2004 BMW 5 Series E60

Overview

Engines

2.5L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six, 4.4L V8

Came as

• Sedan

On record

6 warnings, 6 recalls

What changed for 2004

• The redesigned 5 Series arrives with iDrive and a new V8 in the 545i. Edmunds, CarGurus

Compare 2004 with 2003

Colors

No paint color is recorded yet.

Specs

Badges

• 525i: 2.5L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six, Rear-wheel drive, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds
• 530i: 3.0L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six, Rear-wheel drive, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds
• 545i: 4.4L V8, Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, CarGurus

Engines

• 2.5L inline-six M54 engine page CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

  184 hp, carried over from the E39 · 2004–2005

• 3.0L inline-six M54 engine page CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

  225 hp, carried over from the E39 · 2004–2005

• 4.4L V8 N62 Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

  325 hp, from the 7 Series · 2004–2005

Transmissions

• Six-speed manual Edmunds
• Six-speed Steptronic automatic Edmunds, a published reference
• Six-speed SMG automated manual Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

Drivetrains

• Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference

Body styles

• Sedan Edmunds, a published reference

Packages

• Sport Package Edmunds
• Cold Weather Package Edmunds

Figures for the whole E60

• Model codes: E60 (sedan), E61 (Touring) A published reference
• Body: Aluminum at the front and steel for the cabin and rear, with 50:50 weight distribution in the sedan A published reference
• Facelift: Introduced in March 2007 for the 2008 model year A published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)
• IIHS side impact: Marginal, in tests of cars built after May 2007 A published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• A failed brake booster All years

  One source so far

  Check: Feel for a hard, stiff brake pedal.

  CarGurus lists failed brake boosters, which can stiffen the pedal dramatically, among the E60's typical problems. CarGurus

• Worn control arms and bushings All years

  Check: Feel for vibration under braking and listen for clunks, and look for uneven tire wear.

  CarGurus lists broken or worn-out control arms, and Euro Premium Parts says worn front bushings cause vibration under braking. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Early iDrive units that fail 2004–2007

  One source so far

  Check: Try every iDrive function, and watch for a blank screen or a unit that restarts itself.

  Euro Premium Parts says early CCC units are prone to failure and expensive to replace, and that the later CIC system is far more reliable. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Cooling system parts All years

  Check: Look for coolant leaks, and ask whether the water pump and thermostat have been replaced.

  Euro Premium Parts says radiator, expansion tank, water pump and thermostat failures are routine at around 80,000 to 100,000 miles on the sixes. CarGurus lists bad thermostats and fuel pumps too. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Oil use and leaks on the V8s All years

  One source so far

  Check: Look for blue smoke at start-up and oil around the timing covers.

  Euro Premium Parts lists worn valve stem seals, timing cover and alternator bracket gasket leaks, and high oil use even on well-kept cars. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Battery drain and electrical faults All years

  Check: Ask about battery warnings, and try the locks, lights, windows and climate control.

  Euro Premium Parts lists battery drain from the battery sensor or the trunk wiring, and CarGurus lists a variety of electrical issues and leaky sunroof seals. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2004–2010 Recall 12V126000

  The positive battery cable's connector may have been fitted wrongly to the trunk floor, so its bolt can loosen and the connection overheat. Dealers inspect and secure it. NHTSA

• 2004–2010 Recall 10V446000

  A check valve in the brake vacuum pump can leak oil, which over time can contaminate the brake booster. Dealers repair it. NHTSA

• 2004–2006 Recall 08V384000

  Cracks can form in the front passenger seat's sensor mat, switching off the passenger airbags and lighting the warning lamp. Dealers rework the mat, and BMW extends the warranty on it. NHTSA

• 2004 Recall 04V575000

  Getting in and out can damage the heating mat in the seatback bolster, which can then get too hot. Dealers modify the seat heating circuit. NHTSA

• 2004 Recall 04V344000

  The engine management control units were not made to specification. Dealers fit a new unit. NHTSA

• 2004 Recall 04V303000

  A retention clip at a quick-release coupling on the fuel supply line may be missing. Dealers fit the clip. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Watch for

  The SMG gearbox All years

  Walk away One source so far

  CarGurus lists trouble with the SMG transmissions among the E60's problems and says it is better just to stay away from them. CarGurus

• Watch for

  An early 545i without full records 2004–2005

  Walk away One source so far

  Euro Premium Parts says to avoid an early 545i unless it is fully documented. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 7,500 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts advises every 7,500 miles with a quality synthetic oil A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• Automatic gearbox fluid and filter All years

  Replace every 60,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says it is not the lifetime fill BMW once claimed A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

Warranty when new