2004 BMW 6 Series: common problems and reliability
An average 6 Series year.
14 owner complaints, most about air bags. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 6 Series?The 2004 BMW 6 Series has 14 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 BMW 6 Series vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 6 Series years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the 6 Series?
Across the 15 6 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2017) to 60 (2013). With 14 complaints, the 2004 6 Series sits about the same as the model's median of 14.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2004 6 Series
electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Campaign 12V126000BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan
Campaign 12E029000This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Campaign 10V446000BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Campaign 04V344000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8 AND 12 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL (EMC) UNITS WERE NOT PRODUCED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Show 1 more recall
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 04V303000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8-CYLINDER ENGINES, A CIRCULAR RETENTION CLIP AT THE QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING ALONG THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS INADVERTENTLY NOT INSTALLED.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. The 6 Series is widely admired for its styling, described as "sexy" and "beautiful," and is considered a desirable, emotional purchase.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 6 Series. See the full 6 Series owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used 6 Series listings typically run $13,528–$23,393 across 2005 to 2018 model years.
Other 6 Series model years
Compare every 6 Series year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 6 Series against its rivals
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