2004 BMW 7 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › 7 Series › 2004
These records cover every 2004 BMW 7 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2004 BMW 7 Series. Newest first.
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 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 and remedy
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.
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.
On certain passenger vehicles, the software programming of the driver's seat occupant detection system (ods) may not be able to reliably determine if the driver's seat IS occupied.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In certain crash conditions, the driver's front air bag, head protection system, safety belt pretensioner, and knee air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury to a seat occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the software for the driver's seat occupant detection system. the recall began october 13, 2004. owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
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.
Owner complaints
28 complaints1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
I have been getting this error in my idrive system: "fault in passive restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Fasten and continue to wear belts. Please contact the nearest BMW center."
- Electrical system
The rear side door unexpectedly open while driving, a week later the other side did the same thing the for open then it closed by its self. I was driving straight on a highwsy.
- Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic
I applied the brakes and they got hard and went to the floor. brakes would be soft initially and as pressure was continued would get hard and required sustained intense effort to stop the vehicle. this IS a known problem by BMW involving the booster and they claim to have inspected vehicle for…
I applied the brakes and they got hard and went to the floor. brakes would be soft initially and as pressure was continued would get hard and required sustained intense effort to stop the vehicle. this IS a known problem by BMW involving the booster and they claim to have inspected vehicle for this problem in 2011 and it did not require being fixed. this was before I bought the vehicle from the dealer. they now refuse to fix the vehicle. This IS a safety issue that obviously has not been appropriately addressed by BMW. sadly BMW prides itself in good brakes but refuses to adequately address a problem they identified. it was listed by BMW as a recall on my vehicle on their website. 10v44660000 they say it has already been fixed. It has not and needs to be addressed because of the serious safety implications. *tr
- Service brakes
Vehicle IS leaking oil into the brake booster and I have to add more pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. vehicle had a recall campaign november 2010 no. 10V-446: brake vacuum pump. I took the vehicle to fields BMW and they provided me with documentation stating; "11/30/2010…
Vehicle IS leaking oil into the brake booster and I have to add more pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. vehicle had a recall campaign november 2010 no. 10V-446: brake vacuum pump. I took the vehicle to fields BMW and they provided me with documentation stating; "11/30/2010 0034910100 ck brake booster line N62. B34, 04, 10". I was told that there was no recall on the vehicle, and I could pay for a diagnostic, and the expenses for the brake booster to be replaced. I had taken my vehicle to a BMW tech for a full diagnostic, and he informed me that the brake booster needed to be replaced due to the above, and it's dangerous to drive the car. your assistance regarding this matter will be greatly appreciated. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Check valve of the brake vaccum pump leaking. Chirping sound during idle. Should be covered under nhtsa campaign ID number 10v446000. *js
- Fuel system, gasoline
Hard to start, cranks for a while till it builds up pressure then starts. Idles rough and sometimes dies when sitting at stop light, and sputtering power at time when taking off, leaks fuel from right rear wheel well when filling with fuel. also stalls while driving and total loss of power for…
Hard to start, cranks for a while till it builds up pressure then starts. Idles rough and sometimes dies when sitting at stop light, and sputtering power at time when taking off, leaks fuel from right rear wheel well when filling with fuel. also stalls while driving and total loss of power for steering and other controls, very dangerous when it occurs. I'm told it IS the high pressure fuel pump and I must say that I cannot see how this part can be so expensive ($2,700) and surprised that BMW did not recall these and replace if this in an endemic fault. I was lucky that my car failed 20 yards from my house as I returned from a 200 mile round trip on the highway. I dread to think what might have happened to me if this had stopped while I was on the fast lane of the highway. For what IS a flagship car, it IS a potential death trap. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
In reference to BMW 760li fuel pump. recently had to replace mine, after car stalled while driving on the the highway. car also was hard to start, had to crank along time to build up enough prssure to start. problem became worse over time. *tt
- Air bags › Frontal
Owner of '04 745I as of 4/8/11. Last month received notice stating "default in driver restraint system & airbag illuminated constantly & message stating airbag may not operate." took a trip to missouri last wk & received a notice that there's a fault in pass restraint system, red illuminated light…
Owner of '04 745I as of 4/8/11. Last month received notice stating "default in driver restraint system & airbag illuminated constantly & message stating airbag may not operate." took a trip to missouri last wk & received a notice that there's a fault in pass restraint system, red illuminated light, airbag may not operate." BMW stated that they would have to hook it up to a machine ($225) to read the code and that it may be from people moving around in the seat and that after retrieving the code, the labor & parts could range from $250-$3000. *tt
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 760li. While driving approximately 70 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to merge to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The vehicle stalled approximately five times intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 760li. While driving approximately 70 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to merge to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The vehicle stalled approximately five times intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated both high pressure fuel pumps needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 760li. While driving above 50 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle would shake excessively and then stall without warning similar to nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v344000 (power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm, pcm). both the dealer and…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 760li. While driving above 50 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle would shake excessively and then stall without warning similar to nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v344000 (power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm, pcm). both the dealer and manufacturer advised the contact that his vehicle was not included in the previous recall and offered no additional assistance. no repairs were performed. The current mileages was 51,600 and the failure mileages was 51,550.
