2004 BMW 5-Series Problems and Repair Histories
2004 BMW 5-Series problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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BMW 5-Series
2004 BMW 5-Series for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2004 BMW 5-Series problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2004 BMW 5-Series problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2004 BMW 5-Series problems and repair histories that follow it.
BMW 5-Series Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2004 | BMW 5-Series | 29 5-Series, 10.1 months of data per 5-Series, average 93200 miles First year for E60 5-Series.98 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs |
Non-members can see only ten 2004 BMW 5-Series problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 5-Series in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2007 | 0 | Passenger-side front window closes halfway, then goes back down - warranty repair. Right rear brake squeak when reversing or driving at slow speed (bad sensor)- warranty repair. | |
| Sep | 2008 | 57000 | 235 | HID Lowbeam Headlight blown. Part ordered through Dealer, BMW of Manhattan. |
| Dec | 2009 | 64000 | 166 | Passenger Airbag Sensor Fault with warning light always on due to damaged seat MAT. Recall repair - No Charge. |
| Mar | 2010 | 66000 | 1043 | Since December 2009, after replacing the battery, error messages appeared on start-up (Transmission Fault, ABS Fault, etc., but cleared after a restart. Dealer could not solve the problem. Alternator died on 3/27/10. Dealer replaced ($1,043.00) |
| May | 2010 | 67000 | 148 | Service Engine Soon light. Code P0348 Bank 2 Intake Camshaft Position Sensor Purchased sensor from BMW Dealer and replaced myself. |
| May | 2011 | 75500 | 54 | Cooling System leaking - broken vent pipe (connects expansion tank to radiator). Purchased new vent pipe from BMW Dealership and replaced it (15 minute repair job). |
| Oct | 2012 | 84000 | 944 | Replaced a leaking Mechatronic Sealing Sleeve, 6HP26 Transmission Pan w/Gasket, and new pan bolts. Parts ordered online from CTSC ($304.42) Labor: Former BMW Tech Indy Shop $160.00 Coolant leak - replaced Water Pump and Expansion Tank. Parts and Labor ($480.00) by Indy Shop, Former BMW Tech. |
| Dec | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 58000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 69000 | 110 | In-car computer programming updated to latest version to allow support for playing MP3's via in-dash CD player, to enable BMW iPod adapter, and to allow the use of current NAV disks. |
| Jan | 2010 | 76000 | 53 | Wipers wouldn't turn off, no turn signals, no high beams, no heated steering wheel, no airbags, no seatbelt tensioners, no active steering, no ARS, no wheel-mounted electronics worked AT ALL. Replaced Steering Angle Sensor & reprogrammed. |
| Mar | 2010 | 79000 | 0 | Same problem as last trip. Replaced Steering ECU in the column. |
| Jul | 2010 | 83700 | 50 | Power brakes failed, check valve replaced |
| Jan | 2013 | 138000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Nova Scotia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2012 | 38440 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 40300 | 0 | Driver seat heater burns thru the seat, leather damaged not punctured yet. BMW Canada nor dealer not willing to do anything about it. |
| Jan | 2013 | 40700 | 0 | Instrument cluster started since cold weather to flash and reboot repeatedly once key is in pos. 2 or driving the first 30-45 mins once car is thoroughly heated problem goes away. Am still attempting to diagnose cause, replaced K30 relay,c |
| Mar | 2013 | 41540 | 50 | Had my Indie try to fix my instrument cluster problem reported earlier but he was unable to, needs programming done by dealer, still have not gone there. |
| BMW 5-Series in New Zealand | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 200 | Coding missing MP3 support | |
| Aug | 2008 | 49560 | 300 | PCV Valves Replaced on both banks |
| Dec | 2008 | 54560 | 800 | Xenon headlight bulb failed. Adaptive headlights were always on the blink (ever since I got the car really) - every few weeks they wouldn’t work, then the next day they would – except replacing the headlights they didn’t offer any other fix (NZ$5000 per headlight). |
| Mar | 2009 | 55800 | 0 | Transmission stuttering in 5th gear. Dealer advised transmission required replacement. Traded in car same day. |
| BMW 5-Series in Saudi Arabia | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 19840 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 20460 | 3600 | The car would jerk between 60-80 kmh at around 1500rpm. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 70000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2009 | 72000 | 425 | Leaky water pump. Leaky vacuum assist pump for braking system. |
