Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 Z4.
The 2016 BMW Z4 is a passenger car featuring an automatic S8 transmission, an EPA fuel‑rating of 22/32/26 mpg, and engine‑oil service that follows Motologic procedures. It logged only four owner complaints—chiefly in the engine/cooling and electrical systems—and was subject to a single recall. Placed near the low end of the Z4’s complaint history (far below the 2003 peak of 414 complaints and close to the 2022 low of one), the 2016 model year reflects the improved reliability trend seen in later generations.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 800 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11427611390. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11427611390 alt 11428683168 |
| Engine air filter | 13717582908 alt 13717556961 |
| Fuel filter | 16117313794 |
| Spark plug | 12120039664 alt 12120037244 |
| Battery | 61217598775 |
| Front wiper blades | 61612151749 |
| Thermostat | 11538635689 alt 11537549476 |
| Cabin air filter | 64319195194 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Overall length | 166.9 in |
| Overall width | 70.5 in |
| Overall height | 50.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 98.4 in |
| Curb weight | 3263 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 59.4 / 61.4 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 50/50 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 22 / 32 / 26 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Z4 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | sDrive28i Roadster 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 5.60 sec | 14.30 sec | 240 hp | RWD |
| 2010 | sDrive35i Roadster 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 4.80 sec | 13.30 sec | 300 hp | RWD |
| 2009 | sDrive35i Roadster 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 4.30 sec | 12.90 sec | 300 hp | RWD |
| 2009 | sDrive35i Roadster 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 4.70 sec | 13.30 sec | 300 hp | RWD |
| 2009 | sDrive35i Roadster 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 4.80 sec | 13.50 sec | 300 hp | RWD |
| 2009 | sDrive30i Roadster 3.0L I-6 | 6.10 sec | 14.50 sec | 255 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine Hypoid axle oil G1 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil | Hypoid axle oil G1 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.5-3.0 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 3.0-3.2 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 2.5-3.2 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid | BMW MTF-LT-5 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 2.5-3.0 |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Driveshaft Flange to Transmission | M8 Bolts: 33.0, M10: 58.0 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 184.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Spark Plug Type | M14X1.25 |
| Spark Plug Gap | non-adjustable in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 20.0 - 24.3 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.26-1.38 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 94R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 800 cca |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 48 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 760 cca |
| Pressure Test | 21.7 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 17-23 psi |
| Pressure Test | 29 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 26-30 psi |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Stamped on rotor |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | Bolts 1-10 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 4 | 45 degrees | 45 degrees |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | Bolts 1-10 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 4 | 45 degrees | 45 degrees |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2016 BMW Z4 logged 4 complaints, 1 recall, 0 investigations and a TSB count of 62 in the federal record. This is far below the 2003‑2004 peak of 414 complaints and 4 recalls, and also lower than the 2010 figures of 10 complaints and 5 recalls. The complaint trajectory rises sharply early in the generation, dips to low single‑digit levels by 2016, then climbs again in the 2019‑2023 period. The sole crash‑related complaint and the absence of fire complaints in 2016 further set it apart from later years that reported multiple fire and crash issues. Therefore, the 2016 Z4 is a good year to buy, provided you obtain a complete service history.
All 4 complaints on record, top 4 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive… Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March…
Showing 5 of 62 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 | 2024-01-16 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| B611305 | 2024-01-11 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process… |
| B662419 | 2022-09-01 | Equipment | Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible… |
| B662719 | 2022-09-01 | Lane Departure | The Lane Change Warning (LCW) yellow triangle symbol on either one, or both the exterior… |
| B110317 | 2021-10-01 | Engine And Engine Cooling | For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
Refer to the appropriate Motologic service procedures for drain and refill procedure. of Use engine oil meeting BMW specification LL-01 or equivalent., per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 22 city / 32 highway / 26 combined mpg.