- Visibility
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW 745I series. The contact stated he was not able to see out of the driver side rearview mirror. The contact stated that the plasma fractured from the mirror causing the mirror to become clear and dark with circle spots that created a double vision. The dealer advised…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW 745I series. The contact stated he was not able to see out of the driver side rearview mirror. The contact stated that the plasma fractured from the mirror causing the mirror to become clear and dark with circle spots that created a double vision. The dealer advised that he would have to pay for the mirror replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 88,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 745I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign ID number10v446000, service brakes, hydraulic power assist vacuum and took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. The dealer informed the contact that the brake vacuum pump was leaking and needed to be replaced…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 745I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign ID number10v446000, service brakes, hydraulic power assist vacuum and took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. The dealer informed the contact that the brake vacuum pump was leaking and needed to be replaced and it was not a part of the recall. The contact stated that replacing the hose would only be a temporary repair that would cause future problems. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The current and failure mileages were approximately 58,500.
- Seats
I started my BMW 745I to warm it up along with the heated seats. Came out of my house three minutes later to leave and smelled something burning on the inside of the car. I looked around but didn't see anything outright obvious. I started to drive away when I felt burning sensation to my left side.…
I started my BMW 745I to warm it up along with the heated seats. Came out of my house three minutes later to leave and smelled something burning on the inside of the car. I looked around but didn't see anything outright obvious. I started to drive away when I felt burning sensation to my left side. I turned to look and saw that seat heater was burning through the leather on the left side of the back of the seat. I made left a message with a service rep at "new country BMW" of hartford,ct with no return call within 24 hours as there answering service promises. I then brought the vehicle to "new country BMW" of hartford, ct where the service rep told myself he had "never heard of there being a seat heater recall". *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 745I. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for routine repair and the technician detected oil leaking from the brake vacuum pump into the engine. The vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 10v446000…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 745I. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for routine repair and the technician detected oil leaking from the brake vacuum pump into the engine. The vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 10v446000 (service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum). In conjunction to the recall repair the brake vacuum pump was replaced at the owner's expense. The contact stated that the recall remedy was not sufficient and failed to correct the problem. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
The engine oil filter drain plug IS insufficient, causing a large loss of oil to leak. This has affected and damaged the transmission. *Tr
- Air bags
Shortly after purchase of a used 2004 BMW 745li, the airbag light remained illuminated and the passenger occupancy light remained illuminated at all times. Car would not pass inspection, therefore I paid $1700 to BMW of silver spring to have this corrected. *Tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 745I. the contact stated that the engine would overheat and the vehicle would shut down and lose power. the safety mechanism in the vehicle would shut down if it sensed a failure with the vehicle. the failure occurred a total of three times while driving 40 mph.…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 745I. the contact stated that the engine would overheat and the vehicle would shut down and lose power. the safety mechanism in the vehicle would shut down if it sensed a failure with the vehicle. the failure occurred a total of three times while driving 40 mph. on one occasion, she was able to drive to the dealer around the corner and the other two times, she had to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. the dealer could not diagnose the cause of the failure because the code was lost. the contact showed the mechanic pictures of the message on the instrument panel that read, "do not drive, engine overheating, turn engine off". the contact was informed that a new battery was needed and she would have to pay $600. she did not believe that the issue centered around the battery. the manufacturer stated that because no code displayed, they could not assist. the current mileage was approximately 70,000 and failure mileage was approximately 44,827. Updated 09/17/08.*lj updated 09/25/08. *Jb
- Steering
When vehicle comes to a complete stop on an incline with the steering wheel turned full chocked to either the left or right the steering wheel freezes and cannot be turned to the opposite direction. It will not free up until I shift the transmission in reverse and back up a few feet. At that point…
When vehicle comes to a complete stop on an incline with the steering wheel turned full chocked to either the left or right the steering wheel freezes and cannot be turned to the opposite direction. It will not free up until I shift the transmission in reverse and back up a few feet. At that point it will unfreeze with a jerk and operate correctly. This has happened on about 6 occasions. I notified the local dealer where I purchased the car, used with 52,000 miles. It now has 55,000 miles and I've had the vehicle for about 9 months. The dealers service shop could not duplicate the failure and could not find any error codes in the obd. I believe that the vehicle has to be on an incline, which IS the case with my driveway, where it happened 4 of the 6 times. The most recent incidence happened on my next door neighbor's driveway which also has a moderately steep incline. (*** update***) local dealership contacted the factory in germany and was told that a fix was to install 'bumpers" on each end of the steering mechanism that would prevent the wheels from turning too far and riding up onto the factory installed steering stops. the dealer obtained the "bumpers" and installed them at no charge. I was told that I'D receive paperwork on the modifications soon. *tr
- Steering
When vehicle comes to a complete stop on an incline with the steering wheel turned full chocked to either the left or right the steering wheel freezes and cannot be turned to the opposite direction. it will not free up until I shift the transmission in reverse and back up a few feet. at that…
When vehicle comes to a complete stop on an incline with the steering wheel turned full chocked to either the left or right the steering wheel freezes and cannot be turned to the opposite direction. it will not free up until I shift the transmission in reverse and back up a few feet. at that point it will unfreeze with a jerk and operate correctly. this has happened on about 6 occasions. I notified the local dealer where I purchased the car, used with 52,000 miles. it now has 55,000 miles and I've had the vehicle for about 9 months. the dealers service shop could not duplicate the failure and could not find any error codes in the obd. I believe that the vehicle has to be on an incline, which IS the case with my driveway, where it happened 4 of the 6 times. the most recent incidence happened on my next door neighbor's driveway which also has a moderately steep incline. *tr
- Seats
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 745li. the contact received a warning from the computer to engage his seat belt. the seat belts were already engaged, however, he continued to receive the message. the dealer stated that there was a glitch in the program and they would need to service the computer.…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 745li. the contact received a warning from the computer to engage his seat belt. the seat belts were already engaged, however, he continued to receive the message. the dealer stated that there was a glitch in the program and they would need to service the computer. approximately three weeks later, the front passenger seat caught fire. the dealer did not provide an explanation as to the cause of the fire. the dealer replaced the leather and wiring in the front seat. the contact was injured. the current mileage was 52,000 and failure mileage was 51,200.
- Equipment › Electrical · Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system) · Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Consumer 2004 BMW 745 li car phone did not register when in the cradle. Navigation did not function properly. *** nar received 10-18-05*** *ts the consumer stated the vehicle had several software upgrades to get the navigation system to work. on multiple occasion, the flat tire light continued…
Consumer 2004 BMW 745 li car phone did not register when in the cradle. Navigation did not function properly. *** nar received 10-18-05*** *ts the consumer stated the vehicle had several software upgrades to get the navigation system to work. on multiple occasion, the flat tire light continued to illuminated even though the consumer did not have a flat tire. the drivers side window never opened or closed all the way. *Jb
- Seats
Driver's seat occupant detection sensor malfunction. there were no untoward incidents except that I had to drive abt. 65 miles, miss my office hours, unable to use the car fearlessly, and put myself in danger.the recall in your report did not include my chassis number(ds54945), which I purchased 23 nov 2004.
