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2004 BMW R SeriesProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2004 BMW R Series, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints40 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage13kFuel system, gasoline, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 2, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2004 BMW R Series has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Fuel system, gasoline20
Exterior lighting10
Power train10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2004 BMW R Series recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 04V-028 · Jan 15, 2004 · 39,000 vehicles

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

2004 vs. every other R Series year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the R Series median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'94'95'96'00'01'02'04'05'07
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2004 BMW R Series, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FUEL LINE LEAKAGEPE03054 · closed Jan 23, 2004
    Led to recall 04V-028
  2. MOTORCYCLE FIRESPE07031 · closed Oct 23, 2007
    No recall
In owners' words

What R Series owners report

Recent fuel system, gasoline complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW R-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SMELLED FUEL BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE O-RING IN THE FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING…
Complaint 10483202 · Nov 2, 2012 · 20,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (IN A WORK ZONE), FUEL BEGAN SPRAYING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. AFTER PULLING TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, GASOLINE CONTINUED TO LEAK ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES AND VAPORIZED INTO A CLOUD OF SMOKE.…
Complaint 10415941 · Jul 26, 2011 · 6,964 miles

Own a 2004 R Series?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.