2004 BMW 6 Series: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 BMW 6 Series: 4 recalls, 3 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V303000 · 2004 · 7,532 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8-cylinder engines, a circular retention clip at the quick-release coupling along the fuel supply line was inadvertently not installed.
Why it matters: In the event of a severe frontal crash, the quick-release coupling could separate causing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a circular retention clip at the quick-release coupling along the fuel supply line. The recall began on July 5, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #04V344000 · 2004 · 4,102 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (emc) units were not produced according to specifications.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #10V446000 · 2010 · 198,352 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010.
Electrical Vehicle recall #12V126000 · 2012 · 367,682 vehicles
What's wrong: The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
Why it matters: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #12E029000 · 2012 · 585 vehicles
What's wrong: This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor May overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on…
Why it matters: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
The fix: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by valeo, not by BMW. For further information,
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2004 BMW 6 Series has 3 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 8 6 Series model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 3). Neighboring years: 2005 (7 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 21 | 16 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 21 | 16 | 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 6 Series.
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.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 BMW 6 Series have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2004 BMW 6 Series, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 BMW 6 Series problems?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (1), electrical (1), transmission & drivetrain (1).
What gas mileage does the 2004 BMW 6 Series get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic (S6)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 BMW 6 Series 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.