VehicleVerdict

2004 BMW 7 Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 35 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.8 times the median 7 Series year — the 2004 model ranks #2 of 18 7 Series years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (6), electrical system (5), and transmission (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

35

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other 7 Series years?

7 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted42 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 4 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 11 complaints2004: 35 complaints2005: 7 complaints2006: 42 complaints2007: 18 complaints2008: 16 complaints2009: 17 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 4 complaints
7 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 7 Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 BMW 7 Series problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes617%
Electrical System514%
Transmission411%
Seats39%
Steering39%
Airbags39%
Engine39%
Fuel System39%
Visibility & Wipers26%
Body & Structure13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Lighting13%

Does the 2004 BMW 7 Series have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V446000BrakesOctober 1, 2010 · 198,352 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Consequence

POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

04V575000SeatsDecember 6, 2004 · 17,905 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT HEATING SYSTEMS, UPON ENTERING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE, EXCESSIVE CONTACT WITH THE SIDE BOLSTER THAT IS CONTAINED IN THE SEAT'S BACKREST MAY DAMAGE THE HEATING MAT LOCATED IN THIS AREA. IF SUCH DAMAGE WERE TO OCCUR, WITH THE SYSTEM TURNED ON, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY FEEL EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THIS AREA.

Consequence

IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HEATING MAT IN THE BACKREST'S SIDE BOLSTER COULD OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE, OR MELT A SMALL HOLE IN, THIS AREA OF THE SEAT COVER. IF THIS HAPPENED, IT COULD LEAD TO AN OCCUPANT BEING BURNED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE SEAT HEATING CIRCUIT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

04V379000SeatsAugust 9, 2004 · 3,940 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (ODS) MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RELIABLY DETERMINE IF THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS OCCUPIED.

Consequence

IN CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS, THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG, HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER, AND KNEE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SOFTWARE FOR THE DRIVER'S SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 13, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

04V344000TransmissionJuly 14, 2004 · 4,102 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8 AND 12 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL (EMC) UNITS WERE NOT PRODUCED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.

Consequence

AS A RESULT, ENGINE STALLING WILL OCCUR AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF OPERATION. THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART. ALSO, A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND, AFTER REPEATED ACTUATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL, A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER ASSIST WILL OCCUR. THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACCUM PUMP LEAKING. CHIRPING SOUND DURING IDLE. SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V446000. *JS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 12, 2012

“CONSUMER 2004 BMW 745 LI CAR PHONE DID NOT REGISTER WHEN IN THE CRADLE. NAVIGATION DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. [REDACTED] NAR RECEIVED 10-18-05[REDACTED] *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL SOFTWARE UPGRADES TO GET THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM TO WORK. ON MULTIPLE OCCASION, THE FLAT TIRE LIGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 1901

“VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO CONTROL, AND CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CONTAIN IT. AFTER COMING TO A FULL STOP REAR DRIVER'S WHEEL CONTINUED TO SPIN. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED, AND NO DEFECTS WERE FOUND.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 24, 2005

“SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE OF A USED 2004 BMW 745LI, THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. CAR WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION, THEREFORE I PAID $1700 TO BMW OF SILVER SPRING TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 17, 2008

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 760LI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 25, 2011

2004 BMW 7 Series — common questions

Is the 2004 BMW 7 Series reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 35 complaints put the 2004 model at #2 of 18 7 Series years. It is one of the 7 Series years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 7 Series problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 2004 BMW 7 Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 BMW 7 Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 BMW 7 Series under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW 7 Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 7 Series years to avoid are 2006, 2004. The cleanest record among 7 Series years belongs to 1998.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.