MYRModel Year Report

2004 BMW M3

▲ Better than typical
2004 BMW M3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:43:50.396Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
31
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

29% of complaints

Complaints per year

1988: 2 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 0 complaints 1995: 12 complaints 1996: 1 complaint 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 14 complaints 1998 1999: 11 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 14 complaints 2002: 40 complaints 2003: 54 complaints 2004: 31 complaints 2004 31 2005: 12 complaints 2006: 14 complaints 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 82 complaints 2008 2009: 45 complaints 2010: 15 complaints 2011: 31 complaints 2012: 6 complaints 2013: 13 complaints 2013 2014: 0 complaints 2015: 4 complaints 2016: 5 complaints 2017: 3 complaints 2018: 9 complaints 2018 2021: 3 complaints 2022: 1 complaint 2023: 1 complaint 2025: 2 complaints
1988: 2 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 0 complaints 1994 1995: 12 complaints 1996: 1 complaint 1997: 19 complaints 1997 1998: 14 complaints 1999: 11 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 14 complaints 2002: 40 complaints 2003: 54 complaints 2004: 31 complaints 2004 31 2005: 12 complaints 2006: 14 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 82 complaints 2009: 45 complaints 2009 2010: 15 complaints 2011: 31 complaints 2012: 6 complaints 2012 2013: 13 complaints 2014: 0 complaints 2015: 4 complaints 2015 2016: 5 complaints 2017: 3 complaints 2018: 9 complaints 2018 2021: 3 complaints 2022: 1 complaint 2023: 1 complaint 2023 2025: 2 complaints
1988: 2 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 0 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 0 complaints 1994 1995: 12 complaints 1996: 1 complaint 1996 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 14 complaints 1998 1999: 11 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 14 complaints 2002: 40 complaints 2002 2003: 54 complaints 2004: 31 complaints 2004 31 2005: 12 complaints 2006: 14 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 82 complaints 2008 2009: 45 complaints 2010: 15 complaints 2010 2011: 31 complaints 2012: 6 complaints 2012 2013: 13 complaints 2014: 0 complaints 2014 2015: 4 complaints 2016: 5 complaints 2016 2017: 3 complaints 2018: 9 complaints 2018 2021: 3 complaints 2022: 1 complaint 2022 2023: 1 complaint 2025: 2 complaints 2025

2004: 31 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19882
19890
19900
19910
19920
19930
19940
199512
19961
199719
199814
199911
20000
200114
200240
200354
200431
200512
200614
20070
200882
200945
201015
201131
20126
201313
20140
20154
20165
20173
20189
20213
20221
20231
20252

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

29% · 9 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Below is a partial email to a BMW Dealer that replaced an airbag 2 1/2 years ago per a recall. The airbag light, convertible top light were both illuminated when I left the dealer. I have sent emails and contacted BMW USA.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-06-22

Also filed under Electrical system

Visibility

19% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing exterior and rearview mirrors/devices.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Hadn't driven the car in 2 weeks, was out of town. Drove it to work on Monday and Monday evening or Tuesday morning noticed what looked like a bubble at the top of my rear view mirror.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-07-25

Rear view mirror leaks caustic fluid, and turns black, unable to be used. Dealerships will not replace the faulty unit.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-02-23

Power train

19% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

Structure

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

Show complaint excerpts

Passenger side rear sub-frame crack observed . Vehicle has never been in any accident or collision.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-03-23

Exterior lighting

6% · 2 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Wiring problem with factory headlights. This issue causes headlights to flicker and eventually turn off. It happens while the vehicle is in motion and sitting still.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-19

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2009-04-08Defect petitionClosed 2009-08-06 Rear lamp illumination
  2. I
    2009-08-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-12-22 Rear lamp illumination
  3. I
    2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  4. R
    2014-12-01Air bags14V428000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports...

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  6. R
    2016-08-19Air bags15V318000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i...

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2020-02-13Air bags20V018000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with...

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V428000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V318000 · Air bags
  • Recall 20V018000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 BMW M3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 BMW M3 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW M3?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 BMW M3 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

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