2004 BMW 3 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2004 BMW 3 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
77 complaints1 involved a crash3 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
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
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…
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
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…
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 weather-sealed compartment open. all exposed wire IS as a result of the issue, nobody has actively cut or stripped the wires. Problem first noticed in sept of 2016, attempts were made to repair but now it has happened again, worse.
- Electrical system
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).
- Air bags
Takata recall nhtsa recall number:15v318 nhtsa recall number: 14v428
- Exterior lighting
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.
- Air bags
Takata recall I received a letter dated july 2015 concerning the recall of the driver's side air bag. I called my local BMW on 11/24/15 and they said they put my name on the list and would call me when the replacement came in. I called again on 4/14/16 and [xxx] said she would check to make sure…
Takata recall I received a letter dated july 2015 concerning the recall of the driver's side air bag. I called my local BMW on 11/24/15 and they said they put my name on the list and would call me when the replacement came in. I called again on 4/14/16 and [xxx] said she would check to make sure my name IS on the list and would call me back when the parts arrived. it's been a year and a half and I have not received a call back. this IS so concerning to me as this car IS my main mode of transportation and I am so afraid I will have a front end collision resulting in death or dismemberment. if that should happen I or my estate will most certainly sue. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
Takata recall I received a air bag recall notice from BMW in june 2015 and another recall notice in september 2016.over a year + I have been calling south bay BMW in torrance ca. And they keep on telling me they do not have the parts yet. Can you please help me..
- Exterior lighting
My headlights are so dim at night it IS impossible to see without high beams on at all times. The fog lights are brighter than my new headlight bulbs. Only solution seems to replace the whole assembly but after researching this seems to be an ongoing issue with BMW so why should I have to spend over 1500.00 when they should have to replace them with a recall.
- Air bags
Takata recall. this complaint IS due to the slow response of nalley BMW in decatur georgia to replace my airbag. I received my recall letter and immediately called the BMW dealer on sept 7TH. I was told that parts were ordered and I would be called when they arrived. by sept 16TH I had heard…
Takata recall. this complaint IS due to the slow response of nalley BMW in decatur georgia to replace my airbag. I received my recall letter and immediately called the BMW dealer on sept 7TH. I was told that parts were ordered and I would be called when they arrived. by sept 16TH I had heard nothing and called again. nalley said they had no record of my having ordered parts. I was transferred to the parts department where no one answered the phone. so I called BMW national customer relations. they said they would contact the dealer and have them get in touch with me directly. nothing happened, so today visited the dealer personally to get the parts ordered. I was told it would take an additional two weeks to receive parts. this IS unacceptible. my recall letter from BMW clearly states "we have the necessary parts to complete this recall," "please contact your authorized BMW center immediately to schedule an appointment to have this important free recall performed as soon as possible," and "...metal fragments striking the driver or other passengers potentially resulting in serious injury or death." BMW has built cars with shrapnel grenades instead of airbags and now they don't care about fixing it. BMW should not e allowed to sell another vehicle in the us until they have completed all of these critical recalls.
- Air bags
Takata recall - notified july 2015 - a year ago - about driver's side airbag, still no parts available and I live in one of the most humid states in the south. it IS irresponsible and ridiculous that we have to wait over a year for part replacements that if ruptured, could cause serious injury or…
Takata recall - notified july 2015 - a year ago - about driver's side airbag, still no parts available and I live in one of the most humid states in the south. it IS irresponsible and ridiculous that we have to wait over a year for part replacements that if ruptured, could cause serious injury or death. BMW north america website states: remedy available but global imports atlanta IS reporting they still do not have any replacement drivers side airbags.
