Owners have filed 123 complaints
about the 2004 BMW 525I with NHTSA between 2004 and 2018.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the BMW 525I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 29
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
21.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
43.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1615.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2119.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2018.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2321.7%
150,000+ miles
1817.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2004peak 6Dec 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 BMW 525I
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA08001Opened 4 Jan 2008Closed 31 Dec 2008AIR BAGS
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN T...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 211,000 milesRoanoke, VAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON DEC.2 MY 2004 BMW 525I WAS SITTING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE WHEN IT COUGHT ON FIRE AT THE FUSE PANEL IN THE TRUNK ON THE RIGHT FENDER WELL. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN OVER 100 MILES THAT DAY. MY STEP-DAUGHTER HAD GOTTEN HOME AT MIDNIGHT AND PARKED THE CAR. SHE SAID THE CAR WAS FINE WHEN SHE GOT HOME AT 3;30 AM MY NEIGHBOR KNOCKED ON MY DOOR TO TELL ME THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO PUT IT OUT AS EVER TIME WE WOULD GET THE FIRE OUT IT WOULD SPARK AND START AGAIN. THEY REPORTED THAT IT WAS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11155751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,000 milesRoanoke, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON DEC.2 MY 2004 BMW 525I WAS SITTING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE WHEN IT COUGHT ON FIRE AT THE FUSE PANEL IN THE TRUNK ON THE RIGHT FENDER WELL. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN OVER 100 MILES THAT DAY. MY STEP-DAUGHTER HAD GOTTEN HOME AT MIDNIGHT AND PARKED THE CAR. SHE SAID THE CAR WAS FINE WHEN SHE GOT HOME AT 3;30 AM MY NEIGHBOR KNOCKED ON MY DOOR TO TELL ME THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO PUT IT OUT AS EVER TIME WE WOULD GET THE FIRE OUT IT WOULD SPARK AND START AGAIN. THEY REPORTED THAT IT WAS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11155751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPheonix, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW 525I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, A NEIGHBOR NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY BATTERY CABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED IN THE FIRE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO SMOKE INHALATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN LOCAL BMW DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11098001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPhoenix, AZFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BLEW UP IN THE GARAGE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS STARTED BY THE BATTERY CABLE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED HOSPITALIZATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE CONTACT'S HOME WAS DAMAGED EXTENSIVELY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (CHAPMAN BMW IN PHOENIX, AR) WHERE A RECALL REPAIR OF THE BATTERY CABLE WAS PERFORMED. THE RECALL INFORMATION WAS LOST IN THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11003723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesKeene, NHFire
SEATS
LITERALLY A COUPLE WEEKS AGO MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE BURNING A VERY DEEP HOLE THROUGH TO THE FRONT OF THE SEAT AND BURNING A HOLE IN MY JACKED THEN BURNING MY SKIN. IMMEDIATELY I NOTIFIED BMW WHO WAS EXTREMELY ACCOMMODATING EVEN HELPING ME SCHEDULE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT.. THEN THE DEALERSHIP CLOSEST TO ME CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T DO RECALLS AND THEY COULDN'T ASSIST ME. AFTER BMW NORTH AMERICA AUTHORIZED THIS. I HAD AN EXTRA VEHICLE UNTIL LAST WEEK WHEN MY DAUGHTER BROUGHT OUR BMW X3 TO COLLEGE WITH HER. THEY HIGHLY SUGGESTED WE NOT USE THE VEHICLE UNTIL ITS REPAIRED THE SEAT HEATER KEEPS INTERMITTENTLY GOING OFF AND WON'T TURN OFF AND THEN IT STARTS BURNING . I'VE BEEN AFRAID OF DRIVING IT BECAUSE OF THE FRIGHTENING BURNING SMELL. I WOULDN'T BE WRITING U IF I WASN'T BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE BY BMW . NOW I'M WITHOUT TRANSPO AND I HAVE A CHILD WITH EPILEPSY WHO I NEED ADEQUATE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION FOR. IT DIFFICULT BEING TOLD YES BY BMW NORTH AMERICA THEN THE DEALER WON'T ACCOMMODATE YOU UNLESS YOU CONSIDER REPLACING YOUR VEHICLE WITH A NEW BMW! I AM VERY UPSET AND DISAPPOINTED WITH W
