2004 BMW X5

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/20/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE BATTERY, 4X4, AND TRANS FAIL SAFE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. ONCE THE VEHICLE STALLED THE BRAKES NO LONGER FUNCTIONED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO COAST IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART SO IT WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 102,000.

• 12/17/2010· SEATSFire

  2004 X5, 58,000 MILE. DRIVERS HEATED SEAT BURNED A HOLE IN THE LEATHER AND MY LEFT LEG/BUTTOCK AREA WAS BURNED. I SWITCHED OFF THE SEAT BUTTON, AND PUT OUT THE GLOWING LEATHER SEAT FIRE. THIS BURNED ME SLIGHTLY AND COULD HAVE CAUSE A SERIOUS FIRE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE BMW DEALER AND SAID IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL OR WARRANTY. APPROX. COST IS 750.00 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY MANUFACTURE. I SEE THERE IS A PATTERN OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS ITEM. HELP!! *TR

• 12/15/2011· AIR BAGS

  BMW REFUSED TO FIX THE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08001 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 08V384000 FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING. *TR

• 12/15/2010· SEATS

  DRIVER SIDE SEAT OVERHEATED AND CAUSED A BURN TO SEAT. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER, THEY FIXED THE SYSTEM BUT WANTED TO CHARGE ME APPROX$1000 FOR THE SEAT COVER. WHEN I RESISTED THE CHARGE, THEY CHANGED THE SEAT COVER AT NO CHARGE. NO PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS WERE FOUND. JUST CHECKED YOUR WEBSITE AN THERE SEEMS TO BE A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN RALEIGH NC. I SOLD THE CAR IN 2008. *TR

• 12/15/2008· AIR BAGS

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED "PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILURE." THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COST TO REPAIR THE FAILURE WOULD EXCEED $1,400. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 55,000. UPDATED 01/07/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/08/09. *JB

• 12/08/2011· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  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

• 11/30/2010· AIR BAGS

  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.

• 11/23/2011· STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  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

• 11/23/2010· STEERING

  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

• 11/23/2004· SEATSFire

  WE JUST PURCHASED OUR BMW 545I IN MID OCTOBER. ON NOVEMBER 13TH WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM OUR SON'S HOME WE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. MY HUSBAND SOON REALIZED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND HIS PANTS WERE ON FIRE. WE IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATERS AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED, AND WHILE A PAIR OF PANTS WERE RUINED, MY HUSBAND DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY BURNS. OUR DEALER IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND FURNISHED ME WITH ANOTHER CAR TO DRIVE. I AM NOW BEING TOLD THAT THE SEAT HEATERS ARE ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND DO NOT KNOW WHEN MY CAR WILL BE FIXED. I DO NOT BLAME THE DEALER, BUT HAVE TO QUESTION IF BMW IS AWARE OF A PROBLEM. *JB

• 11/16/2009· AIR BAGS

  FAILURE OF THE "VEHICLE CENTER SATELLITE MODULE". *TR

• 11/14/2004· SEATSFire

  THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER CAUSED A FIRE IN MY 2003 BMW 545. I WAS REAL LUCKY THAT I SMELLED A STRANGE ODOR AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE SEAT WARMER. *JB

• 11/12/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSFire

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND FELT SOMETHING BURNING HER LEG. SHE SUSTAINED BURNS TO HER THIGH AND BUTTOCKS AREA DUE TO THE SEAT WARMER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER TO EXPECT A RECALL ON THE AIR BAG; HOWEVER, WITHOUT A RECALL, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS BASED ON HER VIN, BUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V575000 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER) WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 54,000.

• 11/10/2004· SEATSFire

  IN MAY OF THIS YEAR I LEASED A BRAND NEW 530I BMW. WHILE DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING USING THE HEATED SEAT, THE SEAT ALONG WITH MY JACKET AND SWEATER CAUGHT FIRE. THANKFULLY I WAS NOT HURT BUT SHAKEN UP. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE PEOPLE HOW WOULD NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO OR HOW TO REACT. MY WIFE COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR WITH KIDS AND WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. ANY ASSISTANCE ON THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU!