| Jun | 2009 | 80000 | 0 | A vacuum hose to the brake booster cracked, which I suspect was a latent failure from the brake booster being replaced by the dealer several months ago. The dealer did not have the hose in stock so I replaced it myself. |
| Jun | 2010 | 96000 | 500 | Defective transmission seal that caused transmission fluid to leak. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 5-Series in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 90000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2012 | 98000 | 134 | Replace oil pressure sensor |
| Apr | 2012 | 99000 | 472 | New mass air flow sensor |
| Mar | 2013 | 116000 | 0 | Needed new steering pump for $2200. I decided to sell the car. It's gone now. |
| BMW 5-Series in Iowa, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 66000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2012 | 66000 | 0 | Small amount of smoke coming from engine, valve gaskets and timing gaskets replaced. Vehicle bought from private party, previous owner paid for repairs. |
| Aug | 2012 | 67300 | 40 | Upper control arm. Dealership want 700 for repair. I bought the part online for $40 and installed it myself in 20 mins. |
| Mar | 2013 | 70000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 44000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 47000 | 20 | Windshield Washer Fluid Resevoir |
| Mar | 2013 | 54000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 94000 | 500 | Update of the programming and an oil service |
| Jan | 2013 | 99000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Great Britain | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 84000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 88000 | 1600 | Glow plugs |
| Dec | 2012 | 98000 | 400 | Cracked exhaust manifold |
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 68000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 71000 | 0 | Brake vacuum line recall. Affected brake pedal feel and contributed to rough running conditions due to vacuum leak in intake system. All is well now. |
| Jun | 2011 | 77000 | 2400 | Vacuum pump replacement AC compressor replacement |
| Oct | 2011 | 80000 | 0 | Motorized rear shade not working when sold. |
| BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 71000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2009 | 72000 | 70 | Nagging problem where the battery draws down rapidly while not driving the car. The computer uses so much power while parked in the garage that it ruined the battery and now requires a trickle charger to keep the battery in working order. Back up the CPU Why doesn't BMW put a battery backup on the computer like laptops, servers etc. have thereby eliminating the drain on the duty 12V main battery and also eliminating the possibility of having to reset the computer. For over $50K they could afford it. |
| Jan | 2010 | 81000 | 125 | failing alternator caused every alarm imaginable on the dashboard and caused the car to overheat blowing a cloud of billowing white smoke through the relief valve on the radiator cap. The cooling fan was shut off by the computer under low voltage. |
| Jul | 2012 | 94700 | 175 | low oil pressure switch failed. required replacement which cleared problem. seemed to be intermittent but necessary to replace considering risk of ignoring it. part seal leaked oil on switch wiring causing short. and false positive alarm |
| Jan | 2013 | 98000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed automated manual RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 75000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2012 | 75000 | 1200 | Crash sensor error |
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 56000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 57000 | 800 | electric seat adjust for driver seat failed. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 90000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 91300 | 870 | Replaced water pump and themostat; used dealer discount of 15% off 1,000 estimate |
| Feb | 2011 | 92500 | 0 | Replaced engine vacuum pump for brakes; BMW USA covered the repair after complaint that recall should have covered it. |
| Jan | 2012 | 106000 | 708 | valve cover gaskets replaced |
| BMW 5-Series in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 75000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 76000 | 400 | unable to rectify miles to empty on gas gage |
| Mar | 2012 | 77000 | 2400 | fuel gauge malfunction (3 trips to dealer at approx. 900.00$) fixed with computer update, over 20 updates since dealer did last in 2005. Car runs better,less surge,gas gauge OK thrust rod bearings replaced. rear window sunshade replaced. |
