2004 BMW 525I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 84 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 BMW 525I, 8% of the 84 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“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 miles“2004 525I Bmw with 70,000 mi had transmission go out suddenly. I am the original owner and have had all scheduled maintenance at the dealer where the car was purchased. I was told the transmission is a total loss and it is nothing that I did or could have prevented, but the repair bill is ~7,000.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10283339, filed 2009-09, 70,000 miles“I own a 2004 Bmw 525I with 119,000 miles on the engine. I experienced my car making a thump sound and then the I would lose acceleration. I called the mechanic and they could not find the problem because it did not show the dash errors. This had been going on for 3 weeks and then the mechanic told me my transmission needed replacing. I am disappointed that this is a common problem and nothing is being done about this. I will never buy a Bmw again.”
NHTSA complaint #10436149, filed 2011-11, 119,000 miles“My 2004 Bmw 525I transmission has failed. I was driving and had stopped at a stop sign and attempted to proceed and the car inched out and just stopped.. I almost had an accident at that time because the car would not proceed in the intersection.. A message on the dash read that the trans drive safe drive moderately or something to that effect. When I got to my destination I turned the care off. The next time I started the car the message was gone until about two weeks later. …”
NHTSA complaint #10251684, filed 2008-12, 42,000 miles“I own a 2004 Bmw 525I with 92,000 miles on the engine. I experienced my car cutting back and thought I needed a tune up. I called my mechanic who stated I didn't need a tune up. He requested that I bring the car in to the shop. The next week I was driving along and the car slowed down losing acceleration. The message on the diagnostic screen stated transmission fault . Car will lose acceleration and you may not be able to go into reverse . Failsafe status..drive moderately. I took my car to my mechanic. He put the car on the diagnostic machine and stated no code was indicated. …”
NHTSA complaint #10284870, filed 2009-09, 92,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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…
- 10148034Sep 1, 2014"Intelligent Battery Sensor Diagnosis Hints. The vehicle enters the workshop with one or more of the following complaints: * Check Control Message related to battery discharge *…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 4 | 6% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 11% |
| 2004 | 7 | 8% |
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 9% |
| 1995 | 2 | 8% |
| 1994 | 1 | 14% |
| 1993 | 1 | 20% |
| 1992 | 1 | 6% |
| 1991 | 1 | 8% |
| 1990 | 3 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 525I
33 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsSeats
17 complaintsSeat belts
14 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 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