NHTSA complaint #10954313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keene, NHFire
SEATS
I REALLY NEED SOME ASSISTANCE. MY SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE SEAT HEATER KEEPS TURNING ON AND OCCASIONALLY WON'T GO OFF I'VE DRIVEN THE CAR MAYBE 35 MINUTES TOPS SINCE THE SEAT CAUGHT FIRE 3 WEEKS AGO. BMW NORTH AMERICA HAS TRIED TO ASSIST ME, UNFORTUNATELY THE DEALERS ARE EITHER BOOKED SOLID OR ARE CAPABLE OF FIXING THIS TECHNICAL A PROBLEM. THEY'VE AGREED TO FIX EVERYTHING FOR FREE & PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER CAR UNTIL THE ISSUES ARE TOTALLY RESOLVED BMW DOES NOT WANT MY VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE AGAIN. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE IT UNFORTUNATELY NONE OF THE DEALERSHIP CONSIDER A CAR FIRE TOP PRIORITY. THERE IS A HUGE LIKELIHOOD IT COULD CONTINUE BURNING WITHOUT IMMEDIATE REPAIRS. I WISH BMW NORTH AMERICA WOULD ASSIST ME LIKE THEY SAID. I'VE HAD 8 BMW'S AND NEVER HAVE I HAD AN ISSUE . THAT IS WHY I'VE BOUGHT BMW'S BECAUSE AS LONG AS I DID ALL THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE (A SIDE FROM THIS ONE) MY VEHICLES HAVE BEEN NOT ONLY RELIABLE BUT A PLEASURE TO OWN. I'VE HAD VERY FEW ISSUES WITH MY CURRENT E60 UNTIL 3 WEEKS AGO. SINCE THEN MY LIFE HAS BEEN CHAOTIC BORROWING VEHICLES RENTING VEHICLES AND RELYING ON OTHERS BECAUSE BMW DOESN'T PRIORITIZE CAR FIRES. I NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME OTHERWISE I WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO CONTINUE DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT IS A DANGER TO MYSELF AS WELL AS MY MINOR CHILD AND ANY OTHER VEHICLE AROUND ME IF IT WERE TO BECOME FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. PLEASE CALL ME AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE SO I CAN BE SAFE . MY CONTACT INFO IS [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] EMAIL [XXX] CALL ME DAY OR NIGHT I'LL BE READY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE PROPER FACILITY FOR REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED ALL DEALERSHIP IN NEW HAMPSHIRE . TULLEY BMW SAID THAT THE REPAIR WAS BEYOND THEIR EXPERTISE. I SPOKE TO AN ABSOLUTELY CLUELESS GENTLEMAN NAME [XXX] AT TULLEY BMW NASHUA *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10954390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 211,000 milesRoanoke, VAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON DEC.2 MY 2004 BMW 525I WAS SITTING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE WHEN IT COUGHT ON FIRE AT THE FUSE PANEL IN THE TRUNK ON THE RIGHT FENDER WELL. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN OVER 100 MILES THAT DAY. MY STEP-DAUGHTER HAD GOTTEN HOME AT MIDNIGHT AND PARKED THE CAR. SHE SAID THE CAR WAS FINE WHEN SHE GOT HOME AT 3;30 AM MY NEIGHBOR KNOCKED ON MY DOOR TO TELL ME THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO PUT IT OUT AS EVER TIME WE WOULD GET THE FIRE OUT IT WOULD SPARK AND START AGAIN. THEY REPORTED THAT IT WAS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11155751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,000 milesRoanoke, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON DEC.2 MY 2004 BMW 525I WAS SITTING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE WHEN IT COUGHT ON FIRE AT THE FUSE PANEL IN THE TRUNK ON THE RIGHT FENDER WELL. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN OVER 100 MILES THAT DAY. MY STEP-DAUGHTER HAD GOTTEN HOME AT MIDNIGHT AND PARKED THE CAR. SHE SAID THE CAR WAS FINE WHEN SHE GOT HOME AT 3;30 AM MY NEIGHBOR KNOCKED ON MY DOOR TO TELL ME THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO PUT IT OUT AS EVER TIME WE WOULD GET THE FIRE OUT IT WOULD SPARK AND START AGAIN. THEY REPORTED THAT IT WAS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11155751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPheonix, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW 525I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, A NEIGHBOR NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY BATTERY CABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED IN THE FIRE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO SMOKE INHALATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN LOCAL BMW DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11098001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,000 milesThomasville, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MICRO POWER MODULE (MPM) STARTED SMOKING WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING ERRATIC ENGINE RPM, AND CAUSING SMOKE INSIDE CABIN AND BURNT ELECTRONICS SMELL. COMPLETE LOSS OF RADIO AND IDRIVE FUNCTIONALITY. MODULE IS LOCATED IN TRUNK UNDER THE SPARE TIRE. NOTIFIED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, AND THEY JUST SAID THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT COULD POSSIBLY START A FIRE. SEVERAL BMW ONLINE FORUMS HAVE DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE. OTHERS HAVE REMEDIED THE PROBLEM BY RELOCATING THE MODULE TO A HIGHER PLACE IN THE TRUNK. MOST OF WHO OWN THESE CARS DO NOT KNOW THAT THESE VEHICLES HAVE THIS VULNERABILITY. VEHICLE WAS MOVING IN THE EARLY MORNING WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11010814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesLittle Rock, AR
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING APPEARS EACH TIME WE GET INTO THE VEHICLE AND START THE IGNITION. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT RED ICON CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CAR DOES NOT COOL OR GET COLD UNTIL THE CAR IS IN MOTION. WE HAD A MECHANIC WHO WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM 3 YEARS AGO TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO NOT COOL PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #11005486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesLittle Rock, AR
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING APPEARS EACH TIME WE GET INTO THE VEHICLE AND START THE IGNITION. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT RED ICON CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CAR DOES NOT COOL OR GET COLD UNTIL THE CAR IS IN MOTION. WE HAD A MECHANIC WHO WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM 3 YEARS AGO TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO NOT COOL PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #11005486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesLittle Rock, AR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING APPEARS EACH TIME WE GET INTO THE VEHICLE AND START THE IGNITION. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT RED ICON CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CAR DOES NOT COOL OR GET COLD UNTIL THE CAR IS IN MOTION. WE HAD A MECHANIC WHO WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM 3 YEARS AGO TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO NOT COOL PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #11005486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPhoenix, AZFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BLEW UP IN THE GARAGE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS STARTED BY THE BATTERY CABLE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED HOSPITALIZATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE CONTACT'S HOME WAS DAMAGED EXTENSIVELY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (CHAPMAN BMW IN PHOENIX, AR) WHERE A RECALL REPAIR OF THE BATTERY CABLE WAS PERFORMED. THE RECALL INFORMATION WAS LOST IN THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11003723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,354 milesSAN Jose, CA
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHT ON,EFFECTING AIRBAG,BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER. CALLED BMW WAS TOLD VIN NUMBER NOT IN RECALL HOW CAN THAT BE RECALL IS FOR 2004 BMW. COST IS OVER 1000. CAR WAS STATIONARY.