| Jan | 2013 | 86000 | 310 | replaced battery, reset steering, etc |
| Apr | 2013 | 88000 | 4000 | rough shifting, surging reverse to drive...transmission service with new pan-filter oil leak from valve cover gaskets...replace gaskets and valve timing houseing gaskets right rear shock leaking |
| BMW 5-Series in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 84000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 93300 | 88 | Replacing Cooling expansion tank and cap |
| Oct | 2010 | 100000 | 457 | Left front wheel bearing replaced |
| Nov | 2010 | 101500 | 241 | Right front wheel bearing replaced. Repaired |
| May | 2011 | 112500 | 180 | Engine cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, etc.), repair |
| Jan | 2012 | 123000 | 670 | Valve cover gaskets. |
| Mar | 2012 | 126000 | 220 | Replaced right front Link |
| Apr | 2012 | 127300 | 450 | Replaced all four oxygen sensors |
| Dec | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 63860 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 69440 | 700 | Crankshaft sensor shorted internally. Part replaced. |
| Mar | 2010 | 75340 | 740 | Replaced battery, was not charging properly anymore. Replaced MPM (Micro Power Module) in the trunk of the car. The module had shorted out. |
| Oct | 2010 | 85560 | 800 | Engine starter failed and was replaced. |
| Jan | 2012 | 102920 | 1150 | Faulty Open Circuit Sensor mat on front passenger seat - replaced. There is a recall for this problem but I was told that my VIN was not on the recall list. Replaced burnt out Xenon low beam bulb and for light bulb on right side. |
| Mar | 2013 | 120900 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2012 | 114080 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 115080 | 521 | thermostat and water pump replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 117180 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 55000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 56000 | 178 | Noisy on startup with rattling heat shield. |
| Sep | 2009 | 65000 | 260 | Xenon headlight replacement. The most expensive light bulb I have ever replaced and could not do it myself. |
| Jan | 2010 | 69000 | 589 | Thermostat stuck; mediocre heat; dealer repaired problem under CPO warranty |
| Jan | 2011 | 79000 | 750 | Worn wheel bearing |
| Feb | 2011 | 79000 | 0 | Seat heater wire was shorting out and causing a burn hole from the arcing in the leather seat cover $2,400 to repair. |
| BMW 5-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2012 | 107000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 120000 | 250 | The computer reset itself and said the rear brakes had less than 10% life. Turns out one sensor got ripped out, unknowingly the other was fine. ABS and TracControl went offline. |
| Jan | 2013 | 126000 | 500 | Apparently the intake system likes to 'create leaks', this has been an ongoing issue for months and prevented my car from passing smog... damn touchy computers. Over 100k the Valve Cover Warps because its made of cheap plastic and started to leak all over the headers making it smell like a city bus and spew smoke like TJ Taxi. |
| BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 60760 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 65060 | 0 | Rain sensing wipers failed, had to be replaced, and drivers mirror became rusted (oddly enough). |
| Jul | 2010 | 68480 | 247 | Low tire light came on, was turned off by dealer, sensor replaced. High beam Headlight failure caused repair bill. |
| Jul | 2011 | 90060 | 2000 | automatic transmission pan replacement waterpump and cooling system replacement control arm, front bushings, front brakes |
| May | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2008 | 0 | pasenger seat air bag problem | |
| May | 2009 | 900 | air bag sensors inside bumbers got defective | |
| Jun | 2009 | 0 | Air valve got stuck | |
| BMW 5-Series in Missouri, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 61000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 62300 | 4200 | Transmission fault occurred while driving on highway requiring replacement of transmission with rebuilt transmission. |
| Jan | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2008 | 68000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 73000 | 50 | When starting the car in certain situations, the starter remains engaged for a second or two. Starter replaced but problem reoccurs. |
| Jan | 2009 | 75000 | 0 | CAS computer replaced. |
| Mar | 2009 | 81000 | 0 | Continued starting problem. Battery replacement, CAS replacement and starter replacement not successful. |
| Apr | 2009 | 82000 | 0 | Starting problem continues. Factory recommended cleaning intake system. |
| May | 2009 | 82000 | 0 | Replaced oil sensor that, if shorted, could cause erratic starting. |
