2004 BMW 5 Series recalls and problems
The 2004 BMW 5 Series has 6 safety recalls and 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 BMW 5 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 BMW 5 Series recalls
Recall 12V-126: Electrical System
Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
Risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 10V-446: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Risk: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on november 24, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 08V-384: Air Bags
Problem: Bmw is recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 x3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat. If this occurs, the front passenger air bags, with the exception of the head protection system, will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated.
Risk: In this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur and occupant protection provided by the system would not be possible.
Fix: Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall began on november 6, 2008. Bmw will also extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 04V-575: Seats
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with front seat heating systems, upon entering and exiting the vehicle, excessive contact with the side bolster that is contained in the seat's backrest may damage the heating mat located in this area. If such damage were to occur, with the system turned on, the vehicle occupant may feel excessive heat from this area.
Risk: It is possible that the heating mat in the backrest's side bolster could overheat and damage, or melt a small hole in, this area of the seat cover. If this happened, it could lead to an occupant being burned.
Fix: Dealers will modify the seat heating circuit. The recall is expected to begin during december 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Recall 04V-344: Power Train
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (Emc) units were not produced according to specifications.
Risk: As a result, engine stalling will occur after a short period of operation. The vehicle may not be able to restart. Also, a loss of power steering and, after repeated actuation of the brake pedal, a loss of brake power assist will occur. These conditions could result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a new digital engine management control unit. The recall began on july 16, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Recall 04V-303: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8-cylinder engines, a circular retention clip at the quick-release coupling along the fuel supply line was inadvertently not installed.
Risk: In the event of a severe frontal crash, the quick-release coupling could separate causing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will install a circular retention clip at the quick-release coupling along the fuel supply line. The recall began on july 5, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
2004 BMW 5 Series problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 31 | |
| Seats | 11 | |
| Electrical System | 9 | |
| Seat Belts | 7 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | |
| Power Train | 6 | |
| Steering | 5 | |
| Tires | 3 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 6
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 6
- Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 4
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
- Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 1
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
- Structure › Body › Trunk Lid — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 79,000 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 5 Series complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW 5 Series years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2004 BMW 5 Series: 12V-126 (electrical system), 10V-446 (service brakes, hydraulic), 08V-384 (air bags), 04V-575 (seats), 04V-344 (power train) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW 5 Series?
Owners report air bags problems most often (31 reports), followed by seats (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 79,000 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.