2004 BMW E46
Only 4 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 4 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
BONJOUR, LES RFLECTEURS ZKW DE MES FEUX XNON SONT BRULS. MES FEUX N'CLAIRENT PLUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120531
FACTORY BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS GRADUALLY DIMMED. BY 77K MILES THE LIGHT OUTPUT WAS TOO DIM TO SAFELY DRIVE AT NIGHT. COMPARED TO A NEW MODEL AT DEALER WITH XENON LIGHTS AND FOUND VERY NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120216
1 of 4 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
BONJOUR, LES RFLECTEURS ZKW DE MES FEUX XNON SONT BRULS. MES FEUX N'CLAIRENT PLUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120531
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW STSTING THERE WAS NOW A RECALL FOR THE BAD GROUND WIRE ON THE REAR TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY THAT CAUSED THE METLING OF THE CONNECTOR. I HAD ALREADY SPENT $400 FOR THE FIX, NOW THEY RECALL THE PART.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120117
1 of 4 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHEN HITTING POT HOLE AT AROUND 30MPH. THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH MANY E46'S THAT THE AIRBAG IS TOO SENSITIVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160610
SAFETY TIMELINE
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
Rear Lamp Illumination
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 BMW E46 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2004 BMW E46 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 E46?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 BMW E46 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.