheat. Note: This replaces Transport Canada recalls 2017-470 and 2019-170. Only vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K engine require this repair. Safety Risk: An overheated engine PCV valve heater could create the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install a wire harness repair kit. BMW recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall 201917015,466 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater to overheat. Safety Risk: An overheated engine PCV valve heater could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the PCV valve heater.
Recall 201323815,294 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue over time. As a result, the passenger airbag could deactivate, illuminating the airbag warning lamp and the passenger airbag ON/OFF lamp. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Vehicles will receive special extended warranty coverage of 10 years from first registration. Under this special coverage program, vehicles which experience this condition will have the occupant detection mat replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Windham, MEFire1 killed
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE AND SET ON FIRE, RESULTING IN A HOUSE BEING BURNED DOWN AND THE FATALITY OF MY FATHER. THE FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT WAS INCONCLUSIVE AS TO HOW THE FIRE STARTED.
NHTSA complaint #11111006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesNEW Port Beach, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT USED THE KEYLESS ENTRY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #10559723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,638 milesSolana Beach, CAFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ALL SERVICE AND REPAIRS OF THIS CPO PERFORMED BY DEALERSHIP. FIRE CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION MELTING INTERIOR AND NEARLY BURNING DRIVER-DAMAGE MOST SEVERE ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE AND EXTENDS TO THE CAR EXTERIOR. FIRE STARTED WHILE VEHICLE MOVING ON HEAVILY USED PUBLIC ROAD SHORTLY AFTER WARNING SYMBOL FOR BLINKERS ACTIVATED AND BLINKERS ON PASSENGER SIDE INCREASED IN SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #10493375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesMountain View, CACrash
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING PULLED TO THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING PULL TO THE RIGHT AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CURB CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT FENDER AND SIDES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THE STEERING PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED HE SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #10393876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Covington, GA
STEERING
The electronic steering has failed several times while driving. This makes it very difficult to maintain a lane and avoid other vehicles. This problem continues intermittently. Thousands of Z4 owners have reported the same issue in online forums.
NHTSA complaint #11578535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cohutta, GA
STEERING
In hot weather, the steering binds, making keeping the car in the correct lane extremely difficult. The car will dart from one side to the other. The car will be nearly impossible to keep in the correct lane.
NHTSA complaint #11551080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attalla, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I have just found out that my 2006 BMW Z4 Convertible has serious wiring issues. The wires for example on my front headlights the insulation is falling off the and leaving bare wires. I am very concerned this could be a fire safety issue that could result in bare electrical wires shorting together and starting a car fire. My research shows that many people who have 2006 BMW Z4 Convertibles are having this same issue. This seems to be a real issue with BMW using cheap wiring harnesses material and over time due heat and cooling is cause the insulation to fail and resulting in this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11542405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attalla, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have just found out that my 2006 BMW Z4 Convertible has serious wiring issues. The wires for example on my front headlights the insulation is falling off the and leaving bare wires. I am very concerned this could be a fire safety issue that could result in bare electrical wires shorting together and starting a car fire. My research shows that many people who have 2006 BMW Z4 Convertibles are having this same issue. This seems to be a real issue with BMW using cheap wiring harnesses material and over time due heat and cooling is cause the insulation to fail and resulting in this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11542405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Natick, MA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11516542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesBridgeville, DE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11484865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hammonton, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11480747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesBooneville, MS
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11469378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesOrlando, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle overheated and stalled. The coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact waited for the vehicle to cool down and then restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer several times. The dealer completed the engine lifters replacement and other unknown repairs however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while stopped at the traffic light, the vehicle began to overheat significantly and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact later pushed the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11464958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, DE
STEERING
The Steering wheel gets Hard, looks like power steering gets disabled automatically while driving, making it almost impossible to steer. This has started to happen after hot weather had started few months back. I have tried to reproduce this issue several times, but it happens randomly and Not all the time. I don't drive the car much. But this is definitely a serious issue, I checked the BMW community and a lot of people are facing this issue. Not Sure how many have filed a complaint here. But this definitely should be addressed by BMW as this is not just one person facing this issue, there are hundreds and thousands of them. Level of severity is high, as someone who might have not faced this issue yet might suddenly face it on the highway could result in an extremely fatal accident. Havent reported to BMW yet, But found this issue is being faced by alot of people I thought to file my complaint here. I will soon get it repaired or replaced. There were no Warning lamps or messages prior to this. It started happening in September 2021.
NHTSA complaint #11440337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chattanooga, TN
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11428834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harvest, AL
STEERING
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+!
NHTSA complaint #11422683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesNorth Babylon, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE CONVERTIBLE TOP ON THE 2006 Z4 BMW HAS A MECHANISM THAT RAISES AND LOWERS THAT FAILS. IT'S LOCATION IS SUCH THAT IT IS EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS. WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR (USED)I WENT TO A BMW MECHANIC THAT TOLD ME THAT IF I DID HAVE HIM FIX IT IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. TALKING TO OTHER BMW MECHANICS I GOT THE SAME INFO.
