2004 BMW 545I Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 27%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 BMW 545I, 27% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,000 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.
“My I drive or ccc has malfunctioned. At first the screen would turn on and off or freeze up. Finally the screen went blank. This unit provide the safety information of the vehicle. This unit also provides the communications such as bluetooth and hands free functions. This unit also provides all the service information/ basically it like driving a vehicle with out a brain. This seems to be a recurring problem with other Bmw owner.”
NHTSA complaint #11018755, filed 2017-08, 174,250 miles“I recently purchased a 2004 Bmw 545I. On the second time having a passenger in the car, while driving down the highway, I was alerted by a chime and message that the passenger side airbag / safety restraint system had failed. Also noticed was that when turning on the driver's seat heater, the seat got very hot in one particular spot- on the left side near my hip (hot enough that I received a minor burn on my leg through a pair of jeans). …”
NHTSA complaint #10663024, filed 2014-12, 91,636 miles“Electrical wiring in headlights are disintegrating. The shielding is dry rotting and flaking off nearly every wire in both headlights causing them to malfunction during driving. Lights will cut off randomly. I'd imagine the wires are shorting out.”
NHTSA complaint #11282786, filed 2019-11, 180,000 miles“Drive moderately keeps popping up an service engine after getting Bmw to check it an fix it also it won't crank sometimes but the battery an alternator is brand new but after it sit for hours it finally crank up, maybe it's an security issue but it's unnecessary”
NHTSA complaint #10895079, filed 2016-08, 220,000 miles“Bare wires inside the headlight housing, these are hid lights made by hella for Bmw they are oem. When contacting bmwna they say that's not how they make there lights and blame heat and the car not being maintained at a Bmw dealership, well the rest of the wiring on the car is just fine even the wires that come in contact with a high heat producing engine... It's the same exact issue mercedes benz had on the w202 chassis, wires that would degrade at an extremely fast rate. But for headlights that cost well over $1000 each. …”
NHTSA complaint #11174913, filed 2019-02, 119,000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 14 | 18% |
| 2004 | 12 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 545I
18 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 545I
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