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2004 BMW 6 Series problems

The most common problem on the 2004 BMW 6 Series is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical 6 Series model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
29
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 2004 BMW 6 Series problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 4

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported March 26, 2012 · 367,682 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. 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.
Risk
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.
Remedy
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. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 12V126000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuumReported October 1, 2010 · 198,352 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 10V446000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported July 14, 2004 · 4,102 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 04V344000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasolineReported June 23, 2004 · 7,532 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 04V303000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2004 BMW 6 Series

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 BMW 6 Series 29

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 29 bulletins for the 2004 BMW 6 Series

What 2004 BMW 6 Series owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 25, 2011 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · MT

Bmw 645ci: transmission surges between speeds of 30-40mph while applying constant throttle.

Filed Oct 5, 2004 · Electrical · 500 miles · OK

Vehicle stalls and dies while idling or on turning. Vehicle restarts after stall, but all steering is lost until restarted. Bmw has replaced the main computer control board twice (dme). Stalling is still evident. Total number of known stalls - 4. Also, based on postings on http://bimmer. Roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e63/ it appears others have experienced problems with hardware/software on this make, but perhaps not to the same safety level as mine. Almost identical complaint on file with you:make: bmw model: 6 series year: 2004 complaint number: 10091708 summary: 2004 bmw 645: while driving 20 MPH vehicle stalled and consumer was able to restart the vehicle. Consumer took the vehicle to dealership for inspection. Dealership was unable to duplicate problem. The engine stalling problem recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for inspection. Again, dealership could not uncover any defect or malfunction and the vehicle is operating as designed.

Filed Sep 9, 2004 · Engine · CA

2004 bmw 645: while driving 20 MPH vehicle stalled and consumer was able to restart the vehicle. Consumer took the vehicle to dealership for inspection. Dealership was unable to duplicate problem. The engine stalling problem recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for inspection. Again, dealership could not uncover any defect or malfunction and the vehicle is operating as designed. *ak (vehicle build date: may 4, 2004 - excluded from safety recall 04v‑344, which has a build date range beginning with may 12, 2004)

Compare the 2004 BMW 6 Series

Other model years

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Questions about the 2004 BMW 6 Series

Is the 2004 BMW 6 Series reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2004 BMW 6 Series, fewer than a typical 6 Series model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW 6 Series?

Electrical system, with 1 complaint. Next is engine (1).

How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 6 Series have?

4 recalls, covering electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic and power train.

Was there a recall on the 2004 BMW 6 Series electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 12V126000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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