Most common 2003 BMW 745i problems
Share of the 32 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 745i complaints by model year
Best 745i years: 2005, 2004. Years to avoid: 2002, 2003. Compare all years →
2003 BMW 745i recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling
On certain passenger vehicles, the engine oil filter drain plug May be insufficiently tightened. This could lead to loosening of the plug causing an initial oil spray and a subsequent oil leak.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the torque of the oil filter drain plug and, if necessary, retighten the drain plug with the correctly specified torque. Owner notification began on September 12, 2003.
Engine and engine cooling
On certain passenger vehicles, due to a software error, a desynchronization of the valvetronic motors for engine banks I and ii May occur. If this occurs, the engine could stall.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. Owner notification began July 8, 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2003 BMW 745i:
Vehicle Rollaway
In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) for PE11-025, BMW provided ODI with 1 complaint and 46 field reports relating to either incidents of unattended vehicle rollaway or vehicle movement after the driver expected the vehicle gearshift to automatically shift to park. ODI's analysis of the data provided by BMW identified 14 crashes and 5 alleged injuries.
Vehicle Rollaway
In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by…
What 2003 BMW 745i owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
I am the first and only owner of a 2003 BMW 745i. At four hundred miles the transmission was replaced due problems shifting etc. At roughly 7500 miles the car while sitting at a stoplight launched itself into the rear end of a SUV causing vehicle damage to the front end of my car. My foot was firmly on the brake yet it still moved. Three weks ago while coasting down a steep freeway decline, the engine revved to 5000 RPM- my foot was not on the gas pedal and the transmission was in gear. BMW has had the car for thee weeks and can find no problems and wishes to return it to me. I have lost all confidence in the vehicle as it is a danger to me, my family and the public at large. I am not sure of the exact dates as I do not have my paper work with me, but can provide.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 745i. The contact stated that after exiting the vehicle, the vehicle rolled away. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a telephone pole. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 12V502000 (electrical system, power train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000. Updated 02/09/15 the consumer no longer owns the vehicle. Updated 10/7/2015
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 745i. While driving 70 MPH, the fan belt fractured and an unknown warning indicator illuminated, which meant that the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A week later, the hood was opened and smoke was seen coming from the computer panel as a fire started. The contact extinguished the fire with a water hose and disconnected the battery. The vehicle stopped smoking once the battery was disconnected. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.
The car smokes from exhaust system when you pull off from red light, driveways, or whenever you excel in the car. I was told its a engine valve problem that BMW is aware of in the 7 series. This car cost to much for issues like you are a vapor from beyond when driving. Also why is it a problem with sensor on passenger side seat. I only carry a 10 lb. Purse the light stays on consist.
Brakes
The contact owns a 2003 BMW 745i. The contact stated while pulling into the garage and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up loudly. The contact stated that upon releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, crashed into a refrigerator and pushed the refrigerator into the wall. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. There was no police report filed. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred the following day. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and the brake warning light had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V446000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the contact was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. …
Facsimile from senator on behalf of constituent, regarding brake failure of his 2003 BMW 745i. Constituent is asking for review/investigation of BMW of san francisco and the BMW 7 series automobiles. The consumer stated the brakes failed while driving 55 MPH. The consumer stated a message flashed on the dashboard which said warning-brake-fluid- please stop safely. Shortly after that reading, another message flashed brake failure. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The consumer was informed that the previous dealer neglected to tighten the caliper bleeder screw. This allowed all of the brake fluid to leak out. The consumer struck a stationary object as a result of the dealers negligence.
2003 BMW 745i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 BMW 745i a good car?
Based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 745i rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the 745i at the same age. It is one of the 745i years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW 745i?
The transmission & drivetrain — 9 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and brakes (6).
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 745i have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2003 BMW 745i, the most recent from August 26, 2003 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 745i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002 and 2003. See the full BMW 745i years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 BMW 745i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 76,000 miles; 42% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.