2002 BMW 745LI: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 36 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I contacted bmw of north america just recently regarding the airbag sensor problem since we keep spending money on this car since the first day we got it nothing but problems. I would like them to purchased this car back from me since all I had is money losses and aggravation with this vehicle.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2018
“The seat belts in the car has not tightening tension. The red lights are on indicating that, fault in pass. - restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Fasten and continue to wear belts.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2016
“I have replaced my antenator twice now, when I replaced it the first time my generator light kept coming on and off so I replaced alternator and it was still doing it, so I replaced it the 2nd time and now it does not light up the generator light but every other light comes on, looks like a xmas tree on my dash...also my hood is locked and my hood light pops on often.I had a new battery installed and registered and still acts up.every now and again in the mornings my car wont start have to jump start it..jus don't know what else to do bmw a lot of people having this same problem, system not charging correctly...please help”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have read that there was a safety recall on some model of the bmw. And I would like to know why haven't the NHTSA haven't put out a bulletin on the bmw 745li about the seats blets and the airbags. When there are alot of complaints about this problem. I feel that we are driving a very unsafe car. Now on my vehicle the passenger seat belt will not retrack. And I am un able to carry anyone in the front seat. On the driver side I had that broblem to but the seat belt is able to fasten. This happen when I was driving.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2015
“The airbag and seatbelt tensioner was recalled for same manufacturer for cars from 2004 and up. The 2002 and 2003 model had the same issue but was not part of the recall. I was driving on the freeway and the light for the seatbelt tensioner and the passenger airbag came on. This is a serious safety concern since airbags may not deploy and the seat belt may not tighten in an event of an accident.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw 745 li. The contact stated that the fuel level indicator displayed that the fuel tank was one quarter tank full however, there was no gasoline in the vehicle. The failure caused the vehicle to stall without warning, leaving the contact stranded. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 02v150000 (fuel system gasoline delivery).the dealer was contacted and informed the contact that his VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 104,600.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw 745 li. The contact stated that while reversing, the gear shifted into neutral independently. The failure was experienced intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 106,112 and the current mileage was 106,313.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw 745li. The contact stated that the front passenger air bag light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the air bag sensor mat was cracked, which in turn deactivated the air bag and made the light illuminate. The failure and current mileages were 81,500.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw 745li. The contact stated the vehicle stalled without warning. If the vehicle had a half tank of gas or less the vehicle would not start. Whenever he put a small amount of gasoline in the tank using a gas can, the vehicle would start. The contact found NHTSA recall campaign id number: 02v150000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery) that was related to the electronic fuel pump. The failure could occur when the fuel tank was at a half tank or less. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 138,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2011
“After picking up my 2002 bmw 745li from orange county bmw on 3/11/11 with a bill of $1,500.00 dollars for new battery cables and a b-pillar sensor. Transmission failsafe mode light came on. Date 3/15/11; turn signal, horn as well as the wiper blades stop working. Please help. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP RUNS AT A ROTATIONAL SPEED THAT COULD RESULT IN REDUCED LUBRICATION OF ITS INTERNAL COMPONENTS. OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, WEAR-INDUCED INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE FUEL PUMP COULD RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE WHEN THE FUEL TANK CONTAINS ONE-THIRD OR LESS OF ITS MAXIMUM FUEL CAPACITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL SYSTEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 745LI 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 2002 BMW 745LI reliable?
NHTSA has 36 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 BMW 745LI. The most complained-about area is power train (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 BMW 745LI problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 99,500 miles or less.
Does the 2002 BMW 745LI have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery. 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.