2004 BMW 5 Series

Complaint history

When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.

Problems owners report

Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.

AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.

Recalls

• NHTSA recall #12V126000March 26, 2012367,682 vehicles affected

  electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables

  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.

  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.

  Remedy

  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.

• NHTSA recall #10V446000October 1, 2010198,352 vehicles affected

  service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum

  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.

  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.

  Remedy

  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.

• NHTSA recall #08V384000August 5, 2008200,000 vehicles affected

  air bags: frontal

  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.

  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.

  Remedy

  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.

• NHTSA recall #04V575000December 6, 200417,905 vehicles affected

  seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler

  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.

  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.

  Remedy

  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.

• NHTSA recall #04V344000July 14, 20044,102 vehicles affected

  power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

  On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (emc) units were not produced according to specifications.

  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.

  Remedy

  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.

• NHTSA recall #04V303000June 23, 20047,532 vehicles affected

  fuel system, gasoline

  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.

  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.

  Remedy

  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.

Other model years

• 2004
• 2006 85
• 2008 98
• 2011 81