2004 BMW 5 Series Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%of 64 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 BMW 5 Series, 3% of the 64 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,500 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.
“Engine tapping/knocking on first drive of day. 8 service visits. Service by Bmw confirmed noise is not normal. Escalated to Bmw na 3 times. First serviced under Bmw original warranty. Bmw claims just a noisy engine by design. Even though Bmw claimed it was normal, Bmw could not tell me what it was or coming from. Bmw is not compliant in performing under the new car warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10253754, filed 2009-01, 44,000 miles“For three years blue smoke occasionally comes from exhaust in spite of major engine repair. Electrical problem for 1 and 1/2 years results in car not starting has been in for repairs 4 times.”
NHTSA complaint #10242356, filed 2008-09, 25,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the…
- 10032779Nov 1, 2012Bmw vehicle: the service engine soon (mil) lamp is illuminated and a power reduction is clearly perceptible. This situation may occur after driving for some time with the engine…
- 10031684Aug 1, 2011Bmw: complaints that the engine management system has entered the engine failsafe mode and that the turbocharger boost is reduced. E82, e88, e90, e92, e93, e60, e61, and e71. All…
- 10040852Jul 1, 2011Bmw: the service engine soon light is on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10028370Nov 1, 2010Bmw: check engine lamp illuminated and/or vehicle overheats. Models e83, e85, e86, e70, e90, e91, e92, e93, e60 and e61. *pe updated 5/24/11.
- 10037010Jul 1, 2010Bmw: six different models equipped with the m54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. This is due to moisture accumulation.
- 10029444Apr 1, 2010Bmw: vehicle has a check control message self leveling suspension failed/malfunctioning displayed. At least one of the following fault codes is stored and is currently present in…
- 10032650Oct 1, 2009Bmw: service engine soon lamp illuminated-fc 23f4 map thermostat. In some vehicles have insufficient heat. E90, e91 (3 series), e60, e61 (5 series) 3/06 and e83 (x3 series) 9/08.
- 10029025Mar 1, 2009Bmw: small number of vehicles experience problems ranging from leaking oil filler caps, leaking or broken valve covers, to complete engine failure in extremely cold climate…
- 10025584Apr 1, 2008N54 rattle noise from turbocharger area. Models e90, e92 and e93 (3 series) 335i and 335xi; e60 and e61 (5 series) 535i and 535xi, all with n54 engine from the start of…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 5 Series
29 complaintsSeats
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 5 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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