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2004 BMW Z4 3.0i SMG

All BMW Z4 E85/E86 trims (2003–2008) → All BMW Z4 generations →
2004 BMW Z4 – front Unverified
Photo: 2006 BMW Z4 SE 2.0 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the first generation (E85/E86, 2003–2008); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: 2006 BMW Z4 SE 2.0 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: 2004 BMW Z4 2.5i in Jet Black, Front Left, 07-19-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: 2003 BMW Z4 2.5i by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: 2006 BMW Z4 SE 2.0 Rear by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: 2004 BMW Z4 2.5i in Jet Black, Rear Left, 07-19-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2004 BMW Z4 3.0i SMG is a 3.0-liter inline-6 with a 6-speed smg and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $41,595 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

Spec Value
Vehicle
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$41,595 ($71,564 *)
Engine
Engine Type3L Inline-6
Displacement3 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission6-speed SMG
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined21 MPG
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2004 BMW Z4 Convertible w/SAB

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2004 BMW Z4. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Apr 12, 2004 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, A VAPOR LOCK IN THE FUEL PUMP COULD OCCUR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES.

Consequence: IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE ELECTRICAL LINE POWERING THE FUEL PUMP IN ORDER TO PREVENT AN OCCURRENCE OF VAPOR LOCK. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

NHTSA campaign 04V182000

411 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2004 BMW Z4

Owner Complaints

411 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 BMW Z4 (1 mention a crash, 2 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Steering378
Air Bags18
Electrical System14
Exterior Lighting6
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3
Power Train3
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jun 9, 2025 · Steering
“Twice this month, while operating the vehicle, the power steering completely stopped functioning, causing the vehicle to be almost uncontrollable. No prior warning light. When I purchased the vehicle…”
Jun 3, 2025 · Steering
“Power steering wheel went out of power during a trip at about 70mph. Yellow light at the dashboard went ON then so, car became imposible to drive or so.”
Apr 9, 2025 · Steering
“Power steering stopped working.”
Feb 12, 2025 · Steering
“The electric steering gets sticky when very often. It feels locked in its position and requires extra force to unstick, once its past the sticking point it over corrects and causes the vehicle to…”
Jun 4, 2024 · Steering
“When driving the steering is loose or sticky. The problem gets worse when the weather is warm. Sometimes it’s hard to keep the car driving in a straight path. This is scary and dangerous. His occurs…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2004 BMW Z4. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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