2004 BMW 545I Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 23%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine of the 2004 BMW 545I, 23% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,500 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.
“When beginning to drive, the vehicle would slam to the point where I thought I was rear ended. I took the car to my mechanic and he said it was the transmission and the fix was costly. Continues to do this at times and will also do a smaller scale slam when slowing to a stop light or stop sign.”
NHTSA complaint #10486032, filed 2012-11, 65,000 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“Custom ordered 545I in 2004 as still original/existing owner. Have had repeated electrical errors on I drive dynamic drive failure proceed with caution as the steering has been effected and see your Bmw authorized rep, electrical failure see your Bmw authorized rep. Immediately proceed with caution, passenger restraint fault proceed with caution effecting belt and belt force limiter, stalling at very low and as high rates of speed as high as 70 MPH without any warning. …”
NHTSA complaint #10542730, filed 2013-09, 71,487 miles“Intermittent harsh 2-1 downshift (jolt) when coming to a stop with light brake application. Jolts and/or jerks felt when reaccelerating after coasting. Judder when gently accelerating (most noticeable at an engine speed below 2,000 RPM).”
NHTSA complaint #10465857, filed 2012-07, 75,000 miles“When I got up out the seat the airbag and seat belt indicator came on and is still on. It says passenger restraint system malfunction. And it will not deploy airbags. Also there have been a few oil leaks in the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10512462, filed 2013-05, 104,000 milesRelated 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 10 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 545I
18 complaintsElectrical system
12 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