• 11/09/2012· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE TRANS FAIL SAFE PROGRAM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND RESTARTED, AS IT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

• 11/09/2012· AIR BAGS,SEATS

  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

• 10/31/2011· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES (BRAKE LIGHTS AND RUNNING LIGHTS) HAS FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE THREE TIMES( THE LEFT ASSEMBLY AND ONCE ON THE RIGHT). ALL FAILURES WERE DUE TO CORROSION (VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT). THE LEFT ASSEMBLY FAILED IN NOVEMBER 2006 (AT APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES) AND AGAIN IN MARCH 2011 (AT APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES). THE RIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED IN FEBRUARY 2009 (AT APPROXIMATELY 68,000 MILES). THESE FAILURES ARE NOT LIGHT BULBS THAT BURNT OUT BUT COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE LIGHT BULBS. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. WHEN THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE INDICATES "CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS" OR "CHECK REAR LIGHTS" AND I DO THE LIGHTS APPEAR TO WORK FINE (ALL LIGHTS ON WHEN SWITCHED ON OR WHEN BRAKES APPLIED). MESSAGE GOES OFF AND MAY STAY OFF FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEN RETURNS AND LIGHTS UP WITH EVERY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES. THERE ARE SEVERAL SIMILAR CARS IN USE AND ALL OF THEM HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES. *TR

• 10/27/2020· STEERING

  MY STEERING IS WAY TO TIGHT. AND ITS HARD TO MOVE THEVCAR.

• 10/26/2015· STRUCTURE,WHEELS,ENGINEFire

  THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN TO THE POST OFFICE. UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE AT THE POST OFFICE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE FIRE DEPT. HAD TO BE CALLED TO FORCE OPEN THE HOOD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WALL. THE USPS MOVED EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMERS TO THE REAR OF THE BUILDING FOR PRECAUTION OF EXPLOSION AND SMOKE INHALATION OF THE BURNING PLASTIC, RUBBER AND RELATED PARTS. IT WAS FORTUNATE I COULD QUICKLY PARK RATHER THAN BEING ON THE HIGHWAY.

• 10/23/2012· ENGINEFire

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRUNING FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE DIAPHRAGM BROKE CAUSING AN OIL LEAKAGE INTO THE ENGINE AND AS A RESULT, THE CCV VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. ALSO, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE ARE OF THE FAILURE WHO REFERRED HIM TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

• 10/20/2014· ENGINE

  MY X5 HAS BEEN A FAIRLY RELIABLE VEHICLE WITH SOME QUIRKINESS ALONG THE WAY. I HAD A "CROSSOVER PIPE" TO START LEAKING COOLANT. THE THING TO LOOK FOR IS IF YOU OPEN YOUR HOOD, AND LOOK IN THE CENTER OF THE ENGINE (FROM THE FRONT), THERE IS A SMALL HOLE. COOLANT WILL COLLECT AND POUR OUT OF THAT HOLE ONTO THE GROUND. THE FIX THROUGH BMW IS ANYWHERE FROM $9000-$10,000.00; IF YOU ARE GOING TO ALLOW BMW TO REPLACE THE PART AND LABOR CHARGES WITH SOME PARTS. WHAT HAPPENS IS OVER TIME THE SEALS GO BACK IN THIS PART, AND THE ONLY WAY TO GET TO IT IS TO OPEN YOUR ENTIRE ENGINE, TO REPLACE THE PIPE. I WENT TO A LOCAL CAR SHOP THAT SPECIALIZES IN FOREIGN VEHICLE REPAIR NAMED KELLY MOSS MOTOR SPORTS NEAR MADISON WISCONSIN, AND THEY WERE ABLE TO DO THIS JOB FOR UNDER $3000.00. THEY DID FANTASTIC WORK, AND MY VEHICLE HAS NOT LEAKED SINCE! THIS PART WILL EVENTUALLY GO BAD, ESPECIALLY IF YOU LIVE IN A CLIMATE WITH CONSTANT HOT TEMPS OR EXTREME WEATHER THAT GOES FROM HOT TO COLD (BOTH DESTROY THE RUBBER GASKETS IN THIS PIPE). I AM ATTACHING A LINK FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SEE WHAT THE PIPE LOOKS LIKE. HTTPS://WWW.AGACOOLANTPIPE.COM/PRODUCT/N62-COOLANT-PIPE. *TR

• 10/13/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  MY WIFE STARTED THE CAR AND THE HEADLIGHTS AND HAZARD LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING AND TURN SIGNALS DID NOT WORK. SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES WITH SAME EFFECT. DROVE CAR TO BMW DEALER. DEALER TECHNICIAN SAW SAME RESULTS. HE DISCONNECTED BATTERY, RESTARTED CAR, REBOOTING THE I-DRIVE COMPUTER, AND COULD NOT RECREATE PROBLEM. *AK

• 10/09/2014· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  THE BMW X5 IS VERY POORLY MADE AND BMW DOES NOT STAND BEHIND ANY ISSUES OR CARE. MY 2004 BMW X5 HAS THE KNOWN JERKING AT LOW SPEEDS,TURNS WHICH FEELS LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN HIT IN THE [XXX] END. I ALSO WAS GOING TO WORK AND LOST ALL MY COOLANT, THE WATER PUMP AND COOLANT PIPE NEED REPLACED/REPAIRED WHICH IS NOT A CHEAP JOB..IT IS MORE THAN THE VALUE/COST OF THIS VEHICLE(IF DONE AT A BMW DEALER). THESE ISSUES ARE KNOWN AND VERY COMMON. BMW SHOULD ISSUE RECALLS FOR THESE PROBLEMS OR GIVE ASSISTANCE FOR REPAIRS INSTEAD OF CONSTANTLY MAKING EXCUSES AND GIVING REASONS ON WHY THEY WILL NOT HELP! I HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO ANYTHING I CAN TO GET ASSISTANCE FOR MY REPAIRS AND HOPEFULLY MANY OTHERS. BMW DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR BUYERS, UNLESS IT IS A NEW VEHICLE AND YOU DO ALL YOUR DEALINGS WITH A BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHICH I FEEL IS UNFAIR,CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO CHOOSE ANY GOOD MECHANIC INSTEAD OF HAVING TO TRAVEL TO AND/OR PAY BMW OUTRAGEOUS FEES FOR REPAIRS. IT IS NOT SAFE TO HAVE THESE ISSUES AND RUN OUT OF COOLANT(ANYWHERE ANYWAY FROM HOME) OR TO CONSTANTLY HAVE THE MASSIVE JERK WITH THE TRANSMISSION. BMW NEEDS TO ISSUE RECALLS AND STAND BEHIND THE TRANNY,COOLANT PIPE,AND WATER PUMP ISSUES AND FAILURES. THE BMW IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY, THEY ARE MADE POORLY, VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR, AND HAVE HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. BMW SAYS THE "INTERNET AND PEOPLE SAY ALOT OF THINGS BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN ITS A PROBLEM" AND AS I SAID TO THEM...WHEN MANY MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUES THEN YES, IT IS A REAL PROBLEM!!!! IT IS NOT LIKE PEOPLE ARE ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE OR RECALLS ON MINOR OR NORMAL REPAIRS AND MAINTENENCE!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

• 10/04/2010· POWER TRAIN

  MY BMX 5 (2004) STALLS OCCASIONALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS. THE SERVICE CENTER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE. I'M USUALLY EXITING A PARKING LOT OR SCHOOL WHEN IT OCCURS AND ESTIMATED SPEED IS BETWEEN 5 AND 10 MPH. THERE ARE NO SENSORS OR WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE OR AFTER THE INCIDENT AND A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AT THE BMW SERVICE CENTER REVEALED NO SENSORS OR INDICATORS ACTIVATED. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS FOR BMW X 5 2004 MODELS THAT WERE RELATED TO STALLING BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I'M CONCERNED THE PROBLEM WILL RESULT IN A CRASH. *TR

• 09/29/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  04 BMW 545 ELECTRICAL FAILURE MPM. *TR

• 09/23/2005· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

  DT: 2004 BMW 530 I. THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SUCH AS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMING ON/WINDOWS ROLLING DOWN AND THEN MALFUNCTIONING/TRUNK OPENING, AND HALO LIGHTS STAYING ON. THE ONSTAR OR SOS SYSTEMS WAS NOT WORKING. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MANUFACTURER CONSIDERED THIS VEHICLE A LEMON. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT COMPLYING WITH THE LEMON LAW. THIS PROCESS WAS TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE. THEY WERE TAKING TOO LONG TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER. *AK

• 09/21/2018· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS

  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?

