2004 BMW 6 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › 6 Series › 2004
These records cover every 2004 BMW 6 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2004 BMW 6 Series. Newest first.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy
Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Owner complaints
3 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Automatic transmission
BMW 645ci: transmission surges between speeds of 30-40mph while applying constant throttle. *tr
- Electrical system
Vehicle stalls and dies while idling or on turning. vehicle restarts after stall, but all steering IS lost until restarted. BMW has replaced the main computer control board twice (dme). stalling IS still evident. total number of known stalls - 4. also, based on postings on http://bimmer.…
Vehicle stalls and dies while idling or on turning. vehicle restarts after stall, but all steering IS lost until restarted. BMW has replaced the main computer control board twice (dme). stalling IS still evident. total number of known stalls - 4. also, based on postings on http://bimmer. Roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e63/ it appears others have experienced problems with hardware/software on this make, but perhaps not to the same safety level as mine. almost identical complaint on file with you:make: BMW model: 6 series year: 2004 complaint number: 10091708 summary: 2004 BMW 645: while driving 20 mph vehicle stalled and consumer was able to restart the vehicle. Consumer took the vehicle to dealership for inspection. Dealership was unable to duplicate problem. The engine stalling problem recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for inspection. Again, dealership could not uncover any defect or malfunction and the vehicle IS operating as designed. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
2004 BMW 645: while driving 20 mph vehicle stalled and consumer was able to restart the vehicle. consumer took the vehicle to dealership for inspection. dealership was unable to duplicate problem. the engine stalling problem recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for…
2004 BMW 645: while driving 20 mph vehicle stalled and consumer was able to restart the vehicle. consumer took the vehicle to dealership for inspection. dealership was unable to duplicate problem. the engine stalling problem recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for inspection. again, dealership could not uncover any defect or malfunction and the vehicle IS operating as designed. *ak (vehicle build date: may 4, 2004 - excluded from safety recall 04v-344, which has a build date range beginning with may 12, 2004) *mjj
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.
- 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.
- 10043714BMW: steering column switch center contains one or more faults: internal control, steering wheel lock range exceeded, wiper angle defective. Various check control messages appear with airbag warning lamp illuminated.
- 10040853BMW: a grinding noise IS coming from the differential during slow cornering. When turning a slip/stick effect IS created on the lining and steel discs incorporated in the differential clutch causes a grinding noise.
- 10040045BMW: a new technical support process has been created regarding transmission concerns.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 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.
- 10032990BMW: diagnosis of dme me 9.2 map thermostat fault 2ef4/279b. The service engine soon light illuminated. The engine does not overheat and the map thermostat operates properly. Possible causes are deterioration of coolant quality; increased contact resistance between the thermostat temperature sensor, the engine wiring harness and the dme connector; internal defect of a map cooling thermostat. Updated 11/17/10.
- 10032987BMW: instrument cluster-failure of displays/functions. Total or partial failure of displays or functions in the instrument cluster. The displays or functions start working again after the vehicle has been parked (sleep mode). Internal error in the processing of incoming messages from the k can bus. There may be various can message errors stored in the fault memory.
- 10032849BMW vehicle: dsc disabling function. Due to revised dme, dsc and ccc software, the mdm (m dynamic mode) button located in the center console switch cluster (szm) now has triple functionality-default state-dsc on; short press-mdm on (green mdm indicator displayed in the cluster); press and hold-dsc off (yellow dsc indicator displayed in the cluster; message appears in the control display). 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.
- 10032825BMW vehicle: sport transmission paddle shifters inoperative-diagnosis. The direct communication input line between the paddle shifters and the egs transmission control module IS interrupted. No model years listed.
- 10032781BMW vehicle: driveability complaints due to cooling fan relay failure. The customer may complain of intermittent driveability problems, described as-engine IS lacking power when accelerating uphill; transmission will not upshift under heavy acceleration; distinct hesitation when accelerating from 30-45mph. No model years listed.
- 10032780BMW vehicle: service engine soon light illuminated: s85-various vanos related faults stored. (E60 (5series), E63 & E64 (6series). No model years listed.
- 10029684BMW: service engine soon lamp or the check gas cap warnings are illuminated while driving. When diagnosed, the dme has stored faults for small leak, micro leak, super fine leak, or large leak in relation to the tank ventilation or evaporative system updated 10/27/09.
- 10029605BMW service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. The airbag warning lamp (awl) IS illuminated, together with the passenger airbag status lamp (pol). The problem may be intermittent. Microcracks in the OC3 seat mat. Updated 9/30/11.
- 10029257BMW: all instrument dials are inoperative and the illumination of the information display in the instrument cluster IS very bright.
- 10029025BMW: small number of vehicles experience problems ranging from leaking oil filler caps, leaking or broken valve covers, to complete engine failure in extremely cold climate conditions. Moisture accumulating in engine crankcase ventilation valve or hoses can freeze due to low ambient temperatures.
- 10028366BMW vehicle: modifying the rear water drain hoses. Over time the 4 drains may become blocked by leaves and debris. Once clogged, water may collect and overflow into trunk, damaging various electronic components.
- 10025983BMW: headlamp moisture: fault diagnostics. Water or condensation in one or both headlamps. Models 5 series, 6 series, 7 series, X5, X6, 1 series, and 3 series. Model years 2000-20008.
- 10025581Water ingress at the doors: symptom diagnosis. Model vehicle E64 (6 series convertible). Model years unknown.
- 10025571Instrument cluster: failure of displays/functions. Model E60, E61 (5 series) and E63, E64 (6 series).
- 10012788Loss of power while decelerating and turning or coming to a stop. BMW 5 series, 6 series, 7 series produced between 09/03 to 8/04.
- 10010968Part 2. Service action & delivery stop.
- 10010966Retail delivery stop on 2004 my 8 & 12 cylinder vehicles produced may 2004 through july 2004. Due to a manufacturing error, the engine control module mail fail. This could cause the vehicle to stall unexpectedly or fail to start at all.
- 100072002004 my various software errors corrected with cip.
- 10007022Program control units to activate interior sensor - service action. On vehicles produced from january 27, 2004 to febraruy 11, 2004.
Every BMW 6 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.