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.
2004 BMW 525I airbags problems
33 complaints (39% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 95,000.
- owner complaints
- 33
- of this car's complaints
- 39%
- typical mileage
- 95,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Frontal6
- Frontal: sensor/control module1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
BMW 525I airbags problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 BMW 525I airbags
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
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 the extended warranty are my 06/ 6 series, my 06/ 3-series with standard seats, my04-05/ z4, my04-06/ 7 series, my 06/ x5, and my04-06/ 5-series with comfort seats.the average frequency of failures among the extended warranty groups was less than 1/7th of the recall vehicle groups.please see bmw's 08v‑384 recall notification for further detailsdepending on seat configuration and vehicle geometry, the occupant detection mat can fatigue during use depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit.specifically, over time, micro-cracks could develop in the side flanks of the mat causing a broken circuit.a brokencircuit can lead to the deactivation of the passenger air bag and the illumination of both the air bag warning light and the passenger air bag light.
EA08001
What 2004 BMW 525I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw 525i. While driving at an unknown speed, the "passenger restraint system fault" message displayed and the passenger side air bag sensor illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger side air and restraint systems were faulty. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired again. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 47,000.
There were no accident but if there were an accident we may not be protected due to the airbag default message in my car. I think it should be on the recall list .thank you
I own a 2004 bmw 525i and the passenger side airbag and seat belt sign came on few weeks back. The dealer says its not covered but the federal safety agency site indicates it is covered on bmw 525i 2004 vehicles. This dealer is estimating a $650.00 diagnostic fee to see what need to be done. What can be done to get the passenger side air bag sensor fault issue? My last option is the junk yard, and never buy a bmw.
I own bmw 525i 2004 since 2004. The passenger side airbag sign turn on in 2010 and I contacted the dealer and they refuse to fix it "stating that it is not a covered item". I came across this site which has this bmw recall on bmw 525i 2004 vehicles. I called into the dealer again and tell them about the recall, but they still refuse to service and stated that it is not covered for your particular vehicle. According to this site my04 through my06 subject vehicles built through 11/30/05 have the passenger side air bag sensor fault issue. This is a very critical safety equipment as in case of any incident, air bag will not deploy. Please help me as you are the safety grail for autos.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw 525i. The contact stated that the passenger restraint system, fault in passenger restraint system affecting air bag, and belt tensioner/belt force limiter warning lights were continuously illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact about the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v384000 (air bags); however, the statute of limitation surpassed and the vehicle was no longer eligible for the repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw 525i. The contact stated while starting the ignition, the front seat passenger air bag warning indicator illuminated until the engine was turned off. The failure recurred two times. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 209,000.
Questions about the 2004 BMW 525I airbags
Does the 2004 BMW 525I have airbags problems?
Owners have filed 33 complaints about the airbags of the 2004 BMW 525I, 39% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2004 BMW 525I airbags problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 95,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2004 BMW 525I airbags?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the BMW 525I have bad airbags?
The BMW 525I model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (44 complaints), 2004 (33 complaints) and 2007 (25 complaints).
Other 2004 BMW 525I problems
Electrical 21Seats 17Seat belts 14Transmission 7Body 4Brakes 4Acceleration 3Engine 3Lights 2Steering 2Visibility 2Driver assistance 1Locks 1Tires 1Wheels 1
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