BMW Z4: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 3,688 BMW Z4 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2003 and 2026.
In a sample of 396 cars, 19.7% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (7.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 11 recalls for this model; 17.3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific BMW Z4
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 7.1% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 5.3% |
| Tyre damaged | 3.8% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 2.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 1.3% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 0.8% |
| Headlight with different beam pattern incorrectly aimed | 0.8% |
| Wheel bearing wear/damage audible or noticeable | 0.5% |
| Windscreen washer not working | 0.5% |
| Brake lining carrier/fixing touches drum or disc | 0.3% |
Share of 396 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 5.6% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.8% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 0.5% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 3,688 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 17.3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2003 to 2026 |
All BMW Z4 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-01 | electrical system | serious | 13,734 |
| 2021-02-08 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 0 |
| 2020-08-19 | steering | – | 97 |
| 2020-05-26 | lights | – | 0 |
| 2019-12-27 | lights | – | 5 |
| 2019-10-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 21 |
| 2019-03-05 | general construction | serious | 44 |
| 2019-03-04 | electrical system | – | 67 |
| 2017-03-07 | axles, wheels and tyres | – | 1,097 |
| 2014-01-14 | brakes | serious | 163 |
| 2014-01-14 | brakes | serious | 1,884 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the BMW Z4 fail the APK?
In a sample of 396 cars first registered 2012–2021, 19.7% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the BMW Z4?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (7.1%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (5.3%), tyre damaged (3.8%).
Does the BMW Z4 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 11 recalls. 17.3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other BMW models
3 Series · 1 Series · 5 Series · X1 · 2 Series · X5 · X3 · iX1 · 4 Series · iX3 · i4 · i3 · X2 · i5 · 7 Series
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.