2005 BMW 745LI: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 25 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
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 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 745li. Upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning indicator illuminated and remained lit while driving. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not mention any recalls for the air bag failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 745li. After inserting the key into the ignition switch, the transmission would immediately switch to the park or neutral position. As a result, the engine would not start. The dealer diagnosed that the cas module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 72,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 745li. The contact stated that the front driver and passenger side doors opened independently. The door ajar warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it diagnosed that the lock motion kit and lock safety kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2005 bmw 745li. The contact stated when attempting to place the vehicle in park, the transmission shift back to neutral without warning. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to diagnose the problem. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 12v502000 (electrical system, power train) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2015
“My vehicle stalls in traffic and once it cuts off there is no way to put it in neutral. A police tried to help me out and told me that is a safety hazard. I keep having this problem especially when I'm driving on highways once it cuts off there's no way for me to steer off of the road. It's frightening. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2014
“Tl* the contact owned a 2005 bmw 745li. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle veered to the left and crashed into a guardrail. In addition, the vehicle slid to the right and flipped over onto the passenger side. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained a neck injury and medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,119.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Mar 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 745li. While parked, the contact noticed the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle had a rough idle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The technician stated to the contact that the engine air lines would have to be cleaned. The vehicle would not pass the state emission test because of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2011
“A full warning message appearing in the idrive was fault in pass.-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Fasten and continue to wear belts. Please contact the nearest bmw center. Now the seat belt /air bag fail light stays on and provide a warning upon start-up. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2011
“I started my car up at approx. 6 pm 5/22/2011 and a warning light on my dashboard indicating that my seat belt tensioner & passenger air bag is not working. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 745li. The contact stated that while reversing from a garage, oil was leaking from the vehicle abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer performed repairs to the vehicle under NHTSA campaign id number: 10v446000 (service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum) but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 81,500 and the current mileage was 84,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - 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 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 2005 BMW 745LI reliable?
NHTSA has 25 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 BMW 745LI. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 2005 BMW 745LI have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition:switch. 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.