2004 BMW 545I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 BMW 545I: 0 recalls, 44 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (18): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (12): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), leaks (2).
- Engine (10): the most common themes are leaks (3), electrical failure (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (8): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (6), stalls / loses power (2).
The 2004 BMW 545I has 44 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 2 545I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 61). Complaints peaked in 2012 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 99,282 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (78 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 BMW 545I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2004 BMW 545I have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2004 BMW 545I. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2004 BMW 545I problems?
Owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (18), electrical (12), engine (10).
What gas mileage does the 2004 BMW 545I get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic (S6)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 BMW 545I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.