2004 BMW 525I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 BMW 525I: 0 recalls, 84 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 17 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (33): the most common themes are warning light on (20), fails to deploy (2).
- Electrical (21): the most common themes are fire / smoke (11), electrical failure (6).
- Seats (17): the most common themes are fire / smoke (11), warning light on (2).
- Seat belts (14): the most common themes are warning light on (5).
The 2004 BMW 525I has 84 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 20 525I model years for complaints (3.9× the average 525I year). Complaints peaked in 2012 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 89,313 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (32 complaints, 2 recalls), 2005 (35 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 BMW 525I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 BMW 525I have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2004 BMW 525I. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2004 BMW 525I problems?
Owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (33), electrical (21), seats (17).
What gas mileage does the 2004 BMW 525I get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S6)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 BMW 525I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.