2004 BMW 5 SERIES

8 recalls — 50 complaints

19E058000 Aug 28, 2019
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Remedy: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.
614 vehicles affected
12E029000 Aug 10, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
585 vehicles affected
12V126000 Mar 26, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
367,682 vehicles affected
10V446000 Oct 1, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
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.
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.
198,352 vehicles affected
08V384000 Aug 5, 2008
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
200,000 vehicles affected
04V575000 Dec 6, 2004
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
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.
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.
17,905 vehicles affected
04V344000 Jul 14, 2004
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8 AND 12 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL (EMC) UNITS WERE NOT PRODUCED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.
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.
4,102 vehicles affected
04V303000 Jun 23, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8-CYLINDER ENGINES, A CIRCULAR RETENTION CLIP AT THE QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING ALONG THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS INADVERTENTLY NOT INSTALLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CIRCULAR RETENTION CLIP AT THE QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING ALONG THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
7,532 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION Jan 14, 2019
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.
SEAT BELTS Jan 14, 2019
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.
AIR BAGS Jan 14, 2019
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.
SEATS Sep 21, 2018
PASSENGER SEAT/AIRBAG WARNING MALFUNCTION. THIS WARNING HAS BEEN ON SINCE I PURCHASED VEHICLE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY THE COMMON SEAT MAT SENSOR FAILURE. AND IT WOULD APPEAR THAT EITHER MY VIN ISN'T ON THE PREVIOUS RECALL OR IT HAS EXPIRED FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL. BUT MY WIFE SITS IN THAT SEAT AND IF WE HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND HER AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY WHOSE FAULT WILL THAT BE?
AIR BAGS Sep 21, 2018
PASSENGER SEAT/AIRBAG WARNING MALFUNCTION. THIS WARNING HAS BEEN ON SINCE I PURCHASED VEHICLE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY THE COMMON SEAT MAT SENSOR FAILURE. AND IT WOULD APPEAR THAT EITHER MY VIN ISN'T ON THE PREVIOUS RECALL OR IT HAS EXPIRED FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL. BUT MY WIFE SITS IN THAT SEAT AND IF WE HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND HER AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY WHOSE FAULT WILL THAT BE?
SEAT BELTS Sep 21, 2018
PASSENGER SEAT/AIRBAG WARNING MALFUNCTION. THIS WARNING HAS BEEN ON SINCE I PURCHASED VEHICLE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY THE COMMON SEAT MAT SENSOR FAILURE. AND IT WOULD APPEAR THAT EITHER MY VIN ISN'T ON THE PREVIOUS RECALL OR IT HAS EXPIRED FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL. BUT MY WIFE SITS IN THAT SEAT AND IF WE HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND HER AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY WHOSE FAULT WILL THAT BE?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 15, 2018
ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO WE NOTICED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT "A MARK" THAT LOOKS LIKE A BURNT - WE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST A MARK OR SOMEBODY PUT A HOT BOTTLE O CUP ON THE SEAT - BUT THIS MORNING WE TURN THE HEATING IN BOTH SEAT TO WARM UP A LITTLE BIT THEN SMELL AND SMOKE START TO COME OUT THE BURNT MARK. WE TURNED IT OFF BOTH SIDES AND OPEN THE WINDOW - NOW OUR CONCLUSION IS THE HEATING ELEMENT CAUSED THAT BURN IN THE SEAT.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Apr 8, 2017
WIRE INSULATION DETERIORATION CAUSING SHORT, POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD, 5 SEPARATE LIGHTING COMPONENTS ALL WIRING INSULATION SEVERELY DETERIORATED CAUSING SHORT CIRCUITING AND INOPERABLE HEADLIGHTS. BARE COPPER WIRES MAKING CONTACT I HAVE AN EXTENSIVE HISTORY IN ELECTRONICS AND FIREFIGHTING. THIS ISSUE WAS FOUND WHILE CHANGING A BULB. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR USING INFERIOR MATERIALS THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE (HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFORUMS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?2132684-HEADLIGHT-WIRE-JACKETS-JUST-FLAKE-OFF)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 16, 2017
WIRE ROT DETERIORATION AT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. CONCERN ELECTRICAL FIRE DUE TO BARE EXPOSED WIRES. NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURE WITHOUT RESOLUTION. PERSONALLY HAD TO PAY OVER $500 TO HE DEALERSHIP JUST TO WRAPPED WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE. AFTER 3 MONTHS, CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING HIGH BEAM FAILURE (HID ADOPTIVE PASSENGER SIDE) WHICH THE DEALER TO REPLACEMENT COST OF $2599.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jan 16, 2017
WIRE ROT DETERIORATION AT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. CONCERN ELECTRICAL FIRE DUE TO BARE EXPOSED WIRES. NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURE WITHOUT RESOLUTION. PERSONALLY HAD TO PAY OVER $500 TO HE DEALERSHIP JUST TO WRAPPED WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE. AFTER 3 MONTHS, CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING HIGH BEAM FAILURE (HID ADOPTIVE PASSENGER SIDE) WHICH THE DEALER TO REPLACEMENT COST OF $2599.
