MYRModel Year Report

2004 BMW E46

○ Not enough data
2004 BMW E46
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:02.265Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
4

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1996: 1 complaint 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 18 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2004: 4 complaints 2004 4 2005: 0 complaints
1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1993 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1995 1996: 1 complaint 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 18 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2001 2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 4 complaints 2004 4 2005: 0 complaints 2005
1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1993 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1995 1996: 1 complaint 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 18 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2001 2002: 2 complaints 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 4 complaints 2004 4 2005: 0 complaints 2005

2004: 4 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19902
19910
19920
19933
19943
19956
19961
19974
19980
19991
200018
20010
20022
20031
20044
20050

Known problem areas

Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Exterior lighting

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-31

Also filed under Visibility/wiper

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, 2012-02-16

Visibility/wiper

1 of 4 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.

Electrical system

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, 2012-01-17

Air bags

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, 2016-06-10

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2009-08-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-12-22 Rear lamp illumination
  3. I
    2009-12-18Engineering analysisClosed 2011-09-28 Rear Lamp Illumination

Buy-smart checklist

2004 BMW E46 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Exterior lighting: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility/wiper: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.