The problem
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 transmission to Park when the driver presses the Start/Stop button to shutdown the engine. If the driver presses the engine Start/Stop button 2 or 3 times within a short time interval, the system may shift the transmission to Neutral rather than Park. If using the electronic key (Comfort Access mode), there would be no protection from the ignition interlock that prevents key removal if the vehicle is not in Park.
The risk
If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or enter the vehicle or to other bystanders in the path of the vehicle.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 12V-502 (12V502000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Electrical system › Ignition › Switch |
| Report date | October 17, 2012 |
| Owners notified | March 20, 2013 |
| Vehicles affected | 45,500 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the electrical system
- 2005 BMW 745i electrical problems 4
- 2005 BMW 745li electrical problems 3
- 2006 BMW 750i electrical problems 4
- 2007 BMW 750i electrical problems 5
- 2008 BMW 750i electrical problems 5
- 2006 BMW 750li electrical problems 22
- 2007 BMW 750li electrical problems 15
- 2008 BMW 750li electrical problems 13
- 2005 BMW 760i electrical problems 1
- 2006 BMW 760i electrical problems 1
- 2006 BMW 760li electrical problems 2
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 12V-502 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 45,500 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.