2012 BMW Z4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 BMW Z4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 BMW Z4 than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Wheels2.4× usual
  BMW Z4

  3.9% All 2012 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Common 2012 BMW Z4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 BMW Z4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  27% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  18% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  9% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  8% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  2% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2012 BMW Z4

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Cracked alloy wheels

  All engines

  Owners have reported alloy wheels cracking, which are expensive to replace.

  At the viewing: Look at each wheel, including the inner rim through the spokes.

  Source: What Car?: used BMW Z4 (2009-2017) reliability

• Electrical gremlins

  All engines

  The most common problems are small electrical faults.

  At the viewing: Test every electrical item, including the roof.

  Source: What Car?: used BMW Z4 (2009-2017) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 BMW Z4

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have any wheels been replaced or repaired?
2. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2012 BMW Z4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?