2004 BMW M3

▲ Better than typical

2004 BMW M3
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:56:36.375Z

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 PER YEAR

2004: 31 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1988	2
1989	0
1990	0
1991	0
1992	0
1993	0
1994	0
1995	12
1996	1
1997	19
1998	14
1999	11
2000	0
2001	14
2002	40
2003	54
2004	31
2005	12
2006	14
2007	0
2008	82
2009	45
2010	15
2011	31
2012	6
2013	13
2014	0
2015	4
2016	5
2017	3
2018	8
2021	3
2022	1
2023	1
2025	2

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 29%

29% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.

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, 20260622

VISIBILITY 13%

13% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file.

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, 20100725

REAR VIEW MIRROR LEAKS CAUSTIC FLUID, AND TURNS BLACK, UNABLE TO BE USED. DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT REPLACE THE FAULTY UNIT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20090223

POWER TRAIN 13%

13% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 6%

6% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20220323

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6%

6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 2 distinct reports on file.

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, 20190419

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20090408 — DP (closed 20090806)

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION

I 20090807 — PE (closed 20091222)

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION

I 20140611 — PE (closed 20150302)

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

R 20141201 — air bags

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.

Campaign 14V428000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20150224 — EA (open)

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

R 20160819 — air bags

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.

Campaign 15V318000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20200213 — air bags

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.

Campaign 20V018000 — check if this car was fixed