NHTSA complaint #10958698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesKeene, NHFire
SEATS
LITERALLY A COUPLE WEEKS AGO MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE BURNING A VERY DEEP HOLE THROUGH TO THE FRONT OF THE SEAT AND BURNING A HOLE IN MY JACKED THEN BURNING MY SKIN. IMMEDIATELY I NOTIFIED BMW WHO WAS EXTREMELY ACCOMMODATING EVEN HELPING ME SCHEDULE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT.. THEN THE DEALERSHIP CLOSEST TO ME CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T DO RECALLS AND THEY COULDN'T ASSIST ME. AFTER BMW NORTH AMERICA AUTHORIZED THIS. I HAD AN EXTRA VEHICLE UNTIL LAST WEEK WHEN MY DAUGHTER BROUGHT OUR BMW X3 TO COLLEGE WITH HER. THEY HIGHLY SUGGESTED WE NOT USE THE VEHICLE UNTIL ITS REPAIRED THE SEAT HEATER KEEPS INTERMITTENTLY GOING OFF AND WON'T TURN OFF AND THEN IT STARTS BURNING . I'VE BEEN AFRAID OF DRIVING IT BECAUSE OF THE FRIGHTENING BURNING SMELL. I WOULDN'T BE WRITING U IF I WASN'T BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE BY BMW . NOW I'M WITHOUT TRANSPO AND I HAVE A CHILD WITH EPILEPSY WHO I NEED ADEQUATE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION FOR. IT DIFFICULT BEING TOLD YES BY BMW NORTH AMERICA THEN THE DEALER WON'T ACCOMMODATE YOU UNLESS YOU CONSIDER REPLACING YOUR VEHICLE WITH A NEW BMW! I AM VERY UPSET AND DISAPPOINTED WITH W
NHTSA complaint #10954313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keene, NHFire
SEATS
I REALLY NEED SOME ASSISTANCE. MY SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE SEAT HEATER KEEPS TURNING ON AND OCCASIONALLY WON'T GO OFF I'VE DRIVEN THE CAR MAYBE 35 MINUTES TOPS SINCE THE SEAT CAUGHT FIRE 3 WEEKS AGO. BMW NORTH AMERICA HAS TRIED TO ASSIST ME, UNFORTUNATELY THE DEALERS ARE EITHER BOOKED SOLID OR ARE CAPABLE OF FIXING THIS TECHNICAL A PROBLEM. THEY'VE AGREED TO FIX EVERYTHING FOR FREE & PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER CAR UNTIL THE ISSUES ARE TOTALLY RESOLVED BMW DOES NOT WANT MY VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE AGAIN. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE IT UNFORTUNATELY NONE OF THE DEALERSHIP CONSIDER A CAR FIRE TOP PRIORITY. THERE IS A HUGE LIKELIHOOD IT COULD CONTINUE BURNING WITHOUT IMMEDIATE REPAIRS. I WISH BMW NORTH AMERICA WOULD ASSIST ME LIKE THEY SAID. I'VE HAD 8 BMW'S AND NEVER HAVE I HAD AN ISSUE . THAT IS WHY I'VE BOUGHT BMW'S BECAUSE AS LONG AS I DID ALL THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE (A SIDE FROM THIS ONE) MY VEHICLES HAVE BEEN NOT ONLY RELIABLE BUT A PLEASURE TO OWN. I'VE HAD VERY FEW ISSUES WITH MY CURRENT E60 UNTIL 3 WEEKS AGO. SINCE THEN MY LIFE HAS BEEN CHAOTIC BORROWING VEHICLES RENTING VEHICLES AND RELYING ON OTHERS BECAUSE BMW DOESN'T PRIORITIZE CAR FIRES. I NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME OTHERWISE I WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO CONTINUE DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT IS A DANGER TO MYSELF AS WELL AS MY MINOR CHILD AND ANY OTHER VEHICLE AROUND ME IF IT WERE TO BECOME FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. PLEASE CALL ME AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE SO I CAN BE SAFE . MY CONTACT INFO IS [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] EMAIL [XXX] CALL ME DAY OR NIGHT I'LL BE READY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE PROPER FACILITY FOR REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED ALL DEALERSHIP IN NEW HAMPSHIRE . TULLEY BMW SAID THAT THE REPAIR WAS BEYOND THEIR EXPERTISE. I SPOKE TO AN ABSOLUTELY CLUELESS GENTLEMAN NAME [XXX] AT TULLEY BMW NASHUA *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10954390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keene, NHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I