BMW Z4 owners have reported 8 electronic stability control related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common electronic stability control problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's electronic stability control (8 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Electronic Stability Control problems |
Car has a steering problem that goes in and out. While driving the steering wheel will shake when not moving.
This is a reoccurring problem which I have attempted to address through both local mechanics and BMW with no results. Essentially, while moving at slow speeds or stop and go traffic, the electrical system "shudders", all instrument lights illuminate, the transmission shifts to neutral, and the engine shuts down then restarts. The failure occurs on an irregular basis, affecting primarily the eps light, but may also affect all lights in the instrument cluster. Likewise, it may or may not move my transmission to neutral and if that happens, may or may not allow my to place it back in drive without shutting the vehicle down for several minutes. To date, both the alternator and the ignition switch have been replaced, no results. A brief search of popular BMW forums finds similar descriptions from other owners.
Abs, brake, dsc annunciator lights illuminated immediately following abs activation during cold weather (10-12 deg. F). Fault code is 5df0, 5df1 dsc hydraulic unit pump motor. Verified abs not functional. The following safety systems are not functional: abs, dsc, dtc, cbc, ebd, brake assist, brake drying. Dsc unit part cost is over $2700.
Car steering hard to center , steering sticks to the right or the left , when temperture out side is above 80 degrees or when you drive a long ways and the car begins to produce heat. Very hard to drive or take a long trip in. Very dangerous to drive.
The contact owns a 2005 BMW Z4. While driving various speeds, the vehicle veered out of its lane independently. The contact had to use excessive force to regain steering control. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Loss of electrical assisted steering/steering wheel very sluggish.
I have a 2004 Z4 that I purchased last August used. I rarely drove the car and kept it mainly for leisure until this past July. This July, on the drive from warner robins, GA to hilton head, SC, I noticed the steering would stick and I had to use force to get it back aligned with the road. Since that time each day when I leave work after the car has been parked all day in the heat it does the same thing. Its almost as if the car is tracking. Normally my speed does not exceed 40 mph. I have had the tires checked, they are new run flat tires, no problem, I have had it aligned and I am still having problems with steering when temperatures exceed 85 degrees. It does not do this in the morning when the temperature is below 80. It is sometimes so hard to steer that it creates a hazard as I have to fight to correct and than it pulls radically to the right to overcorrect. This has at times put me in a very hazardous and dangerous condition with traffic.
But bought with less than 12,500 miles, they found turned unstable situation, has been unable to find what the reason, at times almost a major accident when driving, the tire does not feel sticky, but on the highway, the car is all over the place (like a drunk driver), the steering feels very loose, not too sensitive. If I do anything more than a slight rotation, dynamic stability control system has been started, if the curve went to the right, I had to "jerk" to go straight to rectify the same, if it went. When a straight road, it will feel very sticky, moving wheels. This is very scary, because it can not be diverted at any time, I will leave the road and down miles of canyon creek. This situation will not occur at low speeds. Unfortunately, I have a lot of problems with my 2003 BMW Z4 steering wheel. This is completely unstable. For example: 1) to maintain pull to the left or right. It requires constant adjustment, so that I can keep the car aligned or center. 2) I met a sudden twitch to the left or right when the road contempt imbalances. I can never predict the road the car pulled me. I struggled for many centers to stop at any red lights keep turning. 3) sometimes, the steering feels like being stuck. 4) I believe that if elderly people trying to drive this car, such a problem, there will be a catastrophic collapse. This is mainly because the driver must be a lot of attention to keep the car centered fact. Otherwise, any second, you might find yourself somewhere off the road, or under a truck. 5) I've been reading on the internet, many Z4 owners have encountered similar problems, I do.