Owners have filed 35 complaints
about the 2004 BMW 7 Series with NHTSA between 2004 and 2016.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 72
Against the median year of the BMW 7 Series. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 44
8.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 51
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 BMW 7 Series
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
617.1%
Median failure at 90,500 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
411.4%
Median failure at 11,693 miles
Seats
38.6%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 51,200 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
38.6%
Median failure at 64,385 miles
Steering
38.6%
Median failure at 54,500 miles
Airbags
38.6%
Median failure at 76,000 miles
Electrical System
38.6%
Median failure at 44,827 miles
Engine & Cooling
38.6%
Median failure at 39,913 miles
Equipment & Accessories
25.7%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
25.7%
Median failure at 50,000 miles
Tires
12.9%
Lights
12.9%
Body & Structure
12.9%
Median failure at 35,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
414.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
13.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
518.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
933.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
311.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
311.1%
150,000+ miles
13.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2004peak 4May 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 BMW 7 Series
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA12002Opened 10 Apr 2012Closed 24 Jan 2013ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle Rollaway
In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option...
PE11025Opened 5 Aug 2011Closed 23 Apr 2012ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle Rollaway
In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) for PE11-025, BMW provided ODI with 1 complaint and 46 field reports relating to either incidents of unattended vehicle rollaway or vehicle movement after the driver expected the vehicle gearshift to automatically shift to park. ODI's analysis of the data provided by BMW identified 14 crashes and 5 alleged injuries. ODI has also identified 3 additional reports in its database alleging vehicle rollaway incidents of which 2 resulted in crashes.The subject vehicles are all equipped with push-buttons (Start/Stop bu...
EA08001Opened 4 Jan 2008Closed 31 Dec 2008AIR BAGS
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN T...
Recalls on the 2004 BMW 7 Series
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2012352416 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with the Soft Close Automatic, as well as the Comfort Access option, the doors may not latch correctly. Should a door open while the vehicle is underway, an unbelted occupant could fall from the vehicle and sustain personal injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Car Access System Control Module with updated software.
Recall 20123502,087 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option, if the driver depresses the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral (N) instead of Park (P). If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, a sufficient slope could cause the vehicle to roll away. A rollaway vehicle could strike another vehicle, stationary object, or a bystander, causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Central Gateway Control Module with updated software.
Recall 20103288,167 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a check valve in the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time, this could result in contamination of the brake booster. Loss of brake power assist could occur which, in conjunction with traffic, road conditions, and driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster and master cylinder. Additionally, the brake vacuum line (including the check valve) will be replaced to eliminate the possibility of oil reaching the brake booster.
Recall 20044241,331 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles equipped with heated seats, excessive contact with the seat backrest side bolster upon entering and exiting the vehicle may damage the heating mat located in this area. If this happened, the seated occupant may experience excessive heat in this location. The heating mat could damage, or melt a small hole in the lower portion of the backrest's outboard side bolster. If this were to occur, an electrical/melting smell or small amount of smoke would be noticeable. In some cases, the small hole in the backrest's side bolster could damage the seated occupant's clothing. In rare instances, this could lead to a minor or superficial skin injury. Correction: Dealers will modify the seat heating circuit for the front seat backrests.
Recall 2004266191 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver's seat occupant detection system may not be able to reliably determine if the driver's seat is occupied. As a result, it is possible that in certain crash conditions, the driver's front airbag, head protection system, safety belt pre-tensioner, and knee airbag may not deploy. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the driver's seat occupant detection system.
Recall 2004246355 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the digital engine management control unit was not produced according to specifications. As a result, engine stalling will occur after a short period of operation. The vehicle may not be able to be restarted. Also, a loss of power steering and, after repeated actuation of the brake pedal, a loss of brake power assistance will occur. If stalling were to occur, the driver would be unable to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate. Steering and braking, while possible, would be difficult. Depending on traffic conditions and the driver's reactions, this could lead to a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the digital engine management control unit.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 88,750 milesWest Hartford, CT1 injured
SEATS
I STARTED MY BMW 745I TO WARM IT UP ALONG WITH THE HEATED SEATS. CAME OUT OF MY HOUSE THREE MINUTES LATER TO LEAVE AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. I LOOKED AROUND BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING OUTRIGHT OBVIOUS. I STARTED TO DRIVE AWAY WHEN I FELT BURNING SENSATION TO MY LEFT SIDE. I TURNED TO LOOK AND SAW THAT SEAT HEATER WAS BURNING THROUGH THE LEATHER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BACK OF THE SEAT. I MADE LEFT A MESSAGE WITH A SERVICE REP AT "NEW COUNTRY BMW" OF HARTFORD,CT WITH NO RETURN CALL WITHIN 24 HOURS AS THERE ANSWERING SERVICE PROMISES. I THEN BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO "NEW COUNTRY BMW" OF HARTFORD, CT WHERE THE SERVICE REP TOLD MYSELF HE HAD "NEVER HEARD OF THERE BEING A SEAT HEATER RECALL".
