Research · Two Seaters
2013 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35ISRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 2013 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35IS. Most complaints involve electrical system (3) and structure (2). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
7
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35IS as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
7 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2016 – Feb 2025
- Electrical system3
- Structure2
- Air bags2
- Service brakes1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Wheels1
- Steering1
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 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
3 reports2 crashes
“I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly.”
Structure
2 reports1 crash
“WATER LEAKED INTO FLOOR FROM AIR CONDITIONING EVAPORATIONS PAN.”
Air bags
2 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2013 BMW Z4. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to reverse without warning upon depression of the accelerator pedal while in the reverse(R) position. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation upon restart of the engine. A few days later while the contact's husband was driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle continued to accelerate upon depression of the brake pedal. The brake pedal was depressed multiple times but to no avail, as a result, the contact's husband crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not upon impact and no injuries were reported. A police report was not filed. Despite the failure, the vehicle was able driven to the contact's home but was later towed to a dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer would be sending an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer later informed the contact that no fault codes were found on the vehicle; the contact disputed the investigator's finding. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 52,954”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM-S7)
- 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 28, 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 sDrive35is Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,200 | 458 |
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 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 2013 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35IS as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 7405
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.
2013 Z4 SDRIVE35IS questions
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35IS have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35IS problems?
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (3), structure (2), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35IS get?
The EPA rates the 2013 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35IS at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026