| Jun | 2009 | 84000 | 0 | Continuing starting problem was fixed with a new fuel injector |
| Nov | 2009 | 98000 | 0 | Original front brake pads replaced at 98,000 miles |
| Dec | 2009 | 101000 | 800 | Front control arm bushings replaced. |
| Apr | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 5-Series in South Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 79000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2011 | 82000 | 500 | Head gasket replacement. Passenger seat airbag sensor failed. |
| Apr | 2013 | 104000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 72000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 72700 | 0 | low oil pressure warning - replaced oil pressure sensor // car alarm sounds without cause - replaced hood switch // passenger air bag malfunction warning - replaced air bag control // steering wheel squeaks loudly when turning - replaced steering gear rack // |
| May | 2010 | 73300 | 0 | Oil pressure dropping at low speed/idle and triggering intermittent low oil pressure warning. Replaced oil pump. Problem has not recurred. |
| Mar | 2011 | 79000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| BMW 5-Series in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 34720 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 35340 | 2500 | Problem with the passenger seat restrain system and bag deplyment system. I was told that the passenger seat sensor is out of order, hence - the entire restraint system is at fault. Hence - the price. |
| Jan | 2013 | 46500 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 56000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 69000 | 0 | Main Computer display rebooting, locking up or non-functional. |
| Dec | 2010 | 102000 | 270 | Car would not start after being parked 3 cold days. Dealer said that engine was flooded with fuel. Spark plugs were removed and cleaned. Problem has not reoccurred. |
| Oct | 2012 | 141300 | 0 | Dangerous overheating condition on the driver side seat. On the left side of the driver seat (not back section) got so hot in one spot, it burned a small brown spot in the leather. |
| Mar | 2013 | 152000 | 400 | Trunk lid spring and strut worn beyond servicability. Trunk would bang open and rebound when commanded instead of softly and under control. |
| Apr | 2013 | 155000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Trinidad and Tobago | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 36580 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2011 | 40920 | 500 | Engine cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, etc.), repair Engine, other than above, repair |
| Mar | 2012 | 44640 | 3500 | Front shock absorbers replaced Vanos line blocked Transmission gasket, sleeve |
| Mar | 2013 | 50220 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Norway | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 63240 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 87420 | 3000 | Worn suspension parts f and r, no noticeable play, but outside acceptable limits and thus parts replaced |
| Dec | 2012 | 103540 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 5-Series in Estonia | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 122760 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2011 | 128960 | 500 | Front suspension |
| May | 2011 | 130560 | 400 | Front brake disks and pads. |
| Sep | 2011 | 133300 | 0 | Front shock absorbers had an oil leak and froze at -25 degrees celsius. |
| Jul | 2012 | 139480 | 0 | front brake disks and pads changed |
| Dec | 2012 | 142600 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 32000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 34000 | 0 | Right rear taillight failure indicator came on. Drove like that for over a week, finally took it to well-regarded non-dealer German car repair shop. They replaced the bulb no charge, but two days later the same indicator light returned. |
| Jun | 2011 | 40000 | 46 | Tail light failure light problem recurred - took to BMW dealer along with regular maintenance appointment. Dealer replaced lights. |
| Feb | 2012 | 47000 | 768 | Car had warnings coming on at unusual times - one day they seemed to all come on at once (transmission, cruise control, etc. Wipers turned on without prompting. Dealer said water in trunk led to corrosion of elec sys, replaced controller. Per above repair, warning light for windshield washer fluid came on even though had just refilled. Dealer discovered leak in windshield washer pump, replaced pump. |
| Mar | 2013 | 55000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert 2004 BMW 5-Series Repair Advice
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What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2004 BMW 5-Series
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