NHTSA complaint #10369561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,200 milesBrooklyn, NYFire1 injured
SEATS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A WARNING FROM THE COMPUTER TO ENGAGE HIS SEAT BELT. THE SEAT BELTS WERE ALREADY ENGAGED, HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED TO RECEIVE THE MESSAGE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A GLITCH IN THE PROGRAM AND THEY WOULD NEED TO SERVICE THE COMPUTER. APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS LATER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LEATHER AND WIRING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,200.
NHTSA complaint #10197541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 185,000 milesRaleigh, NC
AIR BAGS
I HAVE BEEN GETTING THIS ERROR IN MY IDRIVE SYSTEM: "FAULT IN PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. FASTEN AND CONTINUE TO WEAR BELTS. PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST BMW CENTER."
NHTSA complaint #10862673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesHemet, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE REAR SIDE DOOR UNEXPECTEDLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING, A WEEK LATER THE OTHER SIDE DID THE SAME THING THE FOR OPEN THEN IT CLOSED BY ITS SELF. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A HIGHWSY.
NHTSA complaint #10785243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesMansfield, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY GOT HARD AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. BRAKES WOULD BE SOFT INITIALLY AND AS PRESSURE WAS CONTINUED WOULD GET HARD AND REQUIRED SUSTAINED INTENSE EFFORT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY BMW INVOLVING THE BOOSTER AND THEY CLAIM TO HAVE INSPECTED VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM IN 2011 AND IT DID NOT REQUIRE BEING FIXED. THIS WAS BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER. THEY NOW REFUSE TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT OBVIOUSLY HAS NOT BEEN APPROPRIATELY ADDRESSED BY BMW. SADLY BMW PRIDES ITSELF IN GOOD BRAKES BUT REFUSES TO ADEQUATELY ADDRESS A PROBLEM THEY IDENTIFIED. IT WAS LISTED BY BMW AS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE ON THEIR WEBSITE. 10V44660000 THEY SAY IT HAS ALREADY BEEN FIXED. IT HAS NOT AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE OF THE SERIOUS SAFETY IMPLICATIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10512238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesMansfield, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY GOT HARD AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. BRAKES WOULD BE SOFT INITIALLY AND AS PRESSURE WAS CONTINUED WOULD GET HARD AND REQUIRED SUSTAINED INTENSE EFFORT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY BMW INVOLVING THE BOOSTER AND THEY CLAIM TO HAVE INSPECTED VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM IN 2011 AND IT DID NOT REQUIRE BEING FIXED. THIS WAS BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER. THEY NOW REFUSE TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT OBVIOUSLY HAS NOT BEEN APPROPRIATELY ADDRESSED BY BMW. SADLY BMW PRIDES ITSELF IN GOOD BRAKES BUT REFUSES TO ADEQUATELY ADDRESS A PROBLEM THEY IDENTIFIED. IT WAS LISTED BY BMW AS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE ON THEIR WEBSITE. 10V44660000 THEY SAY IT HAS ALREADY BEEN FIXED. IT HAS NOT AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE OF THE SERIOUS SAFETY IMPLICATIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10512238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocoee, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE IS LEAKING OIL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND I HAVE TO ADD MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAD A RECALL CAMPAIGN NOVEMBER 2010 NO. 10V-446: BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FIELDS BMW AND THEY PROVIDED ME WITH DOCUMENTATION STATING; "11/30/2010 0034910100 CK BRAKE BOOSTER LINE N62. B34, 04, 10". I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, AND I COULD PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, AND THE EXPENSES FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO BE REPLACED. I HAD TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO A BMW TECH FOR A FULL DIAGNOSTIC, AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE ABOVE, AND IT'S DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE CAR. YOUR ASSISTANCE REGARDING THIS MATTER WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
NHTSA complaint #10509186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACCUM PUMP LEAKING. CHIRPING SOUND DURING IDLE. SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V446000.