- Air bags
Takata recall: in july, 2015 I received a letter from BMW (recall notice 15v-318) stating that my driver side air bag should be replaced, but that there was no remedy available and I would be contacted when one IS. I've had a couple of service appointments at my local dealership (perillo BMW in…
Takata recall: in july, 2015 I received a letter from BMW (recall notice 15v-318) stating that my driver side air bag should be replaced, but that there was no remedy available and I would be contacted when one IS. I've had a couple of service appointments at my local dealership (perillo BMW in chicago) and each time asked if there was any update on resolution and each time I was either referred to bmw's corporate customer service or politely told that there was no update. I have also called the 1-800-525-7417 BMW service center multiple times over the course of the last year, most recently today (7/1/16), and they have not been able to resolve the issue. at this point, I am frustrated by the lack of resolution and would appreciate any assistance helping me with this recall notice. thank you. *tr
- Air bags
Takata recall. the airbag replacement has not been performed as of 04-25-16
- Air bags
In july 2015 I received a notice of recall campaign no. 15V-381: driver side front air bag module. It said if deployed metal fragments could strike the driver or other passengers causing death or serious injury. it said I'D get a 2ND letter when the parts were available. I've never gotten the…
In july 2015 I received a notice of recall campaign no. 15V-381: driver side front air bag module. It said if deployed metal fragments could strike the driver or other passengers causing death or serious injury. it said I'D get a 2ND letter when the parts were available. I've never gotten the second letter, and when I called my dealer at the beginning of this month to schedule the repair they said that the parts were still not available! that's almost a year later. I'm afraid to drive the car but I have no choice!
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW 3 series. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The vin was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW 3 series. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The vin was invalid. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. updated 2/4/16 *cn updated 02/16/16*jb
- Electrical system
The power door lock on passenger side cannot be unlocked either via remote or inside button. Worse, often when this happens, the door cannot be opened even by pulling on the handle from the inside! A passenger cannot get out of the car via the door. Furthermore, repeatedly attempts to have this fixed all fail within a short time.
- Visibility/wiper
Headlight reflectors on hid being burnt therefore not giving enough light when driving at night. this IS a common problem with owners of this model that has the zkw brand.
- Exterior lighting
Head lights are very dim. Reflectors are burned. Headlights do not project on the road. Cannot see at night. *tr
- Air bags
I drove my car over a very minuscule crack in the road at an extremely low speed as I was making a turn and the passenger side airbag deployed. the car did not have a passenger at the time but the explosion of the airbag simultaneously blocked my view of the right side window while I was making a…
I drove my car over a very minuscule crack in the road at an extremely low speed as I was making a turn and the passenger side airbag deployed. the car did not have a passenger at the time but the explosion of the airbag simultaneously blocked my view of the right side window while I was making a turn, put me into a state of shock and cut all power from my car. I was very lucky to have been the only person in the car while this happened and I was also fortunate enough to not have crashed into anything while my life was put in such severe danger from the state of chaos this airbag caused. I called BMW north america and they had stated that even though there IS a recall for the passenger side airbag matching my car's vin number, they said that the recall only covers the passenger side front airbag and not the side airbag! *tr
- Exterior lighting
Zkw hid xenon low beam reflectors burnt or corroded causing a significant decrease in light output that BMW wants ~$3000 to fix. Lights were a premium option and cannot be corrected by xenon bulb replacement. The output has dimmed as to be unsafe. *tr
- Exterior lighting
The very first time I tried to drive the car at nighttime to go back home, my wife and kids were on board, and we were more than 200 miles from home. after I turned on the low-beam head lamps and started rolling, I could barely see the road because the headlamps were not properly illuminating. I…
The very first time I tried to drive the car at nighttime to go back home, my wife and kids were on board, and we were more than 200 miles from home. after I turned on the low-beam head lamps and started rolling, I could barely see the road because the headlamps were not properly illuminating. I flipped the switch several times to no avail.' putting lives and properties at risk, I continued driving until we got home, all the while driving with the high-beam lamps on and apparently getting the others drivers on the road fuming. I took the car to both a lamp-adjusting station and a BMW dealer where I was told the lamps could neither be adjusted nor their bulbs merely replaced because the problem was the reflector bowls were defective and had lost their ability to project light properly. I was also told that both that the reflector bowls could not be replaced individually, and that both (left and right sides) assemblies must be replaced at a total cost of more than $2000.00. many posters in the BMW forums have voiced out exactly the same problems, and I wish that all would file a complaint to nhtsa. I never drove this car again at night until I had ? In august 2014 ? Purchased and finally received and installed the head lamps assemblies in october 2014. I have in my possession the headlamp adjusting station's invoice and recommendation plus the receipt and invoice for the new headlamp assemblies that had to be specially ordered from germany. on november 17, 2014, by certified mail, I sent BMW of north america my request for reimbursement, but I have yet to receive a response. due to this defect which affects safety, I strongly and respectfully suggest that a recall be issued on this BMW model, or some sort of directive be issued for BMW to reimburse those owners 'such as I' who had already replaced their lamp assemblies at their own expense. *tr
