2004 BMW 3 Series Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,515miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 BMW 3 Series, 4% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,515 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw 330i. The contact stated that the steering wheel vibrates, the vehicle shakes during acceleration and braking, all four tires were dry rotted, the ABS light illuminates on the instrument panel, and a knocking noise is heard during acceleration. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact had to depress the brake pedal all the way to the floor for the brakes to activate approximately ten seconds later. …”
NHTSA complaint #10219042, filed 2008-02, 25,000 miles“2004 Bmw 330xi sedan (e46) rear tail light indicator light consistently comes on, even though there is no tail lamp failure. Online community forums report that this is likely due to ground wire short in the tail lamp assembly. Cost of repair at dealership estimated at $700. Currently being investigated by NHTSA as ea09-019, but I'm wary of being overcharged by dealership for what should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10362173, filed 2010-10Related service bulletins
- 10030844Aug 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: teileclearing for dynamic stability control (dsc). A part replacement authorization must be obtained by submitting a tc case in puma before any of the following dsc…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2 | 10% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 5 | 4% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 3 | 4% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 2 | 8% |
| 2001 | 2 | 6% |
| 2000 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 3 Series
42 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology