MYRModel Year Report

2004 BMW 525I

○ Not enough data
2004 BMW 525I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:37:18.517Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

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
84
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

40% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1991: 13 complaints 1992: 18 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 22 complaints 2002: 28 complaints 2003: 32 complaints 2004: 84 complaints 2004 84 2005: 35 complaints 2006: 77 complaints 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 1 complaint 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints
1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 18 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 22 complaints 2001 2002: 28 complaints 2003: 32 complaints 2004: 84 complaints 2004 84 2005: 35 complaints 2006: 77 complaints 2007: 72 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2011
1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1990 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 18 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1994: 7 complaints 1994 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 22 complaints 2001 2002: 28 complaints 2002 2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 84 complaints 2004 84 2005: 35 complaints 2005 2006: 77 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011

2004: 84 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19894
199011
199113
199218
19935
19947
199524
19982
19991
20000
200122
200228
200332
200484
200535
200677
200772
20081
20091
20100
20110

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

40% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

Electrical system

26% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and fuses and circuit breakers.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-03

Also filed under Structure

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-25

There is a component called mpm(Micro power module) beneath the spare tire and is completely burnt due to some water in the trunk. The plastic case which covers the component is burnt and there is clear indication of fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-07

Seats

20% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The drivers side heated seat was turned on and it became very hot, burned a hole in the seat and began to smoke.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-12

Driver seat caught on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-13

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 525I. On April 6, 2007, while driving 55MPH, there was smoke present in the vehicle. The heated passenger seat caught fire. The contacts coat burned. The contact sustained no injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-06-11

Seat belts

17% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing warning light/devices.

Power train

8% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

FIRE

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2008-01-04Engineering analysisClosed 2008-12-31 BMW airbag light illumination

Buy-smart checklist

2004 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 34 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 17 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2004 BMW 525I reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW 525I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 525I have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.