Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 25 | −21% | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2004 | 33 | 1.2× | — | Transmission | Average |
| 2003 | 50 | 1.6× | 2 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2002 | 36 | −17% | 2 | Electrical | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median 745li year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW 745li problems
Latest BMW 745li recalls
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2005-2008 745i, 745Li, 750i, 750Li, 760i, 760Li, and B7 Alpina vehicles equipped with both the Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options. In these vehicles, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the door latch system, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 7-Series vehicles, equipped with both Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through September 3, 2007. Due to a software problem, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will update software. The recall began on December 12, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire) that automatically shifts the…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 745li should you avoid?
2003 — this year has the most complaints relative to other 745li years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 2003.
What is the best year for the BMW 745li?
2005 has the fewest complaints compared with other 745li years at the same age, followed by 2002. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW 745li problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (35), transmission & drivetrain (32) and engine & cooling (27). Airbag complaints peak in the 2003 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW 745li had?
6 recalls across 2002–2005. The model year with the most is 2005. See all BMW 745li recalls by year.
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.