2004 BMW 3 Series - Problems, Statistics, and Analysis

🔎 Common problems of the 2004 BMW 3 Series

93 problems have been reported for the 2004 BMW 3 Series. The following chart shows the 14 most common problems for 2004 BMW 3 Series. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's exterior lighting with 44 problems. The second most common problem is related to the vehicle's air bags (14 problems).

Table 1. Common problems of the 2004 BMW 3 Series

Problem Category	Number of Problems
Exterior Lighting	44
Air Bag	14
Electrical System	12
Visibility	5
Service Brakes	4
Latches/locks/linkage	3
Power Train	2
Seats	2
Structure	2
Seat Belt	1
Suspension	1
Steering	1
Tire	1
Other Fuel System	1

📈 Problem Occurrence Trend

The following chart shows the number of problems reported during each of the service years since the debut of the 2004 BMW 3 Series in 2004.

Table 2. Problem Occurrence Trend

Service Year	Number of Problems
2022	0
2021	0
2020	0
2019	0
2018	1
2017	2
2016	4
2015	12
2014	10
2013	9
2012	14
2011	7
2010	15
2009	5
2008	8
2007	5
2006	0
2005	0
2004	1

📊 Compare the 2004 BMW 3 Series with Other Model Years

When making the decision between buying a new or used BMW 3 Series, the following table can be used to compare the 2004 BMW 3 Series with the BMW 3 Series from other model years. Note that the number of problems reported for the 2004 3 Series is 93 while the average number of problems reported for the 17 model years of the BMW 3 Series is 66.

Table 3. Compare the 2004 BMW 3 Series with other model years

Model Year	Number of Problems
2013 3 Series	32
2012 3 Series	12
2010 3 Series	41
2009 3 Series	76
2008 3 Series	91
2007 3 Series	179
2006 3 Series	274
2005 3 Series	29
2004 3 Series	93
2003 3 Series	93
2002 3 Series	39
2001 3 Series	49
2000 3 Series	109
1999 3 Series	6
1998 3 Series	4
1997 3 Series	6
1996 3 Series	3

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★ Safety Ratings of 3 Series Cars

☘ 3 Series Service Bulletins

⚑ 3 Series Safety Recalls

☤ 3 Series Defect Investigations