- Electrical system
I was not able to unlock my car with my car key. I was able to hear the click sound on pressing the unlock button on the key but nothing was happening. After numerous attempts for about 10 minutes car got unlocked. Now I'm having this problem on/off basis. I took the car to the local BMW dealer.…
I was not able to unlock my car with my car key. I was able to hear the click sound on pressing the unlock button on the key but nothing was happening. After numerous attempts for about 10 minutes car got unlocked. Now I'm having this problem on/off basis. I took the car to the local BMW dealer. After diagnose they said I have a failed general module which will cost me around $1000. This IS way too much for car for it's total value of around $7000. This IS scary since I'm not able to trust the locking system on my car. Sometime I'm not able to lock at all and at sometime I'm not able to unlock anything. *tr
- Air bags · Seat belts
I received a recall notice dated september 2014 from BMW regarding a defect in the front passenger airbag. I called my local dealer in ft myers fl on 10/28/14 to set up an appointment to get the repair done. I was told the part was out of stock and asked to leave my name and phone number and I…
I received a recall notice dated september 2014 from BMW regarding a defect in the front passenger airbag. I called my local dealer in ft myers fl on 10/28/14 to set up an appointment to get the repair done. I was told the part was out of stock and asked to leave my name and phone number and I would receive a call when it became available. since I did not hear from the dealer I decided to follow up and called them on january 8, 2015. I was told the part was out of stock. the woman said they only receive small quantities at a time. again, I was asked to leave my name and phone number and would be called when the part was restocked. how can BMW send out a recall notice asking you to call immediately to have the necessary repair performed as soon as possible when they don't supply the dealer with the part? I expected more from BMW. I certainly hope they do something to rectify the problem and expedite the repair! *tr
- Air bags
I received a recall notice months ago and BMW has yet to be able to replace airbag!! I drive across country twice a year and have already made the trip once since the recall notice. what can be done to get BMW to take action?? I can't believe they still have "no parts and a long backlog of people waiting" after all this time. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear Lamp Illumination
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and…
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
- Rear lamp illumination
Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly IS not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue IS with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are…
Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly IS not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue IS with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi IS upgrading to an ea to further investigate the issue.
- Rear lamp illumination
In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. Mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 BMW 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to BMW in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp…
In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. Mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 BMW 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to BMW in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by BMW in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating BMW complaints and related warranty data.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10182619Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.
- 10056098BMW: some airbags, driver and front passenger, are improperly deploying due to a possible inflator not produced to specifications. Model 2001-2006 E46 (3 series). Updated 9/4/14.
- 10052012BMW: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This IS causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 10051519BMW: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle IS prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10051459BMW: dsc warning light IS on. The warning lamps for dsc, ABS and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
- 10051359BMW: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4B. Covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle/sav limited warranty.
- 10044032BMW: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 10041411BMW: E92. The seat belt extender on the front drivers or passenger side failed to deliver the belt. The safety belt extender extends but the belt slips off. The hand on the extender fails. The safety belt IS twisted. The extender will not operate and makes noise while extending.
- 10040852BMW: the service engine soon light IS on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10040736BMW: various functions in the vehicle are not working including: instruments, door locks, wipers, and other electrical functions. There may also be warning lights on. K-can wiring in the vehicle shorted. Updated 10/5/11.
- 10040170BMW: a software error IS causing the the service engine soon light to come on. There will be stored trouble codes.
- 10040057BMW: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. Updated 9/30/11.
- 10040050BMW: the end of the seatbelt assistant breaks/falls off when retracting. The retaining tab IS not robust enough. E92.
- 10040049BMW: a software problem IS causing one or both of the seat belt assistants to not extend fully or may not extend at all. The position at which the assistant comes to rest varies. E92.
- 10040045BMW: a new technical support process has been created regarding transmission concerns.
- 10037487BMW: on some E92 models the safety belt extender IS not extending the belt or IS noisy. This can be a fault of the extender or the belt IS contorted.
- 10037079BMW: service engine soon light IS on. The vehicle lost power and the engine cranks with no start. Updated 5/19/15.
- 10037078BMW: the airbag warning lamp IS illuminated due to a software error.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10037010BMW: six different models equipped with the M54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. This IS due to moisture accumulation.
- 10036985BMW: a service engine soon light comes on. The engine will only operate to 1500 rpms and lacks power. There IS a software application error.
- 10036984BMW: it IS now possible to perform a fuel quality detection test on vehicles with an N54 engine.
- 10036983BMW: service engine soon light IS on with diesel engines.
- 10036982BMW: there IS a rough engine idle and "service engine soon light" when driving downhill in high altitudes during cold weather. There may be six different fault codes.
- 10036981BMW: warning message on about low diesel exhaust fuel level and that the engine will not restart within 999 miles. The light comes on a few thousand miles earlier than a recommended oil change.
- 10036980BMW: a new technical process IS being used on many models to determine the root cause of double-clutch transmission problems.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10035247BMW vehicle: front safety belt does not retract smoothly or jams. The upper part of the driver's or passenger's front safety belt does not roll up fully or rolls up slowly. The adjustment of the inertia reel IS incorrect at the fastening point. The belt IS touching the guide funnel. Models E90, E91 and E92. No model years listed.
- 10035224BMW vehicle: rear bulb failure. The bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. Diagnosis shows a fault for the rear lamp. The bulb out can be displayed for 2 possible causes: poor fit between the bulb and bulb holder; bulb failure caused by vibration.
- 10033135BMW vehicles: rear axle carrier (sub frame) support proposed class action settlement. Under certain circumstances, a fracture in the steel body structure could form in the area around one of the rear axle carrier mounting points. As a result, a distinct clicking noise can be heard from the area of the rear axle carrier during certain driving conditions. Model E46 (3series). No model years listed.
- 10033131BMW vehicles: engine cranks but does not start; fuel level gauge displays a sufficient amount of fuel, although the fuel tank IS empty; fault code 2A1C (fuel level plausibility) IS stored in msv80. Right side fuel sending unit IS dislodged from its bracket due to incorrect assembly. No model years listed. Updated 4/29/11.
- 10033130BMW vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it IS necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet assembly) do not need to be replaced as well. In some cases, epc does not show that the repair kit IS available separately in the illustration, but it IS available in the parts description. All models. No model years listed.
- 10032989BMW: fuel level sensor repair procedure. The case where it IS necessary to replace the right side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing does not need to be replaced. No model years listed.
- 10032827BMW vehicles: dsc disabling function. Dsc off function has been implemented in M5 and M6 vehicles equipped with the optional 6 speed manual transmissions. No model years listed.
- 10032815BMW vehicle: noise from front axle/right side. A grinding or scraping noise may be heard while cornering at vehicle speeds up to 30 mph. The noise IS more pronounced while the vehicle IS in the warm up phase and may change intensity during left and right turns. The right side engine support IS making contact with the right side engine mount.
- 10032814BMW vehicle: s54-catalyst protection mode while the vehicle IS low on fuel. Complaints that the vehicle has no power during heavy acceleration. Fuel reserve light IS illuminated and the fuel level, when measured with the service tester, IS below 10 liters. With the fuel level low and under extreme driving conditions (heavy acceleration, cornering or racing), the fuel supply may be inadequate, causing an intermittent lean mixture to be recorded by all 4 oxygen sensors.
- 10032812BMW vehicle: m54/m56-mixture too lean-fault codes 2882/2883 are stored in the dme. Complaints that service engine soon light IS illuminated. The fault codes 2882/2883-fuel trim, mixture too lean are stored in the dme. Possible causes may include-incorrect air filter, unmetered air or a defective air mass meter.
- 10032809BMW vehicle: N54 turbocharger waste gate control noises and operation. After turning off engine, a slight rattle noise IS heard from the engine compartment. This noise IS similar to a mechanical typewriter. In addition, the complaints of a slight reduction of power similar to an increased turbo lag. The vacuum supply to the waste gates may be restricted or blocked. No model years listed.
Every BMW 3 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.