AIR BAGS Jan 12, 2015
WHILE TRAVELING AND SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN INTO A BUSINESS, THE CAR BESIDE ME (LEFT OF ME) MAKES A QUICK FAST U TURN AND ENDS UP HITTING MY CAR. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, HITTING ME INTO MY FACE/HEAD VERY HARD. I HAVE BEEN IN TREATMENT SINCE. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MAJOR SURGERY ON MY NECK, STILL HAVE PROBLEMS AND MAY NEED MORE SURGERY. MY NECK WILL NOT BE THE SAME AND ALWAYS IN PAIN. I HAVE LOUD RINGING IN MY EARS THAT IS PERMANENT. I HAVE HEADACHES WITH SINUS PROBLEMS. I BELIEVE I WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE WITH MY SEAT BELT ON. I FEEL LIKE THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE NOT DEPLOYED UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. I NOW SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION, CAN'T WORK DOING WHAT I HAVE DONE FOR OVER 20 YEARS NOW AND ANYTHING ELSE VERY LONG WITH OUT BEING IN PAIN IN MY NECK. I AM VERY UPSET OVER THIS. *TR
Crash 1 injured
SEATS Aug 29, 2014
BMW RECALLED 2004 BMW 525I AND OTHERS FOR THE SEAT MAT SENSOR. I HAD CALLED THEM (2012-13) AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE (BASED ON VIN) WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL. I INFORMED THEM THAT MY VEHICLE'S MAT SENSOR WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THEM. THEY, BMW USA TOLD ME THAT MINE WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. I STILL CANT UNDERSTAND IF THE REST ARE DEFECTIVE, HOW COME MINE IS CONSIDERED NOT DEFECTIVE WHEN ITS INOPERATIVE AND SAME PROBLEM AS THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2004 525I. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 29, 2014
BMW RECALLED 2004 BMW 525I AND OTHERS FOR THE SEAT MAT SENSOR. I HAD CALLED THEM (2012-13) AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE (BASED ON VIN) WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL. I INFORMED THEM THAT MY VEHICLE'S MAT SENSOR WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THEM. THEY, BMW USA TOLD ME THAT MINE WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. I STILL CANT UNDERSTAND IF THE REST ARE DEFECTIVE, HOW COME MINE IS CONSIDERED NOT DEFECTIVE WHEN ITS INOPERATIVE AND SAME PROBLEM AS THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2004 525I. *TR
AIR BAGS Aug 29, 2014
BMW RECALLED 2004 BMW 525I AND OTHERS FOR THE SEAT MAT SENSOR. I HAD CALLED THEM (2012-13) AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE (BASED ON VIN) WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL. I INFORMED THEM THAT MY VEHICLE'S MAT SENSOR WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THEM. THEY, BMW USA TOLD ME THAT MINE WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. I STILL CANT UNDERSTAND IF THE REST ARE DEFECTIVE, HOW COME MINE IS CONSIDERED NOT DEFECTIVE WHEN ITS INOPERATIVE AND SAME PROBLEM AS THOUSANDS OF OTHER 2004 525I. *TR
AIR BAGS Jul 18, 2014
DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT. *TR
AIR BAGS Mar 19, 2014
THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE CAME ON THE SCREEN OF THE IDRIVE OF THE CAR WHEN MY 76 YEAR OLD MOTHER WAS PLACED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AFTER RETURNING TO THE PARKING LOT AFTER HER DOCTOR VISIT: "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION". IT HAS BEEN ON SINCE. *TR
SEAT BELTS Mar 19, 2014
THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE CAME ON THE SCREEN OF THE IDRIVE OF THE CAR WHEN MY 76 YEAR OLD MOTHER WAS PLACED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AFTER RETURNING TO THE PARKING LOT AFTER HER DOCTOR VISIT: "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION". IT HAS BEEN ON SINCE. *TR
AIR BAGS Aug 30, 2013
IN MARCH PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT AIR BAG LIGHT TURN ON FOR NO REASON. I HAVE SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND COME TO KNOW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE FROM BMW FOR 2004 525I SERIES. I CALL LOCAL DEALERSHIP BMW OF PLANO TEXAS AND PROVIDE THEM MY VIN NUMBER AND OTHER INFORMATION AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT COVERED. EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOTED ON NHTSA SITE THAT 100K OR 10 YRS THIS RECALL IS COVERED. NOT SURE WHAT CAN I DO AS THIS IS REAL SERIOUS ISSUE WHERE AIR BAG WILL NOT BE ENABLED EVEN IF A PASSENGER SIT IN THE SEAT
AIR BAGS Jul 24, 2013
I OWN A 2004 BMW 530I. AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVE-WAY, THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION LIGHT APPEARED AND HAS NOT GONE OFF. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, BEFORE I BECAME AWARE OF THE RECALL, AND HE TOLD ME IT WAS BECAUSE I PLACED MY PURSE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. AFTER SEARCHING HIS DATABASE, HE TOLD ME IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEREFORE, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE TOTAL COST TO REPAIR IT. I WOULD BELIEVE THIS IF MY VEHICLE WASN'T A 2004 AND I HAVE BEEN PLACING MY PURSE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SINCE I FIRST PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW IN 2004! *TR
AIR BAGS Jun 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000. *TR
SEATS Nov 9, 2012
MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT HAS CRACKS IN IT AND DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. MY FRONT AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THAT PART FOR MY MAKE MODEL AND YEAR BUT BMW NORTH AMERICA CLAIMS THAT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON THE LIST EVEN THOUGHT MY MAKE MODEL AND YEAR IS A PART OF THE RECALL. THERE ARE ALSO SEVERAL OTHER RECALLS FOR THIS PARTICULAR CAR AND AGAIN MY VIN IS NOT ON THE LIST BUT I HAVE THE ISSUES LISTED IN THE RECALL. *TR
AIR BAGS Nov 9, 2012
MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT HAS CRACKS IN IT AND DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. MY FRONT AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THAT PART FOR MY MAKE MODEL AND YEAR BUT BMW NORTH AMERICA CLAIMS THAT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON THE LIST EVEN THOUGHT MY MAKE MODEL AND YEAR IS A PART OF THE RECALL. THERE ARE ALSO SEVERAL OTHER RECALLS FOR THIS PARTICULAR CAR AND AGAIN MY VIN IS NOT ON THE LIST BUT I HAVE THE ISSUES LISTED IN THE RECALL. *TR
SEATS Apr 16, 2012
MY CAR HAS THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION MESSAGE ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN AND ALSO THE SEATBELT LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ARE ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THERE IS A RECALL FOR SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR BELOW AND AS YOU CAN SEE MY CAR FALLS WITHIN THE CRITERIA AS THE CARS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL BUT A VISIT TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALER REVEALED THAT THERE WAS NO ACTIVE RECALLS UNDER MY VIN NUMBER. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY AND THE RISK OF BEING SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT BMW SHOULD REPLACE IN MY CAR UNDER THE RECALL AS IT HAS THE SAME MALFUNCTIONING PART SUCH AS THE CARS LISTED BELOW. RECALL ID # 57362 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL RECALL DATE AUG 05, 2008 RECALL DATE: AUG 05, 2008 MODEL AFFECTED: 2006 BMW 3-SERIES SUMMARY: BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 200000 NOTES: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC *JS
SEAT BELTS Apr 16, 2012
MY CAR HAS THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION MESSAGE ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN AND ALSO THE SEATBELT LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ARE ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THERE IS A RECALL FOR SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR BELOW AND AS YOU CAN SEE MY CAR FALLS WITHIN THE CRITERIA AS THE CARS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL BUT A VISIT TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALER REVEALED THAT THERE WAS NO ACTIVE RECALLS UNDER MY VIN NUMBER. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY AND THE RISK OF BEING SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT BMW SHOULD REPLACE IN MY CAR UNDER THE RECALL AS IT HAS THE SAME MALFUNCTIONING PART SUCH AS THE CARS LISTED BELOW. RECALL ID # 57362 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL RECALL DATE AUG 05, 2008 RECALL DATE: AUG 05, 2008 MODEL AFFECTED: 2006 BMW 3-SERIES SUMMARY: BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 200000 NOTES: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC *JS