• 09/19/2010· AIR BAGS

  I OWN A 2004 545I AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT OR ANYTHING IN THIS CAR. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL AUTO SHOP TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED AND IT SHOWED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FAULTY. WHEN I RESEARCHED IT ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND A RECALL FOR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR WHICH SPECIFICALLY FIT MY 2004 545I BMW. WHEN I CALLED THE BMW DEALERSHIP THEY CLAIMED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND IT WOULD COST ME ABOUT $1200.00 TO FIX! HOW CAN THIS BE WHEN THE RECALL SPECIFICALLY FITS THE DESCRIPTION OF MY VEHICLE? PLEASE HELP!! *TR

• 09/16/2011· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

• 09/15/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  FOR THREE YEARS BLUE SMOKE OCCASIONALLY COMES FROM EXHAUST IN SPITE OF MAJOR ENGINE REPAIR. ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FOR 1 AND 1/2 YEARS RESULTS IN CAR NOT STARTING HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS 4 TIMES. *TR

• 09/13/2005· POWER TRAIN

  DEAR SIR OR MADAM- PLEASE SEE THE EMAIL BELOW WHICH I SENT TO BMW OF NORTH AMERICA REGARDING RECURRING TRANSMISSION ISSUES WITH OUR X5. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP TO GET BMW TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. ___________________ DEAR SIR OR MADAM- PLEASE LET THIS EMAIL SERVE AS A FORMAL COMPLAINT FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF OUR 2004 X5 4.4. I HAVE LOST BOTH MY PATIENCE AND CONFIDENCE IN OUR X5 AND FEEL THAT THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN (2 1/2 AND 16 MONTHS) IS AT RISK AS THIS IS THE PRIMARY VEHICLE THEY ARE TRANSPORTED IN. ALL OCCUPANTS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS EXPERIENCE A HEAD JERKING WHICH IN ITSELF IS UNSAFE. IN REVIEWING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF POSTINGS REGARDING THE 2004 X5 4.4 TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT BMW IS FULLY AWARE OF AND HAS FAILED TO FIX. OUR X5 HAS A TRANSMISSION THAT IS "SLIPPING" AND IT FEELS LIKE WE HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED EACH TIME IT SLIPS. THE X5 HAS BEEN IN TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE IN THE PAST THREE WEEKS AT STERLING BMW AND IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. STERLING HAS REPROGRAMMED THE DME AND REBUILT IT WITH NO SUCCESS. IT IS GOING IN FOR A THIRD TIME TODAY FOR THIS SAME ISSUE AND I EXPECT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY. ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING I HAVE READ, THE X5 NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION AND THAT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY, WE HAVE AN ATTORNEY AND WE WILL EXERCISE OUR RIGHTS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW. I WILL ALSO BE NOTIFYING THE NHTSA TODAY AND FILING A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THEM OVER THIS ISSUE AS THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. STERLING BMW HAS BEEN VERY GOOD TO DEAL WITH AND THEY HAVE TRIED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, BUT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA NEEDS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE TOOLS TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. FINALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT NEW TO THE BMW FAMILY. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. SINCERELY, [NAME REMOVED] MANAGING DIRECTOR DEUTSCHE BANK. *NM FSB

• 09/07/2011· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE INTERMITTENTLY INOPERABLE. CHANGED BULBS WITH SAME RESULTS. APPEARS TO BE CORRODED AND/OR BURNED CONTACTS ON THE LAMP ASSEMBLY. *TR

• 08/30/2013· AIR BAGS

  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

• 08/29/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS

  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

• 08/24/2013· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  REAR WIPER AND WIPER FLUID PUMP STOPPED WORKING DURING A RAIN STORM. I COULD NOT SEE THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW AT ALL THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR OR BY TURNING AND LOOKING BEHIND ME. VERY UNSAFE FOR THIS SYSTEM TO BREAK. *TR