NHTSA complaint #11342167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesColumbus, OH
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11331628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesMargate, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WENT TO CHANGE MY HEADLIGHT BULB AND NOTICES ALL OF THE WIRES WERE BARE. THE SHEATHING AROUND THE WIRES HAVE ALL CORRODED. THIS IS FOR THE COMPLETE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. EVERY SINGLE WIRE HAS CORRODED. SEEMS LIKE A FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #11308882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poway, CA
AIR BAGS
ABOUT 9 YEARS (2015) AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW AND HAD APPROXIMATELY 55K MILES WHEN ISSUE BEGAN. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A MINOR OR MAJOR ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT DIAGNOSIS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. CONTACTED BMW ABOUT ISSUE, BUT WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY OF THE AIRBAG RECALLS THEY'VE INITIATED. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN BY ME TO DETERMINE ROOT CAUSE AND CONTINUED TO UTILIZE VEHICLE WITH AIR BAG LIGHT ALWAYS ILLUMINATED. IN FEBRUARY 2018, RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW REGARDING WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 15 YEARS FOR FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT (OC3) FOR AIR BAG SYSTEM. BELIEVING AIRBAG ISSUE WAS DUE TO OC3 MAT, BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO LOCAL BMW DEALER TO GET REPAIR. BMW DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS A "RESTRAINT PASS LOWER BELT UNIT FAULTING" AND NOT OC3 MAT. HAD REPAIR PERFORMED SUCCESSFULLY.
NHTSA complaint #11300223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCedar Park, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE INSULATED WIRING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING HAS HARDENED AND THE INSULATION HAD CRACKED AND FALLEN OFF. THIS ALLOWS THE WIRES TO SHORT AND CAUSES UNEXPECTED FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND OTHER ITEMS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. THE LIGHTS FAILED UNEXPECTEDLY AND INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #11267326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCedar Park, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE INSULATED WIRING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING HAS HARDENED AND THE INSULATION HAD CRACKED AND FALLEN OFF. THIS ALLOWS THE WIRES TO SHORT AND CAUSES UNEXPECTED FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND OTHER ITEMS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. THE LIGHTS FAILED UNEXPECTEDLY AND INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #11267326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesMargate, FL
STEERING
VERY STICKY STEERING, DANGEROUS IN HOT WEATHER, THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. IT SOMETIMES REQUIRES SIGNIFICANT EFFORT TO CORRECT IT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11246701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15 milesYangon, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY BATTERY IS IN GOOD CONDITION BUT I CAN'T START THE ENGINE.-700KM OIL SERVICE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAY ON MY DASH.FUEL PUMP IS WORKING.THEM OPEN THE KEY LIKE THAT SOUND GAP GAP IS COME OUT...PLS HELP ME...
NHTSA complaint #11230059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15 milesYangon, CA
ENGINE
MY BATTERY IS IN GOOD CONDITION BUT I CAN'T START THE ENGINE.-700KM OIL SERVICE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAY ON MY DASH.FUEL PUMP IS WORKING.THEM OPEN THE KEY LIKE THAT SOUND GAP GAP IS COME OUT...PLS HELP ME...
NHTSA complaint #11230059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15 milesYangon, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY BATTERY IS IN GOOD CONDITION BUT I CAN'T START THE ENGINE.-700KM OIL SERVICE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAY ON MY DASH.FUEL PUMP IS WORKING.THEM OPEN THE KEY LIKE THAT SOUND GAP GAP IS COME OUT...PLS HELP ME...
NHTSA complaint #11230059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,500 milesCharleston, WV
STEERING
STEERING APPEARS TO BE STICKING OR STAYING AT A CERTAIN POINT IN THE STEERING RADIUS. I ALMOST VEERED INTO ONCOMING INTERSTATE TRAFFIC. I COMPENSATED IMMEDIATELY, BUT IT RELEASED ITS "STICK" AND TURN TO MUCH AND ALMOST VEERED INTO TRAFFIC I WAS IN. VERY SCARY, VERY DANGEROUS. THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY OF MUCH INJURY OR DEATH BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. BAD
NHTSA complaint #11192705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesHarvest, AL
STEERING
RECURRING PROBLEM WITH STEERING INPUT EFFORT WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS. THE STEERING STICKS WHEN IN THE CENTER POSITION. RESISTANCE IS FELT AND IS DIFFICULT TO RETURN BACK TO THE CENTER POSITION. STICKING PROBLEM SEEMS WORSE AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND WITH WARM OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE ABOVE 80 DEGREES. THE FASTER THE SPEED, THE MORE EFFORT NEEDED TO OVERCOME THE DETENT RESISTANCE, TO THE POINT THAT IT BECOMES EASY TO OVERSTEER THE CAR. THIS CAN BE REAL SCARY DURING AVOIDANCE MANEUVERS AND QUICK LANE CHANGES.
NHTSA complaint #11139298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,112 milesDelray Beach, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FAILED 2011/30229 MILES, STILL UNDER CPO WARRANTY. THE DEALERSHIP ONLY TOPPED OFF THE HYDRAULIC FLUID AND CLAIMED NO LEAK FOUND. IT FAILED AGAIN 2014/45809 MILES. THIS TIME SEALS WERE REPLACED AND HYDRAULIC LINES. GOODWILL REPAIR WITH 50% OUT OF POCKET. IT FAILED AGAIN EARLIER THIS YEAR 2018/62112 MILES. THIS TIME I WAS QUOTED $2,938 TO $3,658. I HAD IT DIAGNOSED IN MAY AND WAS WAITING FOR AN ANSWER OF THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT BMW ASSISTING WITH THE REPAIR AND HAD NOT HEARD BACK. I INQUIRED AGAIN TWO DAYS AGO AND GOT A REPLY THAT BMW WOULD NOT PICK UP ANY OF THE REPAIR COST. IT APPEARS THAT IT WAS A SLOWLY DEVELOPING DEFECT. WHERE WOULD HAVE THE FLUID HAVE GONE AT THE FIRST REPAIR? ALSO DOING SOME RESEARCH TURNED UP A LOT OF THE SAME TROUBLE FOR OTHER OWNERS. APPARENTLY IT IS A DESIGN FLAW. WATER NOT DRAINING BECAUSE OF CLOGGING AND CONSEQUENTLY CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11118980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.