Most common 2004 BMW 6 Series problems
Share of the 3 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 6 Series complaints by model year
Best 6 Series years: 2009, 2010, 2007. Compare all years →
2004 BMW 6 Series recalls (4)
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
BMW 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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
BMW 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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control (emc) units were not produced according to specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new digital engine management control unit. The recall began on July 16, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Fuel system, gasoline
On 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.
Remedy: Dealers will install a circular retention clip at the quick-release coupling along the fuel supply line. The recall began on July 5, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
2004 BMW 6 Series engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 BMW 6 Series a good car?
Based on 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 6 Series rates few complaints: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 6 Series at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW 6 Series?
The engine & cooling — 1 complaint, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the electrical system (1) and transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 6 Series have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2004 BMW 6 Series, the most recent from March 26, 2012 (cables). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 6 Series?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2010 and 2007. See the full BMW 6 Series years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 BMW 6 Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.