AIR BAGS Apr 16, 2012
MY CAR HAS THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION MESSAGE ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN AND ALSO THE SEATBELT LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ARE ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THERE IS A RECALL FOR SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR BELOW AND AS YOU CAN SEE MY CAR FALLS WITHIN THE CRITERIA AS THE CARS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL BUT A VISIT TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALER REVEALED THAT THERE WAS NO ACTIVE RECALLS UNDER MY VIN NUMBER. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY AND THE RISK OF BEING SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT BMW SHOULD REPLACE IN MY CAR UNDER THE RECALL AS IT HAS THE SAME MALFUNCTIONING PART SUCH AS THE CARS LISTED BELOW. RECALL ID # 57362 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL RECALL DATE AUG 05, 2008 RECALL DATE: AUG 05, 2008 MODEL AFFECTED: 2006 BMW 3-SERIES SUMMARY: BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 200000 NOTES: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC *JS
AIR BAGS Feb 23, 2012
RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. *TR
SEAT BELTS Feb 23, 2012
RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. *TR
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER Feb 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SMELLED SMOKE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT WARMER BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS LATER CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SEAT WARMER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY INJURIES. THE HEATED SEAT WARMER WAS DISENGAGED AS A TEMPORARY REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Fire
AIR BAGS Feb 15, 2012
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR TRIGGERS THE SAFETY WARNING LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME. IT MAY AFFECT THE AIRBAG OPERABLE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND WAS SUBJECT OF A VOLUNTARY RECALL PROGRAM IN 2008 BY BMW. DESPITE MANY OTHER CAR OWNERS (AS EVIDENCED BY COMPLAINTS TO NHTSA AND ONLINE CAR FORUMS), INCLUDING MYSELF, HAVING THIS ISSUE AS DESCRIBED WITHIN THE RECALL PROGRAM FOR CARS OF THE MAKE AND YEAR OF THE PRODUCTION, ONLY 200K WITHIN A SPECIFIC VIN RANGE WERE RECALLED. *TR
SEATS Feb 15, 2012
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR TRIGGERS THE SAFETY WARNING LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME. IT MAY AFFECT THE AIRBAG OPERABLE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND WAS SUBJECT OF A VOLUNTARY RECALL PROGRAM IN 2008 BY BMW. DESPITE MANY OTHER CAR OWNERS (AS EVIDENCED BY COMPLAINTS TO NHTSA AND ONLINE CAR FORUMS), INCLUDING MYSELF, HAVING THIS ISSUE AS DESCRIBED WITHIN THE RECALL PROGRAM FOR CARS OF THE MAKE AND YEAR OF THE PRODUCTION, ONLY 200K WITHIN A SPECIFIC VIN RANGE WERE RECALLED. *TR
STEERING Feb 9, 2012
THE ACTIVE STEERING MALFUNTION LIGHT CAME ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED APROX. 30 DEG OFF CENTER. THE CAR DRIVES FINE BUT THE WHEEL IS STUCK 30 DEG OFF CENTER. *TR
SEATS Jan 28, 2012
SEAT-WARMER OVERHEATED, BURNING HOLES THROUGH THE LEATHER DRIVER'S SEAT, CAUSING MINOR SKIN BURNS BEFORE TERMINATING USE OF UNIT. OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS, I HAD NOTICED A BURNING ODOR IN THE CAR PERIODICALLY, BUT NEITHER I NOR MY MECHANIC HAD BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE ODOR. ON 1/27/12, I FELT THE EXTREME HEAT IN MY SEAT WHILE DRIVING, AND FOUND TWO CHARRED HOLES IN THE LEATHER SEAT. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THERE WAS NOT A FIRE PER SE, BUT IN ORDER TO REGISTER THE FACT THAT THERE WAS (MINOR) INJURY ATTRIBUTED TO ONE PERSON, THIS FORM REQUIRED STATING "YES" TO THE QUESTION REGARDING FIRE. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THIS FAILURE COULD CERTAINLY LEAD TO FIRE IF CONTINUED USE OF THE UNIT HAD OCCURRED. *TR
Fire 1 injured
AIR BAGS Dec 15, 2011
