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2004 BMW 5-Series repairs by problem area
Engine (41%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (9%)
Brakes and Traction Control (3%)
Suspension and Steering (13%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (30%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (1%)
Other (3%)
Select a problem area
- Engine
- Transmission and Drivetrain
- Brakes and Traction Control
- Suspension and Steering
- Electrical and Air Conditioning
- Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim
- Other
Chart based on 268 repairs.
2004 BMW 5-Series electrical repair cost distribution
$2500+ (3%)
$1000 - $2499 (18%)
$500 - $999 (17%)
$100 - $499 (23%)
< $100 (39%)
Chart based on 71 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2004 BMW 5-Series
Engine not specified
| 148000 mi US $6000 |
AC leaks too. |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 69000 mi US $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. |
| 76000 mi US $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. |
| 64480 mi C $250 |
The trunk got water in it and the power module for the radio and display system blew up. I replaced the power module and fuse and the problem was fixed. Still looking for source of water leak. |
| 76260 mi C $1207 |
Safety Gateway Module errors could not be cleared thus preventing resetting the Active Steering Errors. I found a new (used) SGM on EBay for $740 which we used. New BMW part $1400 CAN. |
| 76980 mi C $1100 |
Alternator malfunction. |
| 78120 mi C $1200 |
Replaced battery sensor and reprogrammed to synch with alternator and system computers |
| 86180 mi C $700 |
Replace battery |
| 57000 mi US $235 |
HID Lowbeam Headlight blown. Part ordered through Dealer, BMW of Manhattan. |
| 64000 mi US $166 |
Passenger Airbag Sensor Fault with warning light always on due to damaged seat MAT. Recall repair - No Charge. |
| 66000 mi US $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) |
| 46500 mi $200 |
Coding missing MP3 support |
| 54560 mi $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). |
| 40300 mi | Driver seat heater burns thru the seat, leather damaged not punctured yet. BMW Canada nor dealer not willing to do anything about it. |
| 60680 mi | 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 |
| 41540 mi C $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. |
| 42160 mi C $300 |
Possessed instrument cluster, got fixed finally by updated all software. |
| 55800 mi C $90 |
High tone horn stopped working again, last year this happened and I gave it a good couple of whacks to "wake it up" which worked. This time since I had front bumper removed for crash sensor job, did same thing again. |
| 85560 mi C $75 |
Replaced heater valve as cabin heat on driver’s side was lacking and passenger side was getting too much of the heat distribution. |
| 88040 mi C $2 |
Right side backup light bulb was giving me check notifications in instrument cluster periodically indicating intermittent problem and replaced lightbulb. |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| 94000 mi US $500 |
Update of the programming and an oil service |
| 72000 mi US $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. |
| 81000 mi US $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. |
| 77000 mi US $2400 |
AC compressor replacement |
| 80000 mi | Motorized rear shade not working when sold. |
| 57700 mi US $250 |
Airbag light was on |
| 71000 mi US $600 |
Door locks |
| 76000 mi US $120 |
Removed alternator, had rebuilt at specialty shop. |
| 95000 mi US $20 |
Angel eye bulbs burned out. Disassembled originals and replaced bulbs as opposed to entire lamp assembly. |
| 101000 mi US $200 |
BMW CCC (radio) cooling fan failed; unit over heated and would only reboot constantly. Cabin temperature sensor fan had failed. The connection pins solder points for fan power had failed. Resoldered pins back to board. |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed automated manual RWD
| 75000 mi US $1200 |
Crash sensor error |
| 57000 mi US $800 |
electric seat adjust for driver seat failed. |
| 75700 mi US $400 |
unable to rectify miles to empty on gas gage |
| 77000 mi US $2400 |
fuel gauge malfunction (3 trips to dealer at approx. 900.00$) fixed with computer update, over 20 updates since dealer did last in 2005. Car runs better,less surge,gas gauge OK |
| 81500 mi US $310 |
replaced battery, reset steering, etc |
| 89700 mi US $1500 |
new battery installed @ dealership. faults in Active steeering, coolant, headlight,abs, check engine soon lights. failed repair chedk engine light still on! |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 82000 mi US $500 |
Passenger seat airbag sensor failed. |
| 120000 mi | Key malfunction |
| 64760 mi | Rain sensing wipers failed, had to be replaced, and drivers mirror became rusted (oddly enough). |
| 68680 mi C $247 |
Low tire light came on, was turned off by dealer, sensor replaced. High beam Headlight failure caused repair bill. |
| 65000 mi US $260 |
Xenon headlight replacement. The most expensive light bulb I have ever replaced and could not do it myself. |
| 79000 mi | Seat heater wire was shorting out and causing a burn hole from the arcing in the leather seat cover $2,400 to repair. |
| 49600 mi | pasenger seat air bag problem |
| 62620 mi C $900 |
air bag sensors inside bumbers got defective |
| 73000 mi US $50 |
When starting the car in certain situations, the starter remains engaged for a second or two. Starter replaced but problem reoccurs. |
| 81000 mi | Continued starting problem. Battery replacement, CAS replacement and starter replacement not successful. |
| 127700 mi US $500 |
the dealer replaced thew starter motor |
| 205000 mi US $200 |
Replaced Battery |
| 147000 mi US $500 |
Airbag-related. I don't recall the exact problem. |
| 76570 mi C $330 |
Replaced MPM (Micro Power Module) in the trunk of the car. The module had shorted out. Replaced battery, was not charging properly anymore. |
| 85560 mi C $800 |
Engine starter failed and was replaced. |
| 102920 mi C $50 |
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. |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 72000 mi | passenger air bag malfunction warning - replaced air bag control // car alarm sounds without cause - replaced hood switch // |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| 35340 mi C $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. |
| 69000 mi | Main Computer display rebooting, locking up or non-functional. |
| 140800 mi | 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. |
| 170200 mi US $120 |
Fuel sensor stopped working. Gas gauge not reliable, car unable to determine MPG and other related data. |
| 295000 mi US $2000 |
AC not working. Required recharge and compressor replacement. Multiple mechanics disagreed on diagnosis. I am not convinced Climate control is working at full functionality (during high humidity conditions with compressor off) |
| 151900 mi C $1200 |
positive battery cable replaced (parts $500)plus tax and labour $400. runs from battery in boot underneath car, where exposed to elements. Starter(bosch)replaced. Original refurnshed starter parts(175)plus tax and labour $250. My Independent mechanic. |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 54140 mi $2000 |
Gradual failure to cool, Noisy AC compressor. AC compressor replaced. |
| 61380 mi $1000 |
AC condenser replaced |
| 104500 mi | Occupancy sensor failure |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 131000 mi | Airbag light was on. Shop cleared the codes and light has not come on again. |
| 137000 mi | Traction control keeps warning me that something is wrong and that it might not work. Haven't had it diagnosed yet |
| 147000 mi | SRS warning light came on. Reset light and it did not return |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| 34000 mi | 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. |
| 40000 mi US $46 |
Tail light failure light problem recurred - took to BMW dealer along with regular maintenance appointment. Dealer replaced lights. |
| 47000 mi US $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. |
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