The 2004 BMW 5 Series has 5 recalls, the most serious being a positive battery cable connector that can loosen and overheat, potentially causing a fire even while the car is parked; owners are advised to park outside until the repair is made.
Two other recalls carry fire or stall risk. On vehicles with 8-cylinder engines, a missing retention clip on the fuel supply line can allow the line to separate in a severe frontal crash, leaking fuel that can ignite. Separately, on vehicles with 8- or 12-cylinder engines, the engine management control unit can cause the engine to stall shortly after startup and may prevent the car from restarting. There is also a steering concern specific to certain aftermarket replacement parts: a steering center rod with insufficient ball pin grip can detach from the wheel knuckle, causing sudden loss of steering control. On the comfort side, the heated seat mat in the backrest's side bolster can be worn down by repeated entry and exit, and if the seat heater is on, the damaged mat can overheat and melt through the seat cover material.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering center rod's ball pin may not grip tightly enough, allowing the rod to separate from the steering knuckle.
What the fix does
ZF notifies distributors to contact end customers. ZF reimburses for affected parts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The insulated connector for the positive battery cable may be improperly attached to the trunk floor panel. The bolt connection can loosen over time, increasing electrical resistance and causing the cable connection to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the battery cable bolt connection as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The heating mat in the front seat backrest can be damaged by repeated contact with the side bolster during entry and exit. If damaged, the heating system may produce excessive heat in that area.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the seat heating circuit to prevent overheating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain vehicles with 8 and 12 cylinder engines, the digital engine management control units were not made to specification and may not function properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new digital engine management control unit to restore proper engine operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The circular retention clip at the quick-release coupling on the fuel supply line was not installed on certain 8-cylinder passenger vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will install the missing circular retention clip at the quick-release coupling on the fuel supply line.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