REALLY NEED SOME ASSISTANCE. MY SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE SEAT HEATER KEEPS TURNING ON AND OCCASIONALLY WON'T GO OFF I'VE DRIVEN THE CAR MAYBE 35 MINUTES TOPS SINCE THE SEAT CAUGHT FIRE 3 WEEKS AGO. BMW NORTH AMERICA HAS TRIED TO ASSIST ME, UNFORTUNATELY THE DEALERS ARE EITHER BOOKED SOLID OR ARE CAPABLE OF FIXING THIS TECHNICAL A PROBLEM. THEY'VE AGREED TO FIX EVERYTHING FOR FREE & PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER CAR UNTIL THE ISSUES ARE TOTALLY RESOLVED BMW DOES NOT WANT MY VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE AGAIN. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE IT UNFORTUNATELY NONE OF THE DEALERSHIP CONSIDER A CAR FIRE TOP PRIORITY. THERE IS A HUGE LIKELIHOOD IT COULD CONTINUE BURNING WITHOUT IMMEDIATE REPAIRS. I WISH BMW NORTH AMERICA WOULD ASSIST ME LIKE THEY SAID. I'VE HAD 8 BMW'S AND NEVER HAVE I HAD AN ISSUE . THAT IS WHY I'VE BOUGHT BMW'S BECAUSE AS LONG AS I DID ALL THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE (A SIDE FROM THIS ONE) MY VEHICLES HAVE BEEN NOT ONLY RELIABLE BUT A PLEASURE TO OWN. I'VE HAD VERY FEW ISSUES WITH MY CURRENT E60 UNTIL 3 WEEKS AGO. SINCE THEN MY LIFE HAS BEEN CHAOTIC BORROWING VEHICLES RENTING VEHICLES AND RELYING ON OTHERS BECAUSE BMW DOESN'T PRIORITIZE CAR FIRES. I NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME OTHERWISE I WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO CONTINUE DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT IS A DANGER TO MYSELF AS WELL AS MY MINOR CHILD AND ANY OTHER VEHICLE AROUND ME IF IT WERE TO BECOME FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. PLEASE CALL ME AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE SO I CAN BE SAFE . MY CONTACT INFO IS [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] EMAIL [XXX] CALL ME DAY OR NIGHT I'LL BE READY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE PROPER FACILITY FOR REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED ALL DEALERSHIP IN NEW HAMPSHIRE . TULLEY BMW SAID THAT THE REPAIR WAS BEYOND THEIR EXPERTISE. I SPOKE TO AN ABSOLUTELY CLUELESS GENTLEMAN NAME [XXX] AT TULLEY BMW NASHUA *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10954390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesLakeland, TNFire
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO WORK AND STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING. ALL ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHTS STARTED LIGHTING UP THE DASH AND THEN DISPLAYS GO BLANK. PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WAS FILLING UP WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER GLOVE BOX. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT. WE DISCONNECTED BATTERY AND TOOK TO BMW. THEY SAID MICRO-PROCESSOR LOCATED IN SPARE TIRE STORAGE AREA HAD SHORTED OUT DUE TO WATER. I DON'T CARRY COOLERS AND DON'T LEAVE MY TRUNK OPEN WHEN IT RAINS. HOW DID WATER GET THERE. BULLETINS SHOW THAT SUNROOF DRAINS GET CLOGGED AND WATER GETS INTO TRUNK AND SHORTS OUT ELECTRICAL. SERVICE BULLETIN SAYS IF THIS HAPPENS, CUSTOMER PAY BUT MOVE ELECTRICAL TO WHERE IT CAN'T GET WET. SO BMW KNOWS IT'S A PROBLEM AND CAN CAUSE A FIRE BUT DOESN'T CARE TO COVER REPAIR. NOW I'M STUCK WITH $1000 REPAIR FOR MICRO-PROCESSOR JUST TO BE ABLE TO TELL WHAT ELSE IS BURNED UP. I HAVE TO PAY BEFORE I WILL KNOW IF IT WILL COST AN ADDITIONAL $5,000 TO REPAIR. I'M LUCKY ELECTRICAL DIDN'T CATCH FIRE AND BURN UP ENTIRE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10924120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesLakeland, TNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO WORK AND STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING. ALL ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHTS STARTED LIGHTING UP THE DASH AND THEN DISPLAYS GO BLANK. PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WAS FILLING UP WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER GLOVE BOX. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT. WE DISCONNECTED BATTERY AND TOOK TO BMW. THEY SAID MICRO-PROCESSOR LOCATED IN SPARE TIRE STORAGE AREA HAD SHORTED OUT DUE TO WATER. I DON'T CARRY COOLERS AND DON'T LEAVE MY TRUNK OPEN WHEN IT RAINS. HOW DID WATER GET THERE. BULLETINS SHOW THAT SUNROOF DRAINS GET CLOGGED AND WATER GETS INTO TRUNK AND SHORTS OUT ELECTRICAL. SERVICE BULLETIN SAYS IF THIS HAPPENS, CUSTOMER PAY BUT MOVE ELECTRICAL TO WHERE IT CAN'T GET WET. SO BMW KNOWS IT'S A PROBLEM AND CAN CAUSE A FIRE BUT DOESN'T CARE TO COVER REPAIR. NOW I'M STUCK WITH $1000 REPAIR FOR MICRO-PROCESSOR JUST TO BE ABLE TO TELL WHAT ELSE IS BURNED UP. I HAVE TO PAY BEFORE I WILL KNOW IF IT WILL COST AN ADDITIONAL $5,000 TO REPAIR. I'M LUCKY ELECTRICAL DIDN'T CATCH FIRE AND BURN UP ENTIRE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10924120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesLakeland, TNFire
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO WORK AND STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING. ALL ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHTS STARTED LIGHTING UP THE DASH AND THEN DISPLAYS GO BLANK. PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WAS FILLING UP WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER GLOVE BOX. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT. WE DISCONNECTED BATTERY AND TOOK TO BMW. THEY SAID MICRO-PROCESSOR LOCATED IN SPARE TIRE STORAGE AREA HAD SHORTED OUT DUE TO WATER. I DON'T CARRY COOLERS AND DON'T LEAVE MY TRUNK OPEN WHEN IT RAINS. HOW DID WATER GET THERE. BULLETINS SHOW THAT SUNROOF DRAINS GET CLOGGED AND WATER GETS INTO TRUNK AND SHORTS OUT ELECTRICAL. SERVICE BULLETIN SAYS IF THIS HAPPENS, CUSTOMER PAY BUT MOVE ELECTRICAL TO WHERE IT CAN'T GET WET. SO BMW KNOWS IT'S A PROBLEM AND CAN CAUSE A FIRE BUT DOESN'T CARE TO COVER REPAIR. NOW I'M STUCK WITH $1000 REPAIR FOR MICRO-PROCESSOR JUST TO BE ABLE TO TELL WHAT ELSE IS BURNED UP. I HAVE TO PAY BEFORE I WILL KNOW IF IT WILL COST AN ADDITIONAL $5,000 TO REPAIR. I'M LUCKY ELECTRICAL DIDN'T CATCH FIRE AND BURN UP ENTIRE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10924120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,799 milesNewport News, VA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,799.
NHTSA complaint #10882166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, RIFire
SEATS
WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 BMW 525I, MY RIGHT HIP STARTED BURNING. FOLLOWED BY AN ODOR. WHEN I PULLED THE CAR OVER, I LOOKED TO MY RIGHT & ON THE BACK PORTION OF THE SEAT I NOTICED A BURN MARK. THE SEAT HEATER GOT SO HOT THAT IT BURNED MY BLOUSE TO THE SEAT. I SENT AN EMAIL TO BMW WHO RESPONDED THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME AFTER ASKING ME TO SEND THEM MY VIN #, ALONG WITH PICTURES OF THE SEAT. I DID SO, AND AS OF TODAY NO ONE HAS GOTTEN IN TOUCH WITH ME. (?) AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR BRAND-NEW IN 2004 THIS SAME SITUATION HAPPENED TO THE PASSENGER SEAT IN 2005-06. THE SEAT LITERALLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH MY MOTHER SITTING IN IT. