Power Train Related Problems of the 2004 BMW 3 Series

Table 1 shows one common power train related problems of the 2004 BMW 3 Series.

Table 1. Power Train related problems of BMW 3 Series

Problem Category Number of Problems
Power Train problems
2

Power Train problem #1

My vehicle is a BMW 325, 2004 and I have had issues with my reverse. When I place my car in reverse, it does not move. I have read of several issues pertaining to this problem in BMW vehicles from 2000 - 2005. Moreover, I understand that there was a class action law suit that was settled in NJ. I would like to understand if the NHTSA is pursuing and investigation into this matter.

Power Train problem #2

An almost fatal crash. Car was backed up from garage in the morning into the street, put in d position but there were no power to the wheels for approximately 5 to 10 seconds. Car approaching from behind on the street needed to swerve to avoid rear ending my car. This problem happens continuously when the car is cold (sitting for more than 8 hours). There is a delay of about 10 seconds for power to engage in d position. According to online customer complaints and BMW dealer, this critical safety issue is related to a software issue in the transmission. A software upgrade fixes the problem but when approaching BMW for this critical safety issue, they refuse to provide the software upgrade for free and the dealer wants to charge $360 to update the transmission software.


Power Train related problems in other BMW 3 Series model year vehicles:



Safety Ratings of 3 Series Cars
3 Series Service Bulletins
3 Series Safety Recalls
3 Series Defect Investigations