Skip to content
SeatsPart report

2004 BMW 545I Seats Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
7%of 44 total for the year
Median mileage
90,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the seats of the 2004 BMW 545I, 7% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 2 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.

“Bmw has refused to fix the issue under recall of the passenger restraint dealing with the seat mat/sensor that develops cracks over time from repeated entry and exit of the vehicle. This issue was a recall and this car is clearly effected by it but Bmw says it is not. As the vehicle was just purchased to replace another vehicle that had actually had an accident, the safety related equipment is extremely important. Bmw admits there is a recall(id# 76546) but claims this vehicle is not covered. This could effectively end my ownership of any Bmw if this issue is not fix promptly.”

NHTSA complaint #10533205, filed 2013-08, 122,701 miles

“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw 545I. The contact stated that the driver seat warmer, overheated and burned the contacts clothing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the heated element was fractured causing the drivers seat to overheat. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10633682, filed 2014-09, 76,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw 545I. The contact stated that the driver engaged the driver's side seat warmer. Several moments later, they noticed smoke emitting from the seat. The driver immediately moved off the roadway and stopped the vehicle. After exiting the vehicle and inspecting the failure, the driver discovered a large burn in the driver's seat. The driver waited several minutes before continuing to drive the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to have the vehicle towed to them for diagnosis. The manufacturer was contacted as well, but offered no assistance. …”

NHTSA complaint #10488777, filed 2012-12, 90,000 miles

Seats: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200545%
200437%

Other parts of the 2004 BMW 545I

Air bags
18 complaints
Electrical system
12 complaints
Engine
10 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
8 complaints
Seat belts
5 complaints
Brakes
4 complaints
Electronic stability control
4 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints
Engine cooling
2 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Vehicle 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 30, 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