2004 BMW 3-Series Engine Problems and Repair Histories
2004 BMW 3-Series Engine problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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BMW 3-Series
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2004 BMW 3-Series
Engine not specified
| BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 86000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 88000 | 1000 | Previously took to Dealer for oil change. Belts were bad so decided to change water pump as well. Dealer did not replace thermostat. Thermostat failed 1 week after. This repair was to replace thermostat |
| Apr | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 43000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2007 | 45000 | 0 | Service light came on. Was told it was caused by a loose gas cap. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 54000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2009 | 55000 | 1100 | Radiator hose, radiator belt and radiator fan were replaced due to some noise and leaks in radiator hose. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 71300 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 83700 | 3500 | Fuel pump |
| Oct | 2012 | 102460 | 334 | Replacement of idler arm & belt |
| Mar | 2013 | 108500 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2007 | 400 | Replace front rotors and brake pads. Replace exhaust downpipe (defective - warranty) Replace battery (defective - warranty) | |
| Sep | 2007 | 0 | Replace defective front resonator (exhaust). Warranty repair. | |
| Nov | 2007 | 0 | Exhaust system expanding and vibrating agains heat shield. Repositioned. Warranty repair. | |
| Feb | 2009 | 43980 | 500 | Failed thermostat. Known BMW design flaw for this part(fails after 4-5 years due to moisture intrusion). |
| Feb | 2013 | 89580 | 60 | Leaking gasket. Replaced valve cover gasket and valve cover bolt washers. |
| Mar | 2013 | 89900 | 190 | Replaced valve cover gasket, replaced oil housing gasket, replaced vanos oil return line, replaced tensioner pulley and idler pulley, replaced accessory belt and AC belt. Parts cost only - work performed by owner. |
| BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 72000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 83000 | 0 | Check engine light came on and indicated a thermostat problem. Need to have car examined by dealer. |
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2012 | 70000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 73000 | 85 | Thermostat was stuck open; engine would not come up to full temperature. |
| Mar | 2013 | 75000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2006 | 27000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 87000 | 210 | Valve cover gasket replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 88000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
235-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2011 | 99000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 106000 | 645 | replace water pump & coolant hose flush coolant system |
| Jun | 2012 | 110000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Iowa, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 90000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 98000 | 120 | 1 leaky fuel injector caused poor starting. Replaced and all is well. |
| Mar | 2013 | 107000 | 15 | Replaced oil filter housing gasket due to small oil leak. |
| BMW 3-Series in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 28520 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 58900 | 500 | Engine Light was on for 2974; Oxygen sensor. |
| Sep | 2011 | 94860 | 600 | DISA Valve was broken. They had to install a new DISA valve. |
| BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 64000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 64000 | 50 | rough idle w/ AC on; cleaned MAF, disassembled intake and cleaned dirty/stuck idle control valve, DISA valve and throttle body, checked for vacuum leaks and cracked hoses - found none; rough idle has not returned. |
| Jun | 2011 | 67000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 65100 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2011 | 70460 | 300 | Check engine light illuminated, car would not idle and ran roughly. Dealer diagnosed lean lean mixture due to cracked intake boot. Replaced part. |
| Mar | 2013 | 89280 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2012 | 95000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2012 | 96500 | 200 | Water pump gasket leaking. Replaced water pump |
| Mar | 2013 | 106000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 82000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 0 | Car would not start, fuel pump replaced. Work took place in July 2008. | |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
235-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Nevada, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 93000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 102000 | 4200 | Oil leak noticed from spotting on driveway. Valve cover gasket leaking and replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 111000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2012 | 102000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 103000 | 2100 | was told oil filter gasket was in need of replacement car overheated on highway, coolant reservoir cracked and upper radiator hose blew |
| Jul | 2012 | 106000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2011 | 87000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2011 | 88000 | 100 | Replaced oil filter housing gasket (leaking). Also did an oil change. |
| Dec | 2012 | 102000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 60000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 61000 | 200 | Vacuum tube came loose @ manifold. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 70000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 71000 | 880 | Pre-emptive replacement of cooling system components: water pump, coolant overflow tank, thermostat, thermostat housing. Replaced idler pulleys that mechanic noted were squeaking. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 48000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 112500 | 90 | Replaced alternator/water pump tensioner and idler pulleys. Pulleys were squeaking at idle. |
| Mar | 2013 | 132000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| BMW 3-Series in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 88000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 118000 | 100 | Valve cover gasket replacement as I was losing small amount of oil over engine block. Tipped-off by burnt smell post-driving. |
