Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2004 BMW 6 Series
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 BMW 6 Series has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #12E029000 Engine Cooling Fan Assemblies/Service Parts NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V126000 BATTERY CABLE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V446000 BRAKE VACUUM PUMP NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V344000 BMW/ENGINE CONTROL MODULE/ENGINE STALLING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V303000 BMW\FUEL SUPPLY LINE CLIP NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 1 complaint
- Engine and Engine Cooling 1 complaint
- Power Train 1 complaint
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $8,000–$12,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2004 BMW 6 Series has a below-average reliability rating due to multiple recalls affecting crucial systems like brakes, the electrical system, and the cooling system. These issues could lead to significant safety hazards and increased repair costs over time.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| cooling fan | 50,000–80,000 miles | $300–$600 | common |
| battery cable | 60,000–100,000 miles | $250–$500 | common |
| brake booster | 70,000–110,000 miles | $500–$900 | occasional |
| transmission control module | 80,000–120,000 miles | $400–$800 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change
- Brake fluid replacement
- Spark plug replacement
- Cooling system flush
- Fuel filter replacement
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Overheating engine
- Loose battery connections
- Delayed gear shifts
- Soft brake pedal
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 BMW 6 Series at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.