Research · Two Seaters
2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE28IRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE28I. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (3) and electrical system (2). The EPA rates it 26–27 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
26–27mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
5
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE28I as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2020 – Feb 2025
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Electrical system2
- Steering1
- Engine1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
3 reports
“The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
Electrical system
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
Steering
1 report
“The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning to the left, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to return the steering wheel back to center. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds while turning left or right. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while the steering wheel was turned to the left or right. The vehicle regained normal steering functionality when the vehicle was stopped and turned off and restarted. The contact stated the "steering wheel" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V302000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Manual 6-spd · Automatic 8-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z4 sDrive28i Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,950 | 329 |
| Z4 sDrive28i Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | $3,050 | 342 |
- 27mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE28I as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 6001
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2012 Z4 SDRIVE28I questions
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE28I have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE28I problems?
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (3), electrical system (2), steering (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE28I get?
The EPA rates the 2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE28I at 26–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026