• 08/14/2017· STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  HAVE ACCIDENT.BECAUSE MY BMW X5 2004 WHEN START THE ENGINE..THE CAR JUMP. AND PROBLEMS WITH TRASMISSION NOT WORK GOOD WHEN L STAR DRIVING THE CAR JUMP THE SPEEDS NOT WORK GOOD THE GEARS 2 MONTHS AGO L HIT .THE FRONT CAR .BECAUSE MY CAR JUMP .IN HAVE TO PAY .THE OWNER THE OTHER CARS .HAVE TO MANY ACCIDENTS WITH BMW X5 2004..PLEASE YOU CAN HELP ME ..THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

• 08/12/2005· TIRES

  2004 BMW 530I DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRE EQUIPMENT.*MR THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS FLAT AND IT WAS ALSO WORN DOWN TO THE STEEL BELTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. THE FRONT TIRES ALSO SHOWED SIGNS OF WEAR ON THE INSIDE.*JB

• 08/11/2011· STEERING

  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

• 08/09/2011· POWER TRAIN

  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

• 07/31/2004· AIR BAGS

  BMW 5 2004: WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS VACANT A WARNING MESSAGE (THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF) IS CONTINUOUSLY DISPLAYED AT EYE LEVEL IN THE ROOF CONSOLE. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE MESSAGE SHOULD ONLY COME ON WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED AND THE AIRBAG IS NOT FUNCTIONING.*AK

• 07/28/2010· POWER TRAIN

  HAD MY CAR 2004 545I (78,250 MILES) SERVICED AT BMW DEALERSHIP IN LONG ISLAND FOR A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION PAN LEAKING AT FLUID. DEALERSHIP REPLACED AND TEST DROVE BEFORE I PICKED IT UP BUT ALSO DENOTED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK ATTRIBUTED TO VACUUM PUMP/VANOS SEALS WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED SOON. AS I WAS DRIVING IT BACK TO NJ FROM LONG ISLAND DEALERSHIP I NOTICED A TRANSMISSION 'KICK/JERK/SURGE' AS CAR DECELERATED SEVERAL TIMES. DROVE THE CAR TO THE MARKET ON SUNDAY (7/25/2010) AND ON THE WAY BACK WARNING ENGINE MALFUNCTION STATING 'ENGINE OPERATING AT REDUCED OUTPUT'. EMAILED THE BMW SA IN LONG ISLAND THAT REPLACED DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION PAN/AT FLUID AND HE FELT IT MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO OIL LEAK AND BAD VACUUM PUMP/SEALS AND HAVE IT LOOKED AT ASAP. MY LOCAL BMW SA IN NJ JUST EMAILED ME TODAY (7/28/2010) STATING: "LOOKS LIKE THE TRANS IS BAD WAITING FOR BMWNA TO GET BACK TO US WE SENT THEM ALL THE FAULTS SORRY FOR THE BAD NEWS" REPORTS OF THESE TYPE OF TRANSMISSION 'SURGE' IS NOT ISOLATED TO 2004 545I MODEL BUT TO MANY 5-SERIES UP TO 2008 AS NOTED IN THE FOLLOWING FORUM: HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=401524 THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED NOT ON A LOCAL DEALERSHIP BUT ON A CORPORATE, WITH GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT, LEVEL AS IT POSES SERIOUS RISKS TO ALL DRIVERS. *TR