NHTSA complaint #10455348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,385 milesArvada, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
HARD TO START, CRANKS FOR A WHILE TILL IT BUILDS UP PRESSURE THEN STARTS. IDLES ROUGH AND SOMETIMES DIES WHEN SITTING AT STOP LIGHT, AND SPUTTERING POWER AT TIME WHEN TAKING OFF, LEAKS FUEL FROM RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WHEN FILLING WITH FUEL. ALSO STALLS WHILE DRIVING AND TOTAL LOSS OF POWER FOR STEERING AND OTHER CONTROLS, VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT OCCURS. I'M TOLD IT IS THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND I MUST SAY THAT I CANNOT SEE HOW THIS PART CAN BE SO EXPENSIVE ($2,700) AND SURPRISED THAT BMW DID NOT RECALL THESE AND REPLACE IF THIS IN AN ENDEMIC FAULT. I WAS LUCKY THAT MY CAR FAILED 20 YARDS FROM MY HOUSE AS I RETURNED FROM A 200 MILE ROUND TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY. I DREAD TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED TO ME IF THIS HAD STOPPED WHILE I WAS ON THE FAST LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. FOR WHAT IS A FLAGSHIP CAR, IT IS A POTENTIAL DEATH TRAP.
NHTSA complaint #10418645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesOshkosh, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
IN REFERENCE TO BMW 760LI FUEL PUMP. RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE MINE, AFTER CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE THE HIGHWAY. CAR ALSO WAS HARD TO START, HAD TO CRANK ALONG TIME TO BUILD UP ENOUGH PRSSURE TO START. PROBLEM BECAME WORSE OVER TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10411761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesVicksburg, MS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
OWNER OF '04 745I AS OF 4/8/11. LAST MONTH RECEIVED NOTICE STATING "DEFAULT IN DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM & AIRBAG ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY & MESSAGE STATING AIRBAG MAY NOT OPERATE." TOOK A TRIP TO MISSOURI LAST WK & RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THERE'S A FAULT IN PASS RESTRAINT SYSTEM, RED ILLUMINATED LIGHT, AIRBAG MAY NOT OPERATE." BMW STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO HOOK IT UP TO A MACHINE ($225) TO READ THE CODE AND THAT IT MAY BE FROM PEOPLE MOVING AROUND IN THE SEAT AND THAT AFTER RETRIEVING THE CODE, THE LABOR & PARTS COULD RANGE FROM $250-$3000.
NHTSA complaint #10407635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesLakewood, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 760LI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED BOTH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
NHTSA complaint #10406986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,550 milesPlano, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 760LI. WHILE DRIVING ABOVE 50 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE EXCESSIVELY AND THEN STALL WITHOUT WARNING SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V344000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM). BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PREVIOUS RECALL AND OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 51,600 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 51,550.
NHTSA complaint #10390217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesVenice, FL
VISIBILITY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745I SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE REARVIEW MIRROR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASMA FRACTURED FROM THE MIRROR CAUSING THE MIRROR TO BECOME CLEAR AND DARK WITH CIRCLE SPOTS THAT CREATED A DOUBLE VISION. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE MIRROR REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #10373867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,500 milesSAN Ramon, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER10V446000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST VACUUM AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT REPLACING THE HOSE WOULD ONLY BE A TEMPORARY REPAIR THAT WOULD CAUSE FUTURE PROBLEMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 58,500.
NHTSA complaint #10369661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,750 milesWest Hartford, CT1 injured
SEATS
I STARTED MY BMW 745I TO WARM IT UP ALONG WITH THE HEATED SEATS. CAME OUT OF MY HOUSE THREE MINUTES LATER TO LEAVE AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. I LOOKED AROUND BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING OUTRIGHT OBVIOUS. I STARTED TO DRIVE AWAY WHEN I FELT BURNING SENSATION TO MY LEFT SIDE. I TURNED TO LOOK AND SAW THAT SEAT HEATER WAS BURNING THROUGH THE LEATHER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BACK OF THE SEAT. I MADE LEFT A MESSAGE WITH A SERVICE REP AT "NEW COUNTRY BMW" OF HARTFORD,CT WITH NO RETURN CALL WITHIN 24 HOURS AS THERE ANSWERING SERVICE PROMISES. I THEN BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO "NEW COUNTRY BMW" OF HARTFORD, CT WHERE THE SERVICE REP TOLD MYSELF HE HAD "NEVER HEARD OF THERE BEING A SEAT HEATER RECALL".
NHTSA complaint #10369561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ROUTINE REPAIR AND THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED OIL LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP INTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: POWER ASSIST: VACUUM). IN CONJUNCTION TO THE RECALL REPAIR THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT SUFFICIENT AND FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #10369057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE ENGINE OIL FILTER DRAIN PLUG IS INSUFFICIENT, CAUSING A LARGE LOSS OF OIL TO LEAK. THIS HAS AFFECTED AND DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10321125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesHyattsville, MD
AIR BAGS
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE OF A USED 2004 BMW 745LI, THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. CAR WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION, THEREFORE I PAID $1700 TO BMW OF SILVER SPRING TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #10244725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,827 milesStockbridge, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD OVