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VIN REPORT

WBALM7C50BE3835722011 BMW Z4sDrive35i

12of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
6
6 campaigns (all model years)
Safety Grade
D
69/100 composite
Complaints · 2011
None
Clean record
Vehicle Age
15 yrs
Made in GERMANY
BUYPurchase Verdict

2011 BMW Z4 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 6 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2011 BMW Z4

2011 BMW Z4 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 6 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase.

  • 6 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
12
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
1 Contributing Risk Factor
6 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
BMW
Model
Z4
Year
2011
Trim / Series
sDrive35i
Body Style
Roadster
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
6-cyl 3.0L 300 hp
Doors
2
Manufacturer
BMW AG
Assembly
REGENSBURG, GERMANY
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: REGENSBURG, GERMANY

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 REGENSBURG, GERMANY

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

Overall Safety Grade
D
Score: 69/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety19/30
Complaint History30/30
Recall Risk Score
38/100Moderate
  • ▸Engine recall
Modern Safety Index
0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Lemon Law Risk Indicator
Moderate
  • ⚠5 recalls on same component: Engine/Powertrain

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Recalls6

NHTSA Safety Recalls

6 RECALLS
6found
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 6 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 6 recalls is ~68%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

68%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

BMW Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
91%Good

BMW completes recalls at a good rate (91%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
16mo
#17V067000
Feb 2017

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#17V683000
Invalid Date

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Est. Repair Completion~66%

~34% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#14V176000
Oct 2014

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~66%

~34% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#13V044000
Jul 2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SummaryBMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#22V119000
Feb 2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Est. Repair Completion~74%

~26% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#23V707000
Invalid Date

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Read full details...
ConsequenceLoose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~72%

~28% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

Recall Age — How Long Open
LONG-STANDING OPEN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13.3yr open
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
12yr open
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
9.7yr open
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
4.7yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

First Recall
02/02/2017
6 total campaigns
Systems Recalled
Engine/PowertrainElectrical
Recall Remedy Breakdown
6
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
⚠ 4 recalls are over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
Complaints

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

CriticalEGR issue detected

▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$33,114
~$552/mo over 5 yrs
$0.2/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$9,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $33,114 (~$552/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

6 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$3,000
4 recalls over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$1,600
Total recommended deduction−$4,600

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2011 BMW Z4 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Inspect for egr issue detected — ask for repair records
Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
HIGH
Verify recall POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicle
HIGH
Verify recall ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi,
HIGH
Verify recall ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i
HIGH
Verify recall ELECTRICAL SYSTEM has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through Septem
HIGH
Verify recall ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 32
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

15%
18-month
28%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 28%

15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

  • ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Official BMW Maintenance Guide ↗Search Owner's Manual ↗

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▼ 15-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

BMW has been fined $3M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Failure to submit required Early Warning Reports to NHTSA.

2014$3MFailure to submit required Early Warning Reports to NHTSA

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINWBALM7C50BE383572
Model Year2011
MakeBMW
ModelZ4
TrimsDrive35i
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleRoadster
Doors2
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders6
Displacement (L)3.0
Horsepower300

Manufacturer

ManufacturerBMW AG
Assembly CityREGENSBURG
Assembly CountryGERMANY

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)WBA
Check Digit (Char 9)0
Model Year Code (Char 10)B
Plant Code (Char 11)E
Sequence (Chars 12–17)383572

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count6
NHTSA Complaint Count0

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

W
1
B
2
A
3
L
4
M
5
7
6
C
7
5
8
0
9
B
10
E
11
3
12
8
13
3
14
5
15
7
16
2
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
B
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
A
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
LM7C5
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
0
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
B
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
E
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
383572
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"B" → 2011
Could also be 1981
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model
Reliability Scores
Year-by-year reliability ratings
Years to Avoid
Best & worst model years ranked
Common Problems
Owner complaints & known defects
All NHTSA Recalls
Complete recall campaign history
View all BMW VIN reports →← New Lookup

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 10/1/2026, 12:08:55 AM.