BMW Z4 E89 (2009–2016)Electrical systemWindow regulators and central lockingWindscreen and windows
Erratic operation of the frameless window regulators in the BMW Z4 E89
According to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the frameless window regulators on the Z4 E89 can work erratically, with a risk of water getting in on a convertible.[1]
Why this rating?
Low severity: A nuisance or wear. It does not immobilise the car or damage other parts.
Frequency rare: Few cases cited in the data sheet out of about 47 reports; no other source.[1]
Symptoms
- Window that goes up or down erratically, with a risk of water getting in.[1]Window/lock failure: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Affected years and cars
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Repair of the window regulator mechanism or motor.[1]
We have not found a reliable reference price in euros for this model.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Raise and lower all the windows with the roof open and closed.
Parts for this fault
The affected part, searched for your car or engine. Use the diagnosis to confirm what is failing before you buy it.
Window regulator
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How to prevent it
- Avoid forcing the window if it jams.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 5 October 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Does it affect the roof?
The data sheet treats them as independent faults.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other faults of the BMW Z4 E89
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorRetractable hardtop sensor, actuator and motor failureAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the retractable hardtop on the Z4 E89 can become temperamental: sensors, actuators or motors fail and the roof gets stuck or does not close, with cases at 84,000 and 147,000 km.
- Low severityFrequency: RareElectronics and infotainmentComfort Access and door handle failureAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, on the Z4 E89 the Comfort Access handle or antenna can stop communicating with the car, and in some cases the sat nav screen does not fold away.
The faults of its engines are on the BMW Z4 E89 page.
The same problem in other cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonRenault Laguna IIMultiplex electrical system and hands-free card faultsThe Laguna II had a reputation problem because of faults in its multiplexed electrical network: the hands-free card, the card reader and the ABS, ESP and handbrake warning lights came on erratically, especially in the early years of production (2001-2003).
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalHonda CR-V IIMaster window switch with fire risk from liquid ingressYes: Honda has recalled CR-Vs built between November 2001 and October 2006 twice (in 2012 and 2020-2021) because the master window switch can collect liquid, overheat and, in the worst case, cause a fire.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalMG MG4Central locking and keyless entry that are unreliable (super-lock)In 2022 the British DVSA recorded a recall of 1,960 MG4s because the car could lock its doors when stopped, with them unable to be opened either from inside or outside; the fix is a software update. fiches-auto.fr adds reports of erratic openings.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota Corolla XOverheating of the front electric window switch (fire risk)Toyota has carried out two recalls over the Corolla's window switch: in 2012, for a poor lubricant that left carbon deposits and could cause a fire (4,032 Corollas in Spain, built between September 2006 and December 2008), and in 2015, for a possible short circuit in the driver's master switch (2005-2010 range).
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota Urban CruiserOverheating of the driver's master window switchToyota recalled Urban Cruisers in the 2005-2010 production range because the driver's master window switch can short-circuit and overheat, with a risk of fire. It is a preventive campaign: the switch is inspected, given a coating and replaced if it shows signs of malfunction.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW Serie 3 E46Central locking and immobiliser failure due to worn relaysThe central locking can become intermittent or stop responding to the remote, and the immobiliser can fail sporadically when starting; gebrauchtwagenberater.de attributes both faults to wear in the relays of the control modules, and fiches-auto.fr records numerous testimonies of unreliable locking.
All faults with window regulators and central locking (138)Cars with the most electrical system problems
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Tous les problèmes sur BMW Z4 2009-2016 (témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
- BMW Z4 (E89)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026