MYRModel Year Report

2004 BMW 525I

○ Not enough data
2004 BMW 525I
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:30:41.475Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 525I Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2004 highlighted. 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 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 22 complaints 2002: 28 complaints 2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 84 complaints 2004 2005: 35 complaints 2006: 77 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 1 complaints 2009: 1 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 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

AIR BAGS 32%

32% of complaints: air bags — 27 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20%

20% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
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, 20181203

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, 20130807

SEATS 19%

19% of complaints: seats — 16 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20130212

DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20120513

SEAT BELTS 15%

15% of complaints: seat belts — 13 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20080104 — EA (closed 20081231)

BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (27 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (16 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 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 525I have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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