2004 BMW 525I Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 25%of 84 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 BMW 525I, 25% of the 84 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 9 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving down the road and smelled a burning smell. Turned off the seat heater. The seat felt very hot on my lower back. When I got to work noticed that the leather was burned through on the drivers left side. You can see the exposed wiring. Very dangerous. Bmw would not replace. In searching on line, I saw that this is a common situation on the seat heater element.”
NHTSA complaint #10731387, filed 2015-06, 160,000 miles“My navigation and radio system just stopped working and I had taken it to the dealership and they said that it was common for the car communications computer to go bad and that they would replace it for 1300.00 and the fact that it was common that the part went bad that often was confusing and I think should be a recall for that part.”
NHTSA complaint #10483811, filed 2012-11, 140,000 miles“My problem with my vehicle was all of a sudden when I tried to unlock my car only the front driver and passenger doors unlocked. My rear doors remained locked. I cannot open my doors from the outside or inside and I am worried if I ever have an emergency and my passengers have to get out they cannot. Also with this problem my interior lighting went out. This isn't an issue but my doors are.”
NHTSA complaint #10439304, filed 2011-12, 89,627 miles“I started my car and turned the seat heater on low. Approx 5 mins later, smoke started coming out of the dash because the seat heater had burned two holes in the leather and smoke had circulated in my car. I stopped the car, turned it off, and turned it back on and the smoke cleared. I had contacted my local dealer and Bmw na in dec 2012 because I felt the seat heaters were getting too hot - the drivers seat registered 132 degrees at that time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567498, filed 2014-03, 69,000 miles“I was driving on my way to work and started smelling something burning. All electrical warning lights started lighting up the dash and then displays go blank. Passenger compartment was filling up with smoke coming from under glove box. I pulled over and called fire department. We disconnected battery and took to Bmw. They said micro-processor located in spare tire storage area had shorted out due to water. I don't carry coolers and don't leave my trunk open when it rains. How did water get there. …”
NHTSA complaint #10924120, filed 2016-11, 156,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has…
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10162428Jul 10, 2019Various Electrical Problems Caused by Water Ingress. Water ingress into the luggage compartment may cause various electrical problems or faults associated with the MPM (Micro…
- 10146779Nov 1, 2016Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015.. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
- 10151119Feb 1, 2016SI B84 03 14 February 2016 Communication Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 14 dated October 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection…
- 10151115Feb 1, 2016SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 14 | 19% |
| 2006 | 7 | 9% |
| 2005 | 4 | 11% |
| 2004 | 21 | 25% |
| 2003 | 8 | 25% |
| 2002 | 5 | 17% |
| 2001 | 6 | 27% |
| 1995 | 4 | 17% |
| 1994 | 1 | 14% |
| 1993 | 1 | 20% |
| 1992 | 4 | 22% |
| 1991 | 3 | 23% |
| 1990 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 525I
33 complaintsSeats
17 complaintsSeat belts
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 525I
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