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Vehicle became hard to control, and consumer was able to contain it. after coming to a full stop rear driver's wheel continued to spin. Vehicle had to be towed, and no defects were found.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
After two weeks of purchase, the vehicle went into neutral mode with the gear shift still in drive without warning. the consumer coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. on a separate occasion, the power steering failed and became difficult to operate for directional control twice. on both…
After two weeks of purchase, the vehicle went into neutral mode with the gear shift still in drive without warning. the consumer coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. on a separate occasion, the power steering failed and became difficult to operate for directional control twice. on both items the dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. please provide details. *jb the consumer was told there was a 9/1/04 recall notice to reprogram this model vehicle. The consumer was told that his vehicle was not during this recall period. *tc
- Electrical system › Horn
The horn did not work. after complaining to the dealer for more than 5 months. the manufacturer was contacted and they told him that the horn only worked in certain places because of the air bag. *jb the manufacturer was contacted about the horn problem. the manufacturer told the consumer that…
The horn did not work. after complaining to the dealer for more than 5 months. the manufacturer was contacted and they told him that the horn only worked in certain places because of the air bag. *jb the manufacturer was contacted about the horn problem. the manufacturer told the consumer that the steering wheel was designed specifically for the way the air bag IS situated and unfortunately no adjustments could be made to the design of the steering wheel. *Nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Vehicle Rollaway
In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the…
In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V-502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V-502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770
- Vehicle Rollaway
In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) for PE11-025, BMW provided ODI with 1 complaint and 46 field reports relating to either incidents of unattended vehicle rollaway or vehicle movement after the driver expected the vehicle gearshift to automatically shift to park. ODI's…
In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) for PE11-025, BMW provided ODI with 1 complaint and 46 field reports relating to either incidents of unattended vehicle rollaway or vehicle movement after the driver expected the vehicle gearshift to automatically shift to park. ODI's analysis of the data provided by BMW identified 14 crashes and 5 alleged injuries. ODI has also identified 3 additional reports in its database alleging vehicle rollaway incidents of which 2 resulted in crashes.The subject vehicles are all equipped with push-buttons (Start/Stop button) to control starting/stopping the engine and Shift-by-Wire gearshift systems controlled by a column mounted selector lever behind the steering wheel. The Start/Stop button also controls switching the ignition and the radio ready state On and Off. Shift-by-wire systems replace the traditional mechanical connection (e.g., cable or linkage) between the gearshift and automatic transmission with an electronic connection controlled by a computer module. When parking the vehicle, the driver has the capability to manually shift the vehicle to park by pressing the Park button on the end of the electronic gearshift lever. However, the instructions for engine shutoff provided in the owner's manual state that pressing the Start/Stop button serves the dual function of switching off the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In response to ODI's information request for PE11-025, BMW described several circumstances where the subject vehicles may shift to neutral when the driver may expect it to automatically shift to park. First, for Comfort Access System (CAS) vehicles, if the transmission is in neutral when the key fob is in the ignition slot and the Start/Stop button is pressed to shut-off the engine, the transmission will remain in neutral. This is referred to as the Carwash mode and is a normal operating feature of the vehicles that is described in the owner's manual. BMW also described two circumstances that are not normal operating features and are not described in the owners' manual: (1) with the transmission in drive or reverse and the engine running, if the Start/Stop button is pushed 2 or 3 times within a 0.3 second to 0.5 second interval, the engine will stop and the transmission will shift to Neutral; and 2) if the Park button on the gearshift lever is pressed at the same time that the gearshift lever is actuated (i.e., toggled up or down) to select drive, reverse or neutral; the transmission will shift to neutral or remain in neutral.Beginning in model year (MY) 2005, BMW introduced CAS as an optional feature package for the subject vehicles.The key for CAS equipped vehicles is an electronic code that is sent to the engine control module by a remote transmitter (key fob). An optional docking port (key slot) is provided for driver convenience or to put the vehicle into Car Wash mode, which allows for engine shutoff in neutral. BMW sold approximately 45,000 subject vehicles with CAS and approximately 94 percent of the CAS equipped vehicles were produced from MY 2006 through 2008. Non-CAS subject vehicles were produced from MY 2002 through 2008 and require the remote control to be in the ignition slot located next to the Start/Stop button to start the engine.The 50 incidents identified by ODI's analysis of complaints and field reports include 18 involving CAS vehicles (39.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles) and 32 involving non-CAS vehicles (42.0 incidents per 100,000 vehicles). Because the incidents are considered random events, the failure rates were also adjusted for vehicle exposure, resulting in rat
- BMW airbag light illumination
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…
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/ 7 series, my 06/ X5, and my04-06/ 5-series with comfort seats.the average frequency of failures among the extended warranty groups was less than 1/7TH of the recall vehicle groups.please see bmw's 08v-384 recall notification for further detailsdepending on seat configuration and vehicle geometry, the occupant detection mat can fatigue during use depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit.specifically, over time, micro-cracks could develop in the side flanks of the mat causing a broken circuit.a brokencircuit can lead to the deactivation of the passenger air bag and the illumination of both the air bag warning light and the passenger air bag light.
