2019 vs 2020 BMW Z4

Both years

• A notchy dead spot in the steering All years

  What to check: On a long straight drive, once the car is warm, feel for a notchy or dead spot either side of center. Ask whether the steering column or its bolts have been renewed.

  Three owners in two threads on a British owners' forum report the steering going vague or notchy around center when warm, one after a new steering rack did not cure it, and another poster found a BMW service bulletin for a steering wheel that sticks in the center.

  Owners' reports (unofficial)

• Stones caught behind the front brakes All years

  What to check: Listen for a loud squeal when slowing to a stop, which usually means a stone is caught between the disc and its shield.

  Three owners in two threads on a British owners' forum report stones lodging behind the M Sport front brakes and squealing, one of them four times in their first 800 miles, and another says rocking the car backwards clears it.

  Owners' reports (unofficial)

• Soft top faults All years

  What to check: Run the roof up and down several times, look at the edge of the rear window for black lifting away from the glass, and check the seals for cracks.

  On a British owners' forum, three owners in one thread had the rear window start to come away from the roof after about four to six years, which BMW would not cover, and two owners in two more threads had the roof stop working, from a switch and a stuck side flap. Euro Premium Parts says the roof's seals harden and shrink with age.

  Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Water on the floor All years

  What to check: Feel the carpet on the passenger side and behind the seats for damp, and make sure water poured in at the roof drains runs out in front of the rear wheels.

  Two G29 owners in one thread on a British owners' forum found water on the passenger-side floor from blocked roof drains, and another poster in it traced the same problem to a damaged panel under the windshield. Euro Premium Parts says hardened roof seals can let water in at the windshield pillars.

  Owners' reports (unofficial), a seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

• 19V684000 2019–2020

  The backup camera's display settings can be adjusted so that the rear image no longer shows, and the setting is kept the next time the car is put in reverse. Dealers update the camera software. NHTSA

• 20V516000 2019–2020

  The headlights can be adjusted sideways, which the federal lighting standard does not allow. Dealers inspect and correct the adjustment plugs. NHTSA

• 21V598000 2019–2021

  When the engine starts, its software may cause a loss of brake assist, though the brakes still work without it. Dealers update the engine software. NHTSA

• 25V636000 2019–2022

  The starter relay can corrode, overheat and short-circuit. Owners are told to park outside and away from buildings until dealers replace the starter. NHTSA

Both years

Engines

2.0L turbo four-cylinder Edmunds, a published reference

Transmissions

Eight-speed automatic Edmunds

Drivetrains

Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference

Body styles

Roadster Edmunds, a published reference

Packages

M Sport Package CarGurus, Edmunds, Track Handling Package CarGurus, Edmunds, Convenience Package Edmunds, Driving Assistance Package Edmunds, Premium Package Edmunds, Executive Package Edmunds, Shadowline Package Edmunds