2004 BMW 3 Series Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the visibility of the 2004 BMW 3 Series, 6% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles.
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.
“As reported by other owners, the bi-xenon headlights no longer light up the road. It is a safety hazard and is a known issue with headlights manufactured by zkw on 2003-2005 Bmw 330 models. The reflector bowls on these units burn out over time and reduce the headlights ability to reflect light. Driving at night is literally no better with the headlights on or off. I have to rely on my fog lights just to see anything. Please look into this safety issue as it is wide-spread. Replacement of headlights is expensive at $1300 ea, this has to be resolved by Bmw immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #10628093, filed 2014-08, 45,000 miles“Module that controls central locking, wipers, and several other parts (the gm5) started to develop a fault. We had problems unlocking doors, locking doors, using windows, and worst of all - the wipers were hit or miss. Bmw wanted $750 for the part replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10470141, filed 2012-08, 94,000 miles“Headlight reflectors on hid being burnt therefore not giving enough light when driving at night. This is a common problem with owners of this model that has the zkw brand.”
NHTSA complaint #10732847, filed 2015-07, 112,000 miles“Side view mirrors begin to rust from the bottom up. This problem appears to be related to the heated mirrors but happens to most 3 SERIES Bmw's, despite the climate.”
NHTSA complaint #10339312, filed 2010-06, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 8% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 8 | 4% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 4 | 5% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 3 Series
42 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsBrakes
3 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 29, 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