2004 BMW 525I: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 84 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (33% of complaints); the 2002 and 2003 and 2005 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
84
owner complaints
17
fire reports
89,627
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 89,627 mi)One of the most complained-about 525I years (#2 of 13, age-adjusted)Weak spot: air bags (33%)17 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)33% · 27 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)17% · 14 complaints
Seats16% · 13 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)9% · 7 complaints
Seat Belts5% · 4 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)2% · 2 complaints
“On dec.2 my 2004 bmw 525i was sitting outside my house when it cought on fire at the fuse panel in the trunk on the right fender well. The car had been driven over 100 miles that day. My step-daughter had gotten home at midnight and parked the car. She said the car was fine when she got home at 3;30 am my neighbor knocked on my door to tell me the car was on fire. The fire department was called to put it out as ever time we would get the fire out it would spark and start again. They reported that it was a mechanical problem that caused the fire.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2018
“Tl* the contact owned a 2004 bmw 525i. While the vehicle was parked in the garage, a neighbor noticed that the vehicle was on fire. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. The fire department stated that the fire was due to a faulty battery cable. The contact stated that the vehicle was destroyed in the fire. The contact received medical attention due to smoke inhalation. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact called an unknown local bmw dealer, but they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was 160,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2018
“Passenger restraint system warning appears each time we get into the vehicle and start the ignition. Airbag deployment red icon constantly illuminated on the dashboard. The air conditioning system is not working properly. The car does not cool or get cold until the car is in motion. We had a mechanic who we purchased the car from 3 years ago to diagnose the problem but it still continues to not cool properly.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Passenger restraint system light on,effecting airbag,belt tensioner or belt force limiter. Called bmw was told VIN number not in recall how can that be recall is for 2004 bmw. Cost is over 1000. Car was stationary.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw 525i. While driving various speeds, the air bag warning light was constantly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger side seat sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,799.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2016
“I purchased a use 2004 bmw 525i and within 2 days the a message came up indicating passenger side airbag/seat belt issue, remain using your seat belt but see your nearest bmw center.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“I experienced a rough idle while parked or stopped at light. Independent mechanic said there was a vac leak associated with the brake vac pump which could cause brake damage and/or failure. Bmw stated that the recall for this problem was VIN specific. #2 passenger restraint and air bag lite are on, same answer from bmw.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2016
“There were no accident but if there were an accident we may not be protected due to the airbag default message in my car. I think it should be on the recall list .thank you”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2015
“I own a 2004 bmw 525i and the passenger side airbag and seat belt sign came on few weeks back. The dealer says its not covered but NHTSA site indicates it is covered on bmw 525i 2004 vehicles. This dealer is estimating a $650.00 diagnostic fee to see what need to be done. What can be done to get the passenger side air bag sensor fault issue? My last option is the junk yard, and never buy a bmw.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw 525i. The contact stated that the service indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the lighting wires were zip tied together and the casing was missing. As a result, the lighting assembly on the driver and passenger side would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2004 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines2.5L
Cylinders6
FuelGasoline
Body stylesSedan/Saloon
How other years compare
Check your exact 525I by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 BMW 525I reliable?
NHTSA has 84 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 BMW 525I. The most complained-about area is air bags (33% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 BMW 525I problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 89,627 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.