2004 BMW M3 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 3%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 BMW M3, 3% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,000 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.
“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw M3. While driving 65-70 MPH, the calipers locked suddenly. The contact pulled off the highway and waited for the calipers to cool down in order to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that they had never heard of this type of failure. Currently, the dealer is replacing the calipers, rotors, and brake pads. The current and failure mileages were 37,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10246544, filed 2008-10, 37,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10244237Oct 13, 2023Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
- 10194296Apr 1, 2021Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking…
- 10145331Jul 1, 2018Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles:
- 10147242Sep 1, 2015Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 04 14 dated December 2014. Designates changes to the bulletin…
- 10148179Dec 1, 2014Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles. INFORMATION 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake…
- 10057534Dec 1, 2014Bmw: running noises heard when brakes are applied, with high brake loads; through wheel opening, visible cracks can be seen in brake discs and steering wheel torsional vibrates…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2 | 6% |
| 2010 | 2 | 13% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 7% |
| 1999 | 2 | 18% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
| 1997 | 1 | 5% |
| 1995 | 4 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW M3
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW M3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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