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.
- 10247567Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE
- 10245422Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicles equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.
- 10244242Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer 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.
- 10145306NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10143564NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 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
- 10044024BMW: wipers lights and front power windows are inoperative. This situation may start and lead to a permanent fault. Also included model F07 (5 series gran turismo) model years up to march 2012.
- 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.
- 10043689BMW: after a few miles or several thousand miles, check control message, hybrid malfunction, may appear after programming of software for vehicle.
- 10040046BMW: when outside temp IS below freezing the outside doors will not close or are difficult to open. A door cable has moisture intrusion and freezes.
- 10037700BMW: there may be excessive cranking before the vehicle starts. The service engine soon light may also be on with a lack of engine power.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10035246BMW vehicles: replaced seat occupancy sensor mat will not enable. After replacing a cis (capacitive sensing passenger occupancy mat), the new mat will not enable when using ista/p. However, ista/p shows that the acsm (active crash safety module) was coded correctly. The following faults are stored in the acsm control module:9309ed, 9309f4 and 930a23. Adsm coding
- 10035244BMW vehicle: adaptive headlights. A check control (cc) message IS displayed for the adaptive headlights. The headlamps no longer turn with steering wheel movement. Fault code 800fc6 IS entered in the footwell module (FRM3). A second turn signal request IS made at the exact moment when the steering wheel IS automatically cancelling from a previous turn signal request. F07 (5 series), F01, F02, F07 (7 series).
- 10035010BMW vehicle: transmission warning light IS illuminated and the transmission enters failsafe mode. Fault code 4F81 (ratio monitoring, clutch a), in some cases combined with the subsequent faults 507b/507c (parking gear sensor implausible signal) or 507D (parking gear incorrectly disengaged), are stored in the egs control module. E60, E51, E65, E66, E70, E90, E91, E92, E93. No model years listed.
- 10033132BMW vehicles: N63 turbocharger auxiliary water pump faults. The service engine soon lamp IS illuminated with the following fault codes stored in the dme control module. Turbocharger coolant pump, control line, electric, 0x1016-line interruption. An internal component fault of the auxiliary water pump will cause it to not power up intermittently. Improved pumps went into production on 6/3/09. Models E70, E71, E72, F01, F02, F04, F07, F10. Updated 2/7/11. No model years listed.
- 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.
- 10029964BMW: the safety belts for the front seats have an electric motor-driven reel (ema) which will retract/pretension the seat belt a specified amount when certain hazardous driving situations are present.
- 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.
- 10029604BMW: vehicle may intermittently exhibit any of the following: hard to start or may not start; engine runs rough and lacks or loses power; engine power reduced. Vapor lock in the fuel system could occur under certain engine operating conditions, which then would cause a drop in the low side fuel pressure. Updated 7/22/09. Models F01 and F02.
- 10029348BMW: sporadically, the following conditions may occur-wipers are running on a dry window; speedometer and tachometer are inoperative; check control message emf dropped out (drive control system emergency mode).
- 10029264BMW: low beam headlamps are switched on, or after starting the engine, one of the xenon low beam headlamps flashes serveral times, and then intermittenly switches off.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10012805M62tu/s62 secondary air diagnostics and air delivery passage cleaning procedure. Update.
- 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.
- 10009569Program control units. Service action.
Every BMW 7 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.