MYRModel Year Report

2004 BMW 3 Series

● Typical for this model
2004 BMW 3 Series
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:02:47.102Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 3 Series Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2004 highlighted. 1986: 1 complaints 1986 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 1 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 88 complaints 2000 2001: 36 complaints 2002: 26 complaints 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 77 complaints 2004 2005: 25 complaints 2006: 202 complaints 2006 2007: 115 complaints 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 53 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2011: 1 complaints 2012: 7 complaints 2012 2013: 21 complaints 2023: 0 complaints 2023
2004: 77 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19861
19920
19930
19941
19953
19962
19975
19983
19996
200088
200136
200226
200351
200477
200525
2006202
2007115
200868
200953
201030
20111
20127
201321
20230

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 53%

53% of complaints: exterior lighting — 41 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC REFLECTOR BOWL USED FOR THE HEADLIGHTS WERE BURNED AND SCORCHED BY THE HEAT OF THE BULBS USED ON THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110630

AIR BAGS 19%

19% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

MY VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY STARTED ON FIRE AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, AND RESULTED IN THE CAR BEING TOTALED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171108

THE HEATING ELEMENT ON MY 2004 BMW X3 CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I DON'T USE IT OFTEN, BUT HAD NOTICED A HOT SMELL WHEN I DID USE IT AND THAT IT WOULD BE TOO WARM IN THE LUMBAR AND HIP REGION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20141103

VEHICLE ADAPTIVE XENON HEADLIGHT WIRING IS FAULTY . WIRE INSULATION IS CRACKING/DETERIORATING AND ENTIRE WIRES ARE BREAKING APART. SYMPTOMS START WITH FLICKERING XENON HEADLIGHT EVENTUALLY (ABOUT A WEEK LATER) STOPS WORKING AT ALL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171118

VISIBILITY/WIPER 4%

4% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 3 distinct reports on file.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 4%

4% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20090408 — DP (closed 20090806)

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION

I 20090807 — PE (closed 20091222)

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION

I 20091218 — EA (closed 20110928)

Rear Lamp Illumination

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (41 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2001 ● 2003

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ◆ 2007 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2004 BMW 3 Series reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 BMW 3 Series is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW 3 Series?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 3 Series have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.