• 07/27/2010· POWER TRAIN

  1. I IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 BMW 545I WHICH I HAVE. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE, WHICH I WILL EXPLAIN BELOW (IN SECTION 2 AS REQUESTED), ONLINE, AND FOUND THAT HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I FOUND THAT IN SOME INSTANCES, BMW CORRECTLY DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE, HOWEVER IN MANY INSTANCES, THEY DID NOT (IN SECTION 3, AS REQUESTED). 2. "THE CAR WOULD SHIFT INTO 5TH GEAR & THEN BETWEEN 35-40MPH AT A VERY LOW 1200RPM OR SO I WOULD GET THE SURGING OR SLIPPING OF THE TRANSMISSION. IT WAS A VERY LIGHT REPETITIVE HESITATION. IT ALMOST FELT LIKE THE ELECTRONICS WERE TRYING TO DECIDE WHETHER IT SHOULD STAY IN 5TH OR SHIFT BACK TO 4TH BECAUSE OF LOW RPM'S. IT WOULD HAPPEN WITH AN EXTREMELY LIGHT ACCELERATOR PRESSURE. IF YOU GAVE IT A LITTLE MORE GAS IT WOULD GO AWAY. A COUPLE TIMES I'D GET A REALLY HARSH SURGE ALMOST LIKE THE "SLAM". THE MANNER THAT THE CAR BEHAVES CAN REALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WITH THE SURGE IN THE TRANSMISSION, & THE DISTRACTION THAT IT CAUSES TO THE DRIVER. IT HAS BECOME A DISTRACTION TO ME, BEING THE DRIVER, & ALSO NOTICED BY PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE, WHEN THEY FEEL THE CAR SURGE, & THEIR IS ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. 3. I TOOK THE CAR TO A BMW DEALERSHIP, & DESCRIBED THE ISSUE. THE SERVICE ADVISOR (REPRESENTATIVE) STATED THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, AS THEY HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS, AS WELL. HE SAID THAT THEY WOULD PROBABLY NEED TO DO A SOFTWARE UPGRADE, OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. I RECEIVED THE CAR BACK, & WAS TOLD THAT THE SOFTWARE WAS UPGRADED, & TO TAKE THE VEHICLE AND SEE HOW IT DROVE. I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME, & THE ISSUE WAS STILL THERE. THE REPAIR INVOICE SAYS THE SOFTWARE WAS NOT UPDATED. IT ALREADY HAD THE LATEST VERSION. I TOOK THE CAR BACK, AND THEY STATED THE OPERATION OF THE CAR IS NORMAL. IT IS NOT NORMAL. YOU MAY REFERENCE HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=401524 FOR OTHER WHO HAVE HAD THE ISSUE. THE MECHATRONICS UNIT WAS REPLACED ON SOME, AND ALWAYS RESOLVED THE ISSUE. *TR

• 07/24/2013· AIR BAGS

  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

• 07/20/2010· POWER TRAIN

  TRANSMISSION SLAMS INTO GEAR WHEN TAKING OFF FROM AN ALMOST STOPPED POSITION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JUMP FORWARD VIOLENTLY. THIS HAS LAUNCHED ME INTO INTERSECTIONS AND CAUSED ME TO ALMOST REAR-END SEVERAL VEHICLES. THIS HAPPENS ON A WEEKLY BASIS OF DAILY DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION COMPUTER AT A COST TO ME(VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY) EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. *TR

• 07/18/2014· AIR BAGS

  DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT. *TR

• 07/14/2010· STRUCTURE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, ONTO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, INTO THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND ONTO THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED HE WOULD NEED TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR THE FAILURE BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED AT HIS EXPENSE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 17,000.

• 07/13/2012· POWER TRAIN

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE'S GEAR DID NOT ILLUMINATE TO DISPLAY WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE GEAR CIRCUIT RANGE FAILED AND THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 74,160.

• 07/01/2009· VISIBILITY

  BMW WINDOW REGULATOR FAILS FOR NO APPARENT REASON IN ALL CAR MODELS. CAR HAS LESS THAN 36K MILES AND ALREADY FIXING THE THIRD WINDOW. BMW SERVICE PERSON EXPLANATION IS DUE TO THE LACK OF USE THAT CAUSES THIS PROBLEM. YET, DRIVER'S SIDE, WHICH IS THE ONE WITH MOST USE, RECENTLY FAILED. THIS IS A REPEATED PROBLEM IN ALMOST ALL BMW CARS WITH AUTOMATIC WINDOWS AND BMW IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS ISSUE IS POSTED EVERYWHERE IN THE INTERNET AND BMW CHARGES ANYWHERE BETWEEN $300 AND $600 PER WINDOW/FIX (MINE WAS QUOTED AT AROUND $550). *TR

• 06/29/2009· STRUCTURE

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE CLOSED THE TRUNK, HIS FINGER GOT CAUGHT DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. HE OPENED THE HATCH AND IT CAME DOWN FORCEFULLY ONTO HIS FINGER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE ONE YEAR AGO AND DAMAGED THE CONTACT'S FINGER. HE STATED THAT THE LID NEEDS TO BE OPENED COMPLETELY AND HALFWAY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

• 06/28/2012· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL TURNED PINK. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A FISHY ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE HAD BURNED THE ALTERNATOR. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.