| Sep | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| BMW 3-Series in Louisiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 93000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 103300 | 100 | Rattling at idle from valve in muffler/tailpipe |
| Oct | 2011 | 125000 | 0 | Service engine soon light illuminated on a cold morning, but no driveability symptoms. Check of code revealed too lean condition. Reset code/light and did not reappear in >500 miles of driving. |
| BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2006 | 20000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2007 | 22000 | 0 | The SES light came on, it ended up being the engine thermometer that went out. Result was a coolant change and a replacement of the part. While there, the car went in for a voluntary oil service which was not covered under maintanence. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in Manitoba, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 8060 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 26240 | 600 | Replaced camshaft. |
| Mar | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in New Mexico, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 71000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 72000 | 800 | valve cover leak, replaced gasket second time, out of warranty |
| Jun | 2012 | 74000 | 977 | replace valve cover plus oil & filters change and replace power steering hose |
| Mar | 2013 | 84000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2005 | 0 | Ignition Coils Replaced Warranty/Recall Annual Oil Service | |
| Nov | 2007 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 265 | Replace Air Pump Valve | |
| Sep | 2011 | 110 | Replace Crank Case Hose (Valve > Dipstick) | |
| Mar | 2012 | 573 | Purchased 3 Ox Sensors online - paid shop to install 2 of them that were hard to access and beyond my skill level. I installed the other one. | |
| Jan | 2013 | 1205 | Oil-leak Gasket and Washer replacements, hoses, belts; oil change. | |
| Feb | 2013 | 195 | Replaced oil filter housing gasket | |
| Mar | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 63000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 65000 | 1000 | Valve cover gasket repair |
| Jul | 2012 | 67000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 216000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2011 | 218000 | 1640 | Check engine light was for Cracked Intake Hoses & Leak Detection Pump. Power Steering Exchange. Replace oil filter housing. Did Oil Filter change. |
| Sep | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2012 | 115000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 119000 | 500 | Check engine light on, engine starts fine but with a little hesitation. |
| Jan | 2013 | 124000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Kansas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 87000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 88000 | 0 | First issue was an oil leak. Required two trips to fix. |
| Sep | 2011 | 90000 | 400 | Leaking coolant. Replaced thermostat and o-ring on temp sensor. |
| Jun | 2012 | 99000 | 86 | Replaced purge control valve after car repeatedly threw codes. |
| Mar | 2013 | 107000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2009 | 54560 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 70020 | 0 | Burnt smell from under hood. Can't tell if it's burnt oil/fluid or electrical. Has gone away for now but was never fixed. Happed only during cold weather so far. |
| Sep | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 74000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 75000 | 167 | vacuum leak cracked upper air intake elbow. |
| Sep | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2007 | 48000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 102000 | 2500 | Radiator coolant level sensor replaced |
| Nov | 2012 | 149000 | 647 | Diagnosis of Check Engine Light. MAF sensor replaced. CE Light and trouble codes cleared. |
| Dec | 2012 | 150000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2012 | 71000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 74500 | 190 | Upper belt tensioner making noise - bearing going out. Both tensioners replaced as well as serpentine belt. |
| Mar | 2013 | 79000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 81000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 95000 | 80 | Thermostat was stuck open. Replaced it. |
| Mar | 2013 | 115000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| BMW 3-Series in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 147000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 150000 | 780 | Fuel pump failed while on a road trip. No dealer in vicinity so repair was done by independent shop. |
| Oct | 2012 | 172700 | 300 | Lazy thermostat causing engine to run cold in cold weather. Replaced thermostat. Replaced expansion tank as preventative measure since it had to be removed to repair the thermostat, and I was told it has a history of cracking. Saved $100+ of labor over replacing it in a separate trip. Replaced leaking valve gaskets. |
| Dec | 2012 | 176000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2011 | 148000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 152000 | 1900 | Leaking oil as indicated by oil gauge light coming on (no obvious evidence like oil in driveway.) Was diagnosed as an Oil Pan leak. Dealer replaced but it did not fix the problem as light came back on 4 weeks later. |
| Dec | 2011 | 153000 | 0 | Sold car with oil loss problem not fixed. |
| BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2006 | 19000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2009 | 38000 | 350 | SEL code called out bad thermostat sensor. Had thermostat, housing and sensor replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 57000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 44000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 73000 | 800 | preventative |
| Feb | 2013 | 75000 | 90 | radiator overflow and thermostat replaced strictly as preventative maintenance. |
| Mar | 2013 | 76000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2005 | 0 | ignition coil failed. | |
| Nov | 2008 | 67000 | 55 | "Service engine soon" light came on. Problem was engine oil separator. Replaced part and accompanying tubes and hoses. Problem may result due to moisture freezing in the part causing failure. Thermostat failed in the open position. Engine coolant temperature wasn't getting up to normal level. Dealer replaced thermostat with new one, drained old coolant,and added new coolant. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2008 | 31000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2008 | 32000 | 0 | Squeal when started- belt and tensioner replaced. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 1120 | Air bag light on again. Replaced sensor(cable assy.) at battery terminal. Squeel when engine cold again. Replaced bothe belts, tensioner, and water pump. Also discovered coolanbt expansion tank leaking-replaced. Rusted heat shield rattli | |
