2004 BMW 7 Series Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 11%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 BMW 7 Series, 11% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 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.
“I have been getting this error in my idrive system: fault in passive restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Fasten and continue to wear belts. Please contact the nearest Bmw center.”
NHTSA complaint #10862673, filed 2016-05, 185,000 miles“Shortly after purchase of a used 2004 Bmw 745li, the airbag light remained illuminated and the passenger occupancy light remained illuminated at all times. Car would not pass inspection, therefore I paid $1700 to Bmw of silver spring to have this corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #10244725, filed 2008-10, 70,000 miles“Owner of '04 745i as of 4/8/11. Last month received notice stating default in driver restraint system & airbag illuminated constantly & message stating airbag may not operate. Took a trip to missouri last wk & received a notice that there's a fault in pass restraint system, red illuminated light, airbag may not operate. Bmw stated that they would have to hook it up to a machine ($225) to read the code and that it may be from people moving around in the seat and that after retrieving the code, the labor & parts could range from $250-$3000.”
NHTSA complaint #10407635, filed 2011-06, 76,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10043714Feb 1, 2012Bmw: steering column switch center contains one or more faults: internal control, steering wheel lock range exceeded, wiper angle defective. Various check control messages appear…
- 10029605Aug 1, 2011Bmw service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. The airbag warning lamp (awl) is illuminated, together with the passenger airbag status lamp (pol). The problem…
Air bags: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 7 Series
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 7 Series
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