2004 BMW 525I Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 84 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2004 BMW 525I, 2% of the 84 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,000 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.
“Sudden acceleration on a Bmw 525I 2004. No previous incidents. While turning into a parking space, perpendicular to the road, in front of a bakery, during the final approach the engine suddenly accelerated, abruptly and without a reason, going over the bump stop. The car ended up in the sidewalk, no injuries (fortunately no pedestrians were on the sidewalk at the time). Luckily the driver had the foot on the break pedal and could take action preventing a crash with the building's door and avoiding hitting the people inside the shop. Car was taken to the dealer and will undergo testing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10578099, filed 2014-04, 29,000 miles“Since 2012, the nightmares begin with trying to get my 525I smogged, from weber Bmw fresno under a whooping $500.00. Every time the smog is due which is ever 2-yrs the service engine light comes on.... And Bmw gives you the code you replace what the code says and then guess what the light comes back on they keep charging you a diagnostics charge of $130.00 each time and when you get to $500.00 they now know what the problem is which will cost you around $1000.00 or so. Bmw gave him a code for $130.00, he made the repair based on their information and guess what it didn't pass smog. …”
NHTSA complaint #10836455, filed 2016-02Related service bulletins
- 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…
- 10147598Jan 1, 2015"SUBJECT N62TU: ISTA Service Function for DME ""RAM Backup"". The ISTA Service Function test plan should be performed to clear stored values in the DME RAM memory after repairs…
- 10150065Jun 1, 2013"BMW NA has agreed to extend the emissions warranties of the turbocharger's wastegate to: ??8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the vehicle's…
- 10149589May 1, 2013"N54 Engine: Diagnosis of Cold Start Rough Running with Misfire Faults. The customer may complain that during the cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 525I
33 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsSeats
17 complaintsSeat belts
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 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 27, 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