2004 BMW 530I Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 129 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,702miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2004 BMW 530I, 4% of the 129 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,702 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.
“Subject: 2004 Bmw 535i on october 30,2012 just after hurricane sandy hit the east coast of new jersey, I had occasion to use my 535i. While driving I noticed various warning and fault lights flashing on the control panel, loss of power and the cabin began filling with smoke. With great difficulty, I managed to pull across several lanes to the side of the multi-lane highway I was on (route 42n). Upon inspection I found 6-8 inches of water in the trunk wheel well. Under the spare tire I observed a burning and smoking msm power module. …”
NHTSA complaint #10779408, filed 2015-10, 58,702 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw 530I. The contact noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician stated that the seat mat would have to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 08v384000 (air bags:frontal) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 08-16-12 updated 08/16/2012”
NHTSA complaint #10466415, filed 2012-07, 40,000 miles“Battery cable/terminal melted. Car would not start on several occasions. After sitting ...then car would start. Random start. Also, radio would come on all by itself. Call has just over 100k miles (101,200). Also codes received for cam shaft and air pump which had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10724016, filed 2015-06Related 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
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 12% |
| 2020 | 2 | 20% |
| 2019 | 7 | 47% |
| 2018 | 4 | 15% |
| 2017 | 2 | 11% |
| 2007 | 7 | 10% |
| 2006 | 15 | 18% |
| 2005 | 1 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 4% |
| 2003 | 3 | 7% |
| 2001 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 530I
49 complaintsSeats
29 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 530I
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