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN MASSACHUSETTS RESPECTFULLY DID THE RIGHT THING AND REPLACED IT, "IMMEDIATELY" FOR ME. ~ IT IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE, THAT A COMPANY SUCH AS "B-M-W" IS NOT ONLY NOT STANDING BEHIND THIS ONGOING ISSUE, BUT REFUSES TO GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH THE CONSUMERS TO COME TO SOME RESOLUTION OF THEIR INFERIOR & DAMAGED PRODUCT. WHICH AT SOME POINT, WILL CAUSE BODILY HARM AND POSSIBLY GIVE SOMEONE THIRD DEGREE BURNS. MAYBE IT WILL TAKE A SERIOUS INJURY OR DATELINE NBC TO RUN AN UNDERCOVER PROGRAM, BEFORE BMW MANUFACTURERS SMARTEN UP & FIX THIS UNACCEPTABLE ISSUE WITH A FEATURE WE ALL PAID EXTRA TO HAVE... THE COLD WEATHER PACKAGE. ~IN CLOSING; I WAS ONCE TOLD BY OTHER OWNERS I WOULD NEVER GO BACK TO ANY OTHER CAR ONCE I OWNED A BMW. I HONESTLY CAN SAY THIS EXPERIENCE HAS CHANGED MY OPINION OF THAT. BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE IS OUTSTANDING UNTIL THE WARRANTEES ARE GONE AND UNTIL THERE ARE NO MORE RECALLS. AT LEAST AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL. YOU HAVE A BETTER CHANCE GOING BACK INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHO WELCOMES & VALUES YOUR CONTINUED BUSINESS! WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT FROM SUCH A HIGH END MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #10854213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, RIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 BMW 525I, MY RIGHT HIP STARTED BURNING. FOLLOWED BY AN ODOR. WHEN I PULLED THE CAR OVER, I LOOKED TO MY RIGHT & ON THE BACK PORTION OF THE SEAT I NOTICED A BURN MARK. THE SEAT HEATER GOT SO HOT THAT IT BURNED MY BLOUSE TO THE SEAT. I SENT AN EMAIL TO BMW WHO RESPONDED THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME AFTER ASKING ME TO SEND THEM MY VIN #, ALONG WITH PICTURES OF THE SEAT. I DID SO, AND AS OF TODAY NO ONE HAS GOTTEN IN TOUCH WITH ME. (?) AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR BRAND-NEW IN 2004 THIS SAME SITUATION HAPPENED TO THE PASSENGER SEAT IN 2005-06. THE SEAT LITERALLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH MY MOTHER SITTING IN IT. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN MASSACHUSETTS RESPECTFULLY DID THE RIGHT THING AND REPLACED IT, "IMMEDIATELY" FOR ME. ~ IT IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE, THAT A COMPANY SUCH AS "B-M-W" IS NOT ONLY NOT STANDING BEHIND THIS ONGOING ISSUE, BUT REFUSES TO GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH THE CONSUMERS TO COME TO SOME RESOLUTION OF THEIR INFERIOR & DAMAGED PRODUCT. WHICH AT SOME POINT, WILL CAUSE BODILY HARM AND POSSIBLY GIVE SOMEONE THIRD DEGREE BURNS. MAYBE IT WILL TAKE A SERIOUS INJURY OR DATELINE NBC TO RUN AN UNDERCOVER PROGRAM, BEFORE BMW MANUFACTURERS SMARTEN UP & FIX THIS UNACCEPTABLE ISSUE WITH A FEATURE WE ALL PAID EXTRA TO HAVE... THE COLD WEATHER PACKAGE. ~IN CLOSING; I WAS ONCE TOLD BY OTHER OWNERS I WOULD NEVER GO BACK TO ANY OTHER CAR ONCE I OWNED A BMW. I HONESTLY CAN SAY THIS EXPERIENCE HAS CHANGED MY OPINION OF THAT. BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE IS OUTSTANDING UNTIL THE WARRANTEES ARE GONE AND UNTIL THERE ARE NO MORE RECALLS. AT LEAST AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL. YOU HAVE A BETTER CHANCE GOING BACK INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHO WELCOMES & VALUES YOUR CONTINUED BUSINESS! WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT FROM SUCH A HIGH END MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #10854213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
ENGINE
SINCE 2012, THE NIGHTMARES BEGIN WITH TRYING TO GET MY 525I SMOGGED, FROM WEBER BMW FRESNO UNDER A WHOOPING $500.00. EVERY TIME THE SMOG IS DUE WHICH IS EVER 2-YRS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.... AND BMW GIVES YOU THE CODE YOU REPLACE WHAT THE CODE SAYS AND THEN GUESS WHAT THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON THEY KEEP CHARGING YOU A DIAGNOSTICS CHARGE OF $130.00 EACH TIME AND WHEN YOU GET TO $500.00 THEY NOW KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WHICH WILL COST YOU AROUND $1000.00 OR SO. BMW GAVE HIM A CODE FOR $130.00, HE MADE THE REPAIR BASED ON THEIR INFORMATION AND GUESS WHAT IT DIDN'T PASS SMOG. SO, MY MECHANIC TOOK IT BACK, SERVICE ADVISER NOT IN WHO HANDLED THE CAR THE FIRST TIME SO THEIR IS ANOTHER DIAGNOSTICS FEE OF $130.00, MY MECHANIC TELLS THEM FINE JUST SMOG IT. WELL IT'S BEEN TWO WEEKS WITH THE BMW SERVICE CENTER, THEY CLAIM TO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS BUT THEY NEED AUTHORIZATION NOW FOR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTICS WHICH WOULD BRING THE TOTAL TO $520.00, AND YOU GUESSED IT THE CAR STILL HASN'T PASSED SMOG. I CALLED TO SPEAK TO THE SERVICE MANGER ON 2/11, FOR ASSISTANCE AND OF COURSE HE IS GOING TO LOOK INTO IT AND CALL ME BACK. MY MECHANIC SAYS HE WAS LAST INFORMED THIS SAME THING BY THE SERVICE MANAGER BUT THE SERVICE ADVISER SAID HE WOULD NEED AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH THE CHARGE OF $520.00 IN ORDER TO DO ANOTHER DIAGNOSTICS?? ...WHEN IN FACT ALL THEY DO IS RAKE UP FALSE CHARGES AND CODES BASED ON THE MILEAGE OF YOUR VEHICLE, YOU CAN FORGET THE FACT THAT YOU KEEP UP THE MAINTENANCE ON YOUR VEHICLE, IT WON'T MATTER WHEN THE TIME COMES TO GET YOUR VEHICLE SMOG BE PREPARED TO BE SCAMMED BY WEBER BMW IN FRESNO.
NHTSA complaint #10836455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesGAY, GA
SEAT BELTS
I PURCHASED A USE 2004 BMW 525I AND WITHIN 2 DAYS THE A MESSAGE CAME UP INDICATING PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG/SEAT BELT ISSUE, REMAIN USING YOUR SEAT BELT BUT SEE YOUR NEAREST BMW CENTER.
NHTSA complaint #10824768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesGAY, GA
AIR BAGS
I PURCHASED A USE 2004 BMW 525I AND WITHIN 2 DAYS THE A MESSAGE CAME UP INDICATING PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG/SEAT BELT ISSUE, REMAIN USING YOUR SEAT BELT BUT SEE YOUR NEAREST BMW CENTER.
NHTSA complaint #10824768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesYanceyville, NC
AIR BAGS
I EXPERIENCED A ROUGH IDLE WHILE PARKED OR STOPPED AT LIGHT. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS A VAC LEAK ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE VAC PUMP WHICH COULD CAUSE BRAKE DAMAGE AND/OR FAILURE. BMW STATED THAT THE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS VIN SPECIFIC. #2 PASSENGER RESTRAINT AND AIR BAG LITE ARE ON, SAME ANSWER FROM BMW.
NHTSA complaint #10822225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesYanceyville, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
I EXPERIENCED A ROUGH IDLE WHILE PARKED OR STOPPED AT LIGHT. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS A VAC LEAK ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE VAC PUMP WHICH COULD CAUSE BRAKE DAMAGE AND/OR FAILURE. BMW STATED THAT THE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS VIN SPECIFIC. #2 PASSENGER RESTRAINT AND AIR BAG LITE ARE ON, SAME ANSWER FROM BMW.
NHTSA complaint #10822225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesOxnard, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART UNTIL AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10780148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesClinton, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND SMELLED A BURNING SMELL. TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER. THE SEAT FELT VERY HOT ON MY LOWER BACK. WHEN I GOT TO WORK NOTICED THAT THE LEATHER WAS BURNED THROUGH ON THE DRIVERS LEFT SIDE. YOU CAN SEE THE EXPOSED WIRING. VERY DANGEROUS. BMW WOULD NOT REPLACE. IN SEARCHING ON LINE, I SAW THAT THIS IS A COMMON SITUATION ON THE SEAT HEATER ELEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10731387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.