KnownCarProblems2004 BMW 525i Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 84 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 BMW 525i, most often about the air bags (39% of complaints, typically around 92,000 miles). It is the most complained-about 525i model year since 2000.
Most common 2004 BMW 525i problems
Air bags
33 complaints · 39%Half of these problems showed up before 92,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 525i. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, an error message appeared on the instrument panel for the front passenger side air bag. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where they advised that the front passenger seat mat sensor failed and needed to be replaced.…
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 525i. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the passenger restraint system malfunction light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Electrical
21 complaints · 25%Half of these problems showed up before 130,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, 12v/24v/48v battery.
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 525i. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart until after repeated attempts. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the computerized system…
My navigation and radio system just stopped working and I had taken it to the dealership and they said that it was common for the car communications computer to go bad and that they would replace it for 1300.00 and the fact that it was common that the part went bad that often was confusing and I think should be a…
Seats
17 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 73,500 miles. Parts named most often: front assembly.
I started my car and turned the seat heater on low. Approx 5 mins later, smoke started coming out of the dash because the seat heater had burned two holes in the leather and smoke had circulated in my car. I stopped the car, turned it off, and turned it back on and the smoke cleared. I had contacted my local dealer…
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 525i. The contact stated that a burning odor was emitted from the driver's side heated seat while the heated seat function was activated. The seat sustained damage from the seat overheating. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician advised that the front driver's side seat…
Seat belts
14 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
The seat belt and airbag warning light are on in car, based on my research, I've found that this is manufacture fault, when I called BMW dealer they told me that my car is not covered under the recall campaign for the same manufacture fault. I think BMW manufacturer is at libel at present, let's just hope nothing…
I was driving in traffic when smell and smoke came from the bottom of my car, I park the car and check, my seat was burn, I turn off the heating and I'm not be able to used again the dealer on park ave in south hackensack nj don't get back to me. Plus now last week may 31 the passenger safety light came on we are…
Transmission
7 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
2004 525i BMW with 70,000 mi had transmission go out suddenly. I am the original owner and have had all scheduled maintenance at the dealer where the car was purchased. I was told the transmission is a total loss and it is nothing that I did or could have prevented, but the repair bill is ~7,000.00.
Tranmission failure on this car. Had transmission rebuilt to no avail (over $3000). Wound up getting our $$ back, thank goodness. Apparently, in reading all the info online, the 2004 525i transmission failures is very common. Only remedy is a full-blown BMW replacement with the clutch already set.
Body and structure
4 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: body.
There is a component called mpm(micro power module) beneath the spare tire and is completely burnt due to some water in the trunk. The plastic case which covers the component is burnt and there is clear indication of fire. Spoke to BMW customer relations and they advised me to file a complaint here . Please look in to…
On dec.2 my 2004 BMW 525i was sitting outside my house when it cought on fire at the fuse panel in the trunk on the right fender well. The car had been driven over 100 miles that day. My step-daughter had gotten home at midnight and parked the car. She said the car was fine when she got home at 3;30 am my neighbor…
Brakes
4 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
I experienced a rough idle while parked or stopped at light. Independent mechanic said there was a vac leak associated with the brake vac pump which could cause brake damage and/or failure. BMW stated that the recall for this problem was VIN specific. #2 passenger restraint and air bag lite are on, same answer from…
Speed control
3 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
While shifting gears from first to second gear vehicle suddenly accelerated. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle by engaging the emergency brake. Consumer pulled over to the shoulder. Consumer was able to release the pedal.
I own a 2004 BMW 525i with 92,000 miles on the engine. I experienced my car cutting back and thought I needed a tune up. I called my mechanic who stated I didn't need a tune up. He requested that I bring the car in to the shop. The next week I was driving along and the car slowed down losing acceleration. The message…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 BMW 525i recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Bmw airbag light illumination
Summary
Bmw is conducting a safety recall campaign on approximately 200,000 my04 through my06 subject vehicles built through 11/30/05 to correct the front passenger seat air bag occupant detection mat. The specific vehicles included in the recall aremy04- 06/ 5-series with standard and sport seats, my04-06/ x3-series and my06/ 3-series with sport seats. In addition, bmw will extend the warranty coverage of the passenger seat air bag occupant detection mat to 10-year/unlimited mileage on approximately 120,000 remaining my04-06 subject vehicles built through 11/30/05. The specific vehicles included in the extended warranty are my 06/ 6 series, my 06/ 3-series with standard seats, my04-05/ z4, my04-06/
Questions about the 2004 BMW 525i
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW 525i?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (33 complaints, typically around 92,000 miles); electrical (21 complaints, typically around 130,000 miles); seats (17 complaints, typically around 73,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 525i have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 BMW 525i. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the BMW 525i?
- It is the most complained-about 525i model year since 2000, with 84 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.