BMW Z4 Damping Warning Light, EDC System Malfunction

Hi there! I have some experience working on BMWs. Had a similar issue with my 2005 BMW 3 Series (also owned a 5 Series). The warning light and damping problems turned out to be a faulty cable connection to the damping control unit. Had it checked at my workshop and they found that the wiring harness connection was loose and partially damaged. Fixed it for about 95 Euro, basically needed to replace some cables and secure the connection properly. The car's handling went back to normal right after. Could definitely be something similar in your case, but I'd need to know: Which engine variant do you have? Have you noticed any other warning lights? Does the problem get worse on rough roads? Let me know these details and I might be able to help more specifically. These BMW suspension systems are pretty similar across models from that era.

Thanks for the input! I've got the 2.5L gasoline engine model with 132669 KM on the clock. Just had it serviced last month actually. In my case, the warning light is only showing up in the speedometer cluster, no other warning lights so far. And yeah, it definitely feels worse on bumpy roads, almost like the suspension isn't adapting properly anymore. It's kind of concerning since the car used to handle these roads much better before. Your cable connection issue sounds really similar to what I'm experiencing. Did you notice any clicking or unusual sounds before getting it fixed? Really hoping it's just a wiring issue like yours and not something more serious with the actual dampers.

Hey again! Yeah, that sounds exactly like what I dealt with on my BMW. Actually, now that you mention the clicking sounds, I did notice them, especially when going over speed bumps or rough patches. It was like a subtle clicking noise coming from the front suspension area. With your mileage being pretty close to what mine was when I had the issue (mine was around 140000 KM), and having the same symptoms, I'm even more convinced it's that wiring harness problem I mentioned before. These BMWs from the early 2000s seem to have this pretty common issue with the damping control wiring. Something I forgot to mention in my first reply, before I got it fixed, I noticed the problem would get worse on cold mornings. Did you notice anything like that? The connection in my case was actually corroded, and the moisture from cold mornings made the connection even worse. Quick tip: before you take it to the workshop, try listening carefully when going over speed bumps at low speed. If you hear that clicking sound I mentioned, it's almost certainly the same wiring issue. The fix was pretty straightforward in my case, and the car's been running perfectly since then. Just make sure they check all the connections thoroughly, sometimes they might miss some partially damaged spots in the wiring.

Thanks so much for all these details! You've actually made my day a bit better, I was worried it might be something major. Just went out to test what you mentioned about the cold mornings, and you're absolutely right. The handling feels notably worse when I first start driving in the morning. And that clicking sound you described? I just took it over a few bumps at low speed and heard exactly what you're talking about. Can't believe I didn't notice it before. It's that subtle mechanical click from the front end, right? Really relieved to hear it was a straightforward fix in your case. I'll definitely mention the wiring harness issue when I take it to the workshop next week. Makes sense about checking all the connections too, I'd rather they be thorough and catch everything the first time. Thanks again for sharing your experience. It's given me a much clearer idea of what I'm dealing with, and honestly, it's a relief knowing it's likely not going to break the bank to fix. I'll update you once I get it sorted!