BMW REFUSED TO FIX THE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08001 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 08V384000 FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING. *TR
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Dec 15, 2011
BMW REFUSED TO FIX THE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08001 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 08V384000 FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 8, 2011
WARNING NOTICE ON "I DRIVE" SYSTEM THAT THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY WITH THE LIGHTING SYSTEM AND THE CAR SHOULD BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS NO LONGER WORKED, EMERGENCY FLASHERS WERE INOPERATIVE AND HEADLIGHTS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED WITH AN UPDATE TO THE "I DRIVE" SOFTWARE LEADING ME TO BELIEVE THAT BMW IS AWARE OF THIS VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BUT HAS CHOSEN TO IGNORE IT UNTIL OWNERS EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM AND THEN THE OWNER HAS TO PAY FOR THE UPDATE TO CORRECT THE SOFTWARE GLITCH. MY COST WAS $320.92. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Dec 8, 2011
WARNING NOTICE ON "I DRIVE" SYSTEM THAT THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY WITH THE LIGHTING SYSTEM AND THE CAR SHOULD BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS NO LONGER WORKED, EMERGENCY FLASHERS WERE INOPERATIVE AND HEADLIGHTS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED WITH AN UPDATE TO THE "I DRIVE" SOFTWARE LEADING ME TO BELIEVE THAT BMW IS AWARE OF THIS VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BUT HAS CHOSEN TO IGNORE IT UNTIL OWNERS EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM AND THEN THE OWNER HAS TO PAY FOR THE UPDATE TO CORRECT THE SOFTWARE GLITCH. MY COST WAS $320.92. *TR
STEERING Nov 23, 2011
ACTIVE STEERING FAULT LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER RESTRAINING SYSTEM LIGHTS COME ON AFTER CAR PARKED FOR OVER A WEEK DURING A TRIP OUT. SEVERAL FORUMS HAVE INDICATED SIMILAR FAILURE WITH EXCESSIVE REPAIR COSTS FROM DEALER. *TR
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) Nov 23, 2011
ACTIVE STEERING FAULT LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER RESTRAINING SYSTEM LIGHTS COME ON AFTER CAR PARKED FOR OVER A WEEK DURING A TRIP OUT. SEVERAL FORUMS HAVE INDICATED SIMILAR FAILURE WITH EXCESSIVE REPAIR COSTS FROM DEALER. *TR
STEERING Aug 11, 2011
I OWNED A 2004 BMW 525I E60 HAD "ACTIVE STEERING FAULT CAME ON AT ALL TIME .THE DEALER WANTS 4000USD TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT THE STEERING CONTROL IS FINE . I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE HAD RELATED TO STEERING ANGLE SENSOR DEFECTIVE FROM BMW FACTORY AND DEALERS IN US DID NOT WANT TO FIX THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. THIS PROBLEMS HAD HAPPENED TO ALL BMW'S . ALL OVER THE BLOGS .CUSTOMERS HAD FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS ISSUE. PLEASE LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM(S). *TR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Aug 9, 2011
VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS SUCH AS PARKING; 4 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH, WHEN I AM PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE HAS LUNGED FORWARD. 2 OF THOSE 4 TIMES, I ALMOST HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD SHIFTED FROM REVERSE, TO DRIVE, AND JUST TAKEN MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE, AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. THE DEALER HAS CONTINUED TO SAY THAT THINGS ARE OK AND NORMAL. THEY ARE NOT NORMAL. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE OTHER SHIFTING ISSUES BELOW: --35MPH (5TH TO 6TH HESITATION) 5-6 HARD SHIFT (SPORT MODE GOING 45-55 MPH) SLOW TO ENGAGE REVERSE -- GEAR SHIFTING IN GENERAL IS JUST SLOPPY (THE LOANER THAT THE DEALER PROVIDED, SHIFTED GREAT). *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 545I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLES I-DRIVE WOULD MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE RADIO TO FAIL, GPS, AND HE WAS UNABLE TO MAKE PHONE CALLS FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SPEEDOMETER ALSO DISPLAYED 0 INSTEAD OF THE ACTUAL MPH THAT WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jun 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A BMW 2004 545. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) YET THE VACUUM PUMP WAS STILL LEAKING. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE VACUUM PUMP WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL REPAIR AND THEY ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE RECALL REMEDY AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,570.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Apr 29, 2011
