Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Z4.
The 2021 BMW Z4 represents this model year in a lineage stretching back to 2002, configured here with the eight-speed automatic and EPA-rated at 22/30/25 mpg. Its reliability profile is shaped by 15 total owner complaints, with the electrical system as the most-cited trouble area and six recalls on file, painting a mixed but not unfamiliar picture for the nameplate. Set against the Z4's broader complaint history — which peaked at 414 in 2003 and reached a low of just one in 2022 — the 2021 lands well clear of the early-generation troubles and roughly in step with the modern era, making it a useful mid-period reference point for researchers charting the model's long-term dependability.
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 11429886567. 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 | 11429886567 alt 11428583896 |
| Engine air filter | 13718635102 alt 13718580428 |
| Spark plug | 12122455258 |
| Battery | 61217604808 alt 61216806755 |
| Front wiper blades | 61618492538 |
| Thermostat | 11539494424 alt 11539468021 |
| Cabin air filter | 64119382886 alt 64119382885 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Overall length | 170.9 in |
| Overall width | 73.2 in |
| Overall height | 51.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 97.2 in |
| Curb weight | 3463 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 63.8 / 63.4 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 51/49 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 22 / 30 / 25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | M40i Roadster 3.0L Turbo I-6 | 3.80 sec | 12.30 sec | 382 hp | RWD |
| 2020 | M40i Roadster 3.0L Turbo I-6 | 3.90 sec | 12.30 sec | 382 hp | RWD |
| 2020 | M40i Roadster 3.0L Turbo I-6 | 3.90 sec | 12.40 sec | 382 hp | RWD |
| 2019 | sDrive30i Roadster (M Sport) 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 5.10 sec | 13.80 sec | 255 hp | RWD |
| 2019 | sDrive30i Roadster (M Sport) 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 5.20 sec | 13.80 sec | 255 hp | RWD |
| 2019 | sDrive30i Roadster (M Sport) 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 5.20 sec | 13.80 sec | 255 hp | RWD |
| 2023 | M40i Roadster 3.0L Turbo I-6 | 3.50 sec | 12.00 sec | 382 hp | RWD |
| 2025 | M40i Roadster (Shadowline) 3.0L Turbo I-6 | 3.90 sec | 12.40 sec | 382 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine BMW G5 Hypoid Axle Oil P/N 83 22 2 471 487 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to Use a new seal: 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF3 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 9.6 qt |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF3 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 9.6 qt |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil | BMW G5 Hypoid Axle Oil P/N 83 22 2 471 487 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 0.85 qt |
| Cylinder Head Instructions | Only use new bolts. |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | Use a new seal: 18.0 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | Use a new seal: 18.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs | 168.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs |
| Differential Fill Plug | Final Drive: Use new plug: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Differential Fill Plug | Use new fill plug: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 103 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Refrigerant | R1234yf |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46YF |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 94R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 800 cca |
| Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque | Use new bolts: 26.0 ft-lbs |
| Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque | Use new bolts. 81.0 ft-lbs |
| ABS Sensor Torque | 6.6 |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Front: 12.99; Rear: 12.99 |
| 1 | Bolts 1-14 | 22 ft. lbs |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2021 BMW Z4 sits at the low‑point of the model’s federal complaint curve, registering zero complaints compared with a peak of 414 complaints in 2003 and a recent baseline of 1–5 complaints in later years. Recall activity remains modest but consistent, with five recalls in 2021—slightly below the six recalls seen in both 2019 and 2020 and higher than the single recall in 2016. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been trending downward since the 2019 surge (242 TSBs) to 115 in 2021, indicating fewer manufacturer‑issued fixes as the generation matures. The limited complaint categories reported for 2021 (electrical, engine, seat belts, and one “unknown”) suggest isolated issues rather than systemic flaws, and there were no crash or fire complaints. Overall, 2021 appears to be a relatively clean year within the generation, making it a solid choice for a used Z4 purchase.
All 15 complaints on record, top 6 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.
Showing 5 of 135 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B010126 | 2026-05-06 | Engine | The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or… |
| B410725 | 2025-08-20 | Structure | While driving on a smooth and/or uneven road, a “cracking” sound is heard from the rear… |
| B630222 | 2025-04-25 | Visibility/Wiper | Excessive condensation in one or both headlights. |
| B110521 | 2024-12-06 | Engine | The belt pulley on the mechanical coolant pump may fracture allowing the engine drive… |
| B120721 | 2024-03-04 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care. Voltage… |
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.
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined mpg.