| Jul | 2012 | 74780 | 150 | Thermostat stuck open. Replaced thermostat |
| Mar | 2013 | 79360 | 125 | Replaced leaking valve cover gasket |
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
333-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 45000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 86000 | 400 | Water pump impeller failed. Replaced water pump. Replaced thermostat housing seals. Replaced water pump gasket. |
| Sep | 2012 | 86000 | 65 | CEL came on during morning drive into work. Engine was difficult to keep revs in low RPM range. Pulled engine codes. Codes specified misfire in cyl 3. Replaced coil for cyl 3. Test drove car, checked codes. |
| Dec | 2012 | 90000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Hawaii, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2009 | 30000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 31000 | 35 | O-ring went back around temperature sensor, replaced sensor. |
| Mar | 2013 | 42000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
333-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 163000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 193700 | 1600 | Waterpump failing- replaced pump and thermostat Check engine light- diagnosed as failing fuel pump. Replaced fuel pump & filter. |
| Mar | 2013 | 203000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 38000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 39500 | 1600 | The Vanos on this S54 engine had broken hub tabs and the Vanos Solenoid went bad as well. At just 44,000 miles this is ridiculous. Weak design by BMW engineers. |
| Feb | 2012 | 45000 | 1400 | Issue with the Double VANOS. Bolts on the exhaust side came loose and the VANOS pistons seized. Has to replace the entire VANOS unit costing $1400 dollars at Dr. Vanos in Austin, TX. |
| Mar | 2013 | 46000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 43000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 45000 | 1000 | Valve adjustment, oil change and coolant change. |
| Jan | 2013 | 55000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
235-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 52000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 54000 | 0 | Hesitation at 2700 rpm. completely gone after software update. |
| Oct | 2011 | 71000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
235-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 27000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 49000 | 313 | replaced leaking valve cover gasket |
| Mar | 2013 | 49000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 59000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 65000 | 51 | Check engine light came on. Scan said O2 sensor bank two sensor 1 was at fault also lean fuel. Turned out to be a hole in intake bellows throttle body to plastic coupling. |
| Sep | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in North Dakota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 32000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 38000 | 0 | idling problem – required re-programming of ECU, a known problem |
| Nov | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in Maine, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 49000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 67000 | 270 | CCV (oil separator) failed causing stuttering acceleration. Also found lower intake boot torn. |
| Mar | 2013 | 105000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 49000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 201 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 25000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 36000 | 300 | Replace valve cover gaskets. Very minor. |
| Aug | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 64000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 98700 | 300 | Thermostat was failing. Replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 102000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 83000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 84000 | 1000 | and replaced the coolant system thermostat housing. |
| BMW 3-Series in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2007 | 39000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 74000 | 200 | Valve Cover Gasket was leaking oil onto exhust headers causing burning oil smell. Valve Cover Gasket replaced. Additional maintenance performed included Vanos seals replacement, Serpentine and AC belts replaced. |
| Jun | 2011 | 93000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 42000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 42000 | 60 | Engine oil leak at oil filter housing base.rnReplaced oring type gasket to repair.rnOring was brittle and hard at 43k miles!rnEngine has never been overheated.rn Bearing noise from alternator area of engine.rnReplaced both idler pulleys in area for very rough inner bearings.rnReplaced with new pulleys but noise is still there.rnWill post when car is repaired. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible
333-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2006 | 0 | Gas guage not reading - fuel level sensor replaced. | |
| May | 2008 | 1514 | replace drive belts, alternator tensioner | |
| Mar | 2013 | 82000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible
235-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 54000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 54000 | 250 | Replaced valve cover gaskets. |
| May | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 39000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 64000 | 25 | Tear in a rubber intake hose. Replaced hose. |
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 13000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2007 | 14000 | 0 | check gas cap light on. gas cap replaced. |
| Dec | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 69000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 76000 | 925 | Fuel pump failure. Even though this is a very easy DIY to replace, the car is my daily driver, so I had it towed to a shop. They gouged me over $1000 to fix a $250 DIY job. |
| Feb | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 50000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 53000 | 50 | Gasket on oil filter housing leaking. |
