There are no safety recalls for the 2004 BMW 3 Series, but owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA.
2004 BMW 3 Series problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 43 | |
| Air Bags | 15 | |
| Electrical System | 12 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 3 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Power Train | 2 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light — 1
- Structure › Frame and Members — 1
- Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/Center Stand — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights — 1
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,450 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2004 BMW 3 Series complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Exterior Lighting · at 120,000 miles · reported Mar 22, 2019
Headlamp bulb out and upon replacement it was noted the coated wiring to the xenon system to right and left headlight is brittle (The wires plastic coating is falling off)and in some places exposed wiring was found. Electrical tape need to wrap the wiring to avoid potential fire. Late notice to this site I was unaware to file a report. Others also have complained about the same issues.
Service Brakes · at 30 miles · reported Aug 9, 2018
New defective brake pads caused a traffic accident with total loss of the vehicles involved. Brake pads are contaminated and embedded with a slippery substance. Pads are from prime choice auto parts 42832 state route 12, alexandria bay, ny, 13607-2216 can you investigate and analyze the brake pads in order to stop the selling of defective and dangerous brake pads? I AM able to ship to you a brake pad sample. The vehicle was in motion, but unable to stop before turning on a city street.
Electrical System · at 100,000 miles · reported Nov 18, 2017
Vehicle adaptive xenon headlight wiring is faulty . Wire insulation is cracking/deteriorating and entire wires are breaking apart. Symptoms start with flickering xenon headlight eventually (About a week later) stops working at all. Vehicle is moving or stationary, engine on. The faulty wires are in a weather sealed compartment of the headlight and have never (To my knowledge) even been unsealed/accessed since leaving the factory. The issue is on the passenger side, unknown if it is on the driver side as well. The attached photo shows back side of the headlight housing looking down, with the…
Electrical System · at 204,000 miles · reported Nov 8, 2017
My vehicle unexpectedly started on fire as my daughter was driving to school. It was determined that it was an electrical fire, and resulted in the car being totaled. The 2004 models need to be included in the recall (Not that it will help with the loss of my car).
Exterior Lighting · reported Jan 2, 2017
Headlights project almost no light. Just paid $130 to have lenses cleaned, no improvment. I thought it was my eyes and complained to opthamologist twice but my eyes are ok. I've read tht the reflector bowls in this model melt from the heat of the bulb. I need to remedy this situation asap so I will not be able to wait for an investigation.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2004 BMW 3 Series as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW 3 Series?
Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (43 reports), followed by air bags (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,450 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.