IT WAS A RECALL FOR BRAKE FLUID PUMP CHECK VALVE OIL LEAK, AND THEY REPLACED VACUUM HOSE, DID NOT FIXED FLUID LEAK . FLUID IS STILL LEAKING A SMALL AMOUNT.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Apr 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 545. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATING ON THE DASH BOARD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,200.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Apr 19, 2011
WITHIN THE PAST 6 MONTHS OF DRIVING, MY AIRBAG FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD TRIPPED THREE TIMES. THE THIRD TIME I BROUGHT IT IN, I RESEARCHED ON A RECALL FOR THE PASSENGER SENSOR. I PRINTED OUT THE PAGE FROM SAFERCAR.GOV, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY VIN# DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE CATEGORY. THE RECALL SPECIFICALLY STATED FOR MY BMW 545I 2004. I AM NOT HAPPY DUE TO THE FACT THAT YOU BUY A CAR AND FOR SOMETHING THAT CANNOT WEAR OUT BRAKES... *TR
SEATS Mar 14, 2011
FIRE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 545I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WITH THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER ENGAGED, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SMELL AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR AND THE SEAT BEGAN SMOKING. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE HEATER AND NOTICED A BURNED HOLE IN THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V575000 (SEATS: FRONT ASSEMBLY: SEAT HEATER/COOLER) HE THEN CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,600.
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO USE HIS SUBMITTED EMAIL AS THE ACTUAL COMPLAINT. OUR 2004 BMW 530I HAD THE DRIVER'S HEATED SEAT CATCH FIRE. I AM NOT GETTING MUCH HELP FROM BMW ON THIS MATTER. TO ME, THIS IS ONE HELLUVA OF AN EASY WAY TO CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. ONLY BECAUSE OF MY PARTNER'S QUICK THINKING AND TURNING OFF THE HEATER WAS SHE ABLE TO STOP THE FIRE. IT WAS HOT ENOUGH THAT IT MELTED THE FOAM (TOXIC I AM SURE) IN THE SEAT. SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENING WHILE YOU ARE GOING DOWN THE ROAD IS RIGHT UP THERE WITH TOYOTA AND THEIR ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. EITHER WAY A MAJOR ACCIDENT CAN HAPPEN. NOT TO MENTION THAT A PERSON COULD BE SEVERELY BURNED. WHILE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY THIS SEAT HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED. THE DRIVER OF THE CAR WEIGHS IN AT ABOUT 120 POUNDS. FROM CHECKING THE INTERNET THERE SEEMS TO BE A QUITE A NUMBER OF SUCH INSTANCES. THANK YOU SCOTT THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Fire
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Nov 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 545I (NA). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MALFUNCTION CONTINUED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG SENOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000.
STEERING Nov 23, 2010
BMW 2004 545I ACTIVE STEERING PROBLEM. MY STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SHIFTED TO THE RIGHT. THE ACTIVE STEERING LIGHT WENT ON. NOW THE CAR DRIVES STRAIGHT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TILTED TO THE RIGHT. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE BATTERY VOLTAGE DROP. CAR STARTS TO SHUT DOWN MAJOR COMPONENTS ACTIVE STEERING, TRANSMISSION, NAVIGATION, AND I-DRIVE SYSTEM WHICH CONTROLS THE WHOLE CARS ELECTRONICS. SCARY WHEN YOU HAVE A 8 MONTH OLD KID IN A CAR. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 29, 2010
04 BMW 545 ELECTRICAL FAILURE MPM. *TR