2004 BMW 745LI: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (27% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
33
owner complaints
1
fire reports
95,500
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 95,500 mi)Weak spot: air bags (27%)1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)27% · 9 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)27% · 9 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)12% · 4 complaints
Wheels (wheels, lug nuts, bearings)6% · 2 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)6% · 2 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)6% · 2 complaints
“The contact owns a 2004 BMW 745LI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V379000 (Seats) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2023
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw 745li. While driving unknown speeds, the vehicle hesitated and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that oil was leaking onto the manifold. Also, the wheels and axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to bmw of stratham (71 portsmouth avenue, stratham, nh 03885, (603) 772-0000), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer refused to work on the vehicle and advised the contact to purchase an aftermarket warranty. The contact declined the recommendation. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 160,000.”Owner report · Wheels · Feb 2018
“Coolant transfer pipe seal is made of improper material that is not compatble with high engine temperatures. Seal fails causing loss of engine coolant. Seal fails at 40,000 to 110,000 miles. Repair is approximately $6,000 because engine must be taken apart to replace the seal. My seal failed at 104,000 miles. Loss of power steering and vehicle stability control due to coolant leak onto serpentine belt.”Owner report · Engine · May 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Car was stationary on the side of the street. I simply got out of my vehicle and the next thing I know, it started rolling down the hillon its own. Vehicle hit another vehicle and then hit a nearby wall. Total loss.”Owner report · Wheels · Feb 2016
“Engine valve guide seals made of improper material that fails causing oil leakage into exhaust, fouling of catalytic converter, failure to pass inspection and pollution. The valve guide seals are not compatible with high engine temperatures which causes the seals to fail at 80,000 to 120,000 miles. My seals failed at approximately 95,000 miles causing oil consumption in excess of 1 quart per thousand miles. Replacement of the valve seals requires extensive engine read down and costs approximately $9,000 to repair.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw 745li. The contact stated that the driver side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the driver side seat mat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a bmw 745 li. The contact stated that the driver side air bag warning light illuminated. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the air bag warning light needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2013
“The vehicle air bag system does not work due to a defective passenger seat occupancy sensor. It is a documented issue with bmw and they are denying coverage for my particular VIN”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2013
“On the dash board the loud warning light comes on: driver restraint system fault and passenger restraint system fault. I know that several 2002-2008 bmw 7-series got recalled regarding the same issue and manufacture offered 10 year warranty from in service date regarding this issue. Mine is a 2004 745li and should be one of the recalled one. Called the manufacture and they sad the VIN number that my car has never have been recalled with this problem. The problem is on and I think the manufacture should take care of it. Is a shame to spend so much money for this vehicles and they can't offer a safe drive. Thanks *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw 745li. The contact stated that there was an oil leak from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the hose to the engine was fractured, causing the oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 90,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2004 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines4.4L
Cylinders8
FuelGasoline
Body stylesSedan/Saloon
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 2004 BMW 745LI reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 BMW 745LI. The most complained-about area is air bags (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 BMW 745LI problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 95,500 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.