Problem Reports
Report A ProblemProblem with your car? See what our experts say or submit your own.
2004 BMW 530i
Burning Smell or Oil Drips on the Ground Due to Engine Oil Leak
Valve cover gasket leaks are common after 60,000 miles. Symptoms will include oil drips under the vehicle and burning oil smell from the engine compartment.
Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank
An engine coolant leak may develop from the expansion tank resulting in engine overheating. When a cooling system component fails the entire cooling system should be inspected. It is not uncommon to find additional component have failed or are leaking.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Check Engine Light and/or Engine Overheating
The thermostat may fail resulting in engine overheating and/or illumination of the Check Engine Light. Replacement of the thermostat along with a complete inspection of the cooling system will be necessary to correct this concern.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Water Pump May Develop Coolant Leak
The low coolant light may illuminate and/or the engine may overheat as a result of a coolant leak from the water pump. The leaking pump will require replacement and the entire cooling system should be inspected for leaks as it is not uncommon to find multiple leaks on higher mileage vehicles.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Valve Cover Gasket Leaks are Common After 60,000 Miles
Am engine oil leak may develop from the valve cover gasket. This commonly occurs on vehicles with over 60,000 miles. Replacement of the leaking gasket should correct this concern.
Noise From Top of Front/Rear Doors When Windows Are Fully Up
A creak or squeak can be heard from the top of the front or rear doors. This noise is most notable when the windows are fully up. The noise is caused by the decay of the flocking material on the door seals. New door seals, Teflon tape, special lube, or a combination of all of these may be needed to eliminate the noise.
Transmission failure
Took the car to the BMW dealer for a routine check-up (valve cover oil leakage + messed-up computer screen messages + engine starting difficulties + scheduled maintenance LEVEL II) and they came back with a repair estimate of over $9,000 (Sundry items + transmission replacement)! Is there a way anyone can explain, let alone justify, that a 2004 BMW 530i with less than 52K very carefully-driven miles (only one very minor body dent) should need...
New Brake Pad Wear Sensor Design Will Prevent Squealing
If the brakes are squealing, there's a good chance it is the brake pad wear sensor. A new design was implemented in January 2006 and can be identified by its green color.
Featured Shops and Dealerships