| Mar | 2010 | 59000 | 102 | Replacement of faulty DISA Valve also referred to as Adjuster unit, for the intake manifold. Fault occurred exactly one month after end of factory warranty. Dealer paid for part. I paid for labor |
| Nov | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 3-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 96000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 124000 | 1400 | Check engine light, rough running intermittent. First trip replaced valve cover gasket, outside air temp sensor, plugs, gaskets. Reset light. After initial repairs, light came on after 2 days. Catalytic converter was indicated, and was replaced. Repair successful. |
| Apr | 2011 | 126000 | 0 | Catalytic converter died, resulting in check engine light. No pass smog check. |
| Oct | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 27000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 28000 | 500 | Automatic transmission needed to be reprogramed (per factory TSB) so that slippage would be eliminated when engine/transmisssion was cold. |
| Jul | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 48000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 58700 | 300 | Replaced thermostat. |
| Dec | 2010 | 62000 | 525 | Oil level sensor went bad and was successfully replaced. Leaking valve cover gasket successfully replaced. |
| Sep | 2011 | 65000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 3-Series 2-door
6-cylinder manual 2WD
| BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 26000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 30000 | 525 | Oil line failure, resulting in severe oil leak. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 3-Series 2-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2007 | 34000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2007 | 35000 | 0 | A ticking was occurring in the engine on hard accelerations - replaced mechanical belt tensioners with hydraulic tensioners. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003.5 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
235-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2007 | 31000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2007 | 31000 | 0 | hesitation on moderate throttle acceleration. check engine light triggered. bmw had sent out a bulletin earlier anticipating a related issue relating to the emissions system not reading o2 codes correctly. DME module software reprogrammed and problem reso |
| Dec | 2007 | 47000 | 40 | Replaced leaking valve cover gasket. |
| Feb | 2008 | 48000 | 70 | Thermostat malfunction, sticking open and not allowing engine to come up to or stay at operating temperature. |
| Apr | 2008 | 51000 | 15 | Air intake tubing developed crack at elbow causing whistling sound under acceleration, decreased power at low-mid RPM. |
| Nov | 2008 | 62000 | 800 | Oil filter housing assembly was leaking oil. I initially attempted to repair problem by replacing mating gasket, but turns out entire assembly was warped and necessitated replacement. $350 component. |
| May | 2009 | 70000 | 105 | Left fuel sender malfunction causing inaccurate fuel gauge readings. |
| Nov | 2009 | 77000 | 50 | Expansion tank leak causing coolant to leak. |
| Dec | 2009 | 78000 | 170 | Fuel gauge giving inaccurate erratic reading as a result of right fuel sender (integrated into fuel pump) faulty. Replaced fuel pump/sender. |
| Nov | 2011 | 96000 | 100 | VANOS seals. Replaced worn out vanos piston ring seals with updated teflon made by Beisan systems. Changed valve cover gasket at same time. |
| Mar | 2013 | 107000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003.5 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 100000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 102000 | 475 | Oil filter housing gasket was leaking oil (slow leak). Found earlier during oil change but waited until now to have replaced to not waste oil. Oil was changed as part of repair. CCV (oil separator) was also replaced as preventive maint. |
| Jun | 2012 | 128000 | 450 | Car was having problems idling. Did not stall but was idling very rough. Suspected DISA valve and was correct. Car also tripped the SES light (error codes indicated all 4 O2 sensors). I ended up replacing DISA and 2 pre-cat O2 sensors. |
| Mar | 2013 | 135000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003.5 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
333-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 80000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 105000 | 0 | Replaced a o-ring on the constant pressure valve which leaks oil after some time. |
2003.5 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible
333-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| BMW 3-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | 12000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 19000 | 1000 | Squeal on cold start up. Replaced tensioner pulley. |
| Mar | 2013 | 23000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 37000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 38500 | 80 | EML+DSC+Brake light came on while driving on freeway, causing lowered RPM and power loss. Diagnosed via Peak reader to be throttle position sensor error. Swapped sensor with new one ordered online. Cost is parts only, doesn't include labor. |
| Aug | 2010 | 45000 | 110 | Yellow SMG light came on, Fault 056, shop suggested replacing SMG relay first. If problem persist, replace SMG Pressure Accumulator. |
| Jul | 2011 | 50000 | 33 | Factory Bremi ignition coil #5 failed, causing strong engine vibration and loss of power. Replaced with OEM Bosch unit and everything went back to normal. |
| Aug | 2011 | 50000 | 200 | Replaced following: - AC belt - Serpentine belt (water pump/alternator) - Idler pulley (24 ft-lb) - AC tensioner unit (24 ft-lb) Replaced TPS #1 again, cleared code, EML & limp mode mitigated for now. |
| Oct | 2011 | 53000 | 90 | Throttle position sensor #2 broken, car went into limp mode. Replaced sensor and now drives fine. |
| Oct | 2012 | 60000 | 0 | replaced camshaft position sensor |
| Mar | 2013 | 63000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003.5 BMW 3-Series 2-door
6-cylinder manual 2WD
| BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 69000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 102000 | 550 | PCV valve replacement because the engine is consuming more oil than usual |
| Apr | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 65000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 88000 | 900 | Cam Position sensor |
| Dec | 2012 | 117000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert 2004 BMW 3-Series Repair Advice
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