NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 127 owner complaints for the 2004 BMW X5. Most complaints involve air bags (35) and electrical system (19). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH 3.0 L ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, IF THE VEHICLE IS IN FIRST GEAR, AND MOVING SLOWLY, WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HELD IN A CONSTANT POSITION OF LOW ENGINE SPEED AND WITH THE CLUTCH PEDAL HELD IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, ENGINE SPEED MAY INCREASE.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE IN-TANK FUEL LINE MAY HAVE BEEN ATTACHED INCORRECTLY.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8 AND 12 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL (EMC) UNITS WERE NOT PRODUCED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“PASSENGER SEAT/AIRBAG WARNING MALFUNCTION. THIS WARNING HAS BEEN ON SINCE I PURCHASED VEHICLE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY THE COMMON SEAT MAT SENSOR FAILURE. AND IT WOULD APPEAR THAT EITHER MY VIN ISN'T ON THE PREVIOUS RECALL OR IT HAS EXPIRED FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL. BUT MY WIFE SITS IN THAT SEAT AND IF WE HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND HER AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY WHOSE FAULT WILL THAT BE?”
“VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE CAR AND AIR VENTS WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION AIR CONDITIONING WAS RUNNING AND THE OWNER PULLED OVER AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT THE FIRE AND BROKE 3 WINDOWS UNNECESSARILY IN THE PROCESS. CAR ENDED UP BEING TOTALED AND RESIDES AT OWNERS PROPERTY. COULD BE BASED ON OTHER REPORTS AND A POSSIBLE RECALL ON BLOWER MOTOR ON 2001-2003 RECALLS WERE CHECKED AND ARE CURRENT ON THIS VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER AND NHTSA WEBSITE”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A HOLE BURNED INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CONTACT'S JACKET WAS ALSO BURNED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT HEATER HAD A MALFUNCTION. THE HEATER MECHANISMS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 06/07/17*LJ *CN”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,000 | 555 |
| X5 Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,000 | 555 |
| X5 Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 20 | 16 | $5,000 | 555 |
| X5 4.8IS Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.8 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,000 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 127 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (35), electrical system (19), seats (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2004 BMW X5 at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).