Most common 2004 BMW 645ci problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 645ci complaints by model year
What 2004 BMW 645ci owners say
Air bags
I have warning light when I turn on my car that the passenger restraint and airbag is inactive and this should be a recall... This is safety not a luxury option... BMW advised me that it was some sensor and I asked if I was in a car accident will the airbags deploy they said there is a high chance it would not and also the seat belt could fail as well... I seen other people with the same complaints!! This is a safety feature not a option!! Please look into it!! Being a convertible and no airbags in a accident is a death waiting to happen!!!
Passenger restraint system failure fault light has started showing on my BMW. There has been a recall reported on the same component "statement on voluntary recall involving front passenger seat sensor mat on U.S.A. Model bmws - August 13, 2008". It is NHTSA recall campaign number: 08V384000. I have the same problem so I called BMW and they stated that my car is not part of the recall. I do not understand how my car is having the exact same problem but is not part of the recall? This is a huge safety issue. I think BMW should be held responsible and should be required to correct this faulty mat sensor problem before someone is injured. I am afraid to carry passengers in my car for liability reasons.
Seat belts
The idrive system in my car continues to cut on and off, this eventually caused my car to shut off on me two times while in traffic with no warning or indication of the shut off. The sensor alert continuously goes off for everything in the car. I took my car to the BMW dealership in Huntsville Alabama, they had my car for almost a month and could not find the issue with the drive or anything the sensors were notifying me of. The system constantly says my car is overheating, but I just got the radiator hose fixed and the dealership checked it for leaks while they had it and they did not see any other leaks or any other issues causing it to overhear. I researched this issue on a BMW form and I see this is a common issue with the electrical system. …
Passenger restraint system failure fault light has started showing on my BMW. There has been a recall reported on the same component "statement on voluntary recall involving front passenger seat sensor mat on U.S.A. Model bmws - August 13, 2008". It is NHTSA recall campaign number: 08V384000. I have the same problem so I called BMW and they stated that my car is not part of the recall. I do not understand how my car is having the exact same problem but is not part of the recall? This is a huge safety issue. I think BMW should be held responsible and should be required to correct this faulty mat sensor problem before someone is injured. I am afraid to carry passengers in my car for liability reasons.
Electrical system
The idrive system in my car continues to cut on and off, this eventually caused my car to shut off on me two times while in traffic with no warning or indication of the shut off. The sensor alert continuously goes off for everything in the car. I took my car to the BMW dealership in Huntsville Alabama, they had my car for almost a month and could not find the issue with the drive or anything the sensors were notifying me of. The system constantly says my car is overheating, but I just got the radiator hose fixed and the dealership checked it for leaks while they had it and they did not see any other leaks or any other issues causing it to overhear. I researched this issue on a BMW form and I see this is a common issue with the electrical system. …
I have the same problem in which this is the number you have provided but not including my yr. It was only for 2006 models and I have a 2004 but same exact problems. I have read and seen others with the same problem. Some dealerships honored the recall or "service offer" but they will not for me and this is a safety issue not a luxury option. NHTSA action number : ea08001 NHTSA recall campaign number : 08V384000.
2004 BMW 645ci 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 645ci a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the 645ci to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW 645ci?
The air bags — 5 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the seat belts (4) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 645ci have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 BMW 645ci. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2004 BMW 645ci problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 14% 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.