2004 BMW E46 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2004 BMW E46 recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 2004 BMW E46.

Most common 2004 BMW E46 problems

Problem areas named in the 4 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Exterior Lighting	2
Electrical System	1
Visibility/Wiper	1
Air Bags	1

What owners report

2016-06-10, Air Bags
AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHEN HITTING POT HOLE AT AROUND 30MPH. THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH MANY E46'S THAT THE AIRBAG IS TOO SENSITIVE.

2012-05-31, Visibility/Wiper
BONJOUR, LES RFLECTEURS ZKW DE MES FEUX XNON SONT BRULS. MES FEUX N'CLAIRENT PLUS. *TR

2012-02-16, Exterior Lighting
FACTORY BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS GRADUALLY DIMMED. BY 77K MILES THE LIGHT OUTPUT WAS TOO DIM TO SAFELY DRIVE AT NIGHT. COMPARED TO A NEW MODEL AT DEALER WITH XENON LIGHTS AND FOUND VERY NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE. MECHANIC ANALYSIS FOUND METALLIZED PLASTIC REFLECTORS ON XENON BULBS HAD BURNED AND LOST THEIR REFLECTIVITY. REPLACEMENT REFLECTORS ARE NOT SOLD AS SERVICE PARTS BY BMW, SO REMEDY INVOLVES COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. *TR

2012-01-17, Electrical System
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW STSTING THERE WAS NOW A RECALL FOR THE BAD GROUND WIRE ON THE REAR TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY THAT CAUSED THE METLING OF THE CONNECTOR. I HAD ALREADY SPENT $400 FOR THE FIX, NOW THEY RECALL THE PART. BMW NORTH AMERICA TOOK TOO LONG TO DO THIS, AND I AM GOING INTO THE DELAERSHIP TO SEE ABOUT GETTING A REFUND FOR THE SERVICE I PAID FOR THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER.

2004 BMW E46 questions

Does the 2004 BMW E46 have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 2004 BMW E46 at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW E46?

Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Exterior Lighting (2), Electrical System (1), Visibility/Wiper (1).

How do I check if a recall on my 2004 BMW E46 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.