2005 BMW 745I: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern latches/locks/linkages.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Driving from work an my car just started losing power I replaced the alternator an battery an the car did the same thing.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 745i. The contact stated that all the door locks failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and it was determined that the software needed to be updated. The contact found NHTSA campaign number: 12v504000 (latches, locks and linkages); however, the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included and would not be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 7/10/15*cn updated 10/11/2017*cn”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2015
“While driving my vehicle the driver door ejected open causing me to stop instantly to where the door needed to be held in order for me to make it to a safe destination so unreal I was scared to death it doesnt close at all in order to drive now. *tr”Owner report · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · Apr 2015
Show 6 more owner reports
“My car was due for state inspection and I took it into richmond bmw in midlothian va. The technician called and said the airbag light was on and the sensor is bad. There is an airbag recall for the other bmw series but it didn't include the seven series. There are other 7 series owners experiencing the same thing. I read this on the bmw forums and it is a lot of bmw owners spending money for something that should be recalled as well. Can you please consider our cars as well. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2013
“I have been having several electrical issues on my 2005 745i the issues I am having are all electrical and brakes, drivers side window not initiated, license plate lamp not initiated, trunk button not working on dash panel or key fob or button on trunk lid, parking brake malfunctioning and caused the rotors and brake pads to warp when the parking brake come on suddenly while I was moving from a spot I was parked at, *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 745i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the engine stalled with the illumination of the entire instrument panel. The engine was restarted and resumed with the warning indicators illuminating intermittently. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2013
“Power brake failure. We never received october 2010 recall notice from bmw usa. Dealership diagnosed leaking vacuum pump but never advised owner to replace/repair; dealership had two opportunities to correct, but didn't.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2011
“Car is a 2005 bmw 745i. Driver's side occupant sensor (in seat) has cracked and is causing airbag light to illuminate and as I understand is disabling the driver's side airbag. There is already a recall on the car for the passenger-side sensor cracking, which is a very similar part. Dealership and bmw usa is refusing to assist me, I believe that due to the similarities in nature to the passenger-side seat sensor recall, the drivers-side seat sensor needs to be looked into as well for obvious safety reasons. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2009
“There is a recall on the rear suspension causing the bushings to go out. My VIN number was not included. I am having the same problem with my care is there a way that you can email me a letter including my VIN number. I think it should be all of them. It is campaign number 06v27000. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 745I by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 BMW 745I reliable?
NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 BMW 745I. The most complained-about area is latches/locks/linkages.
Does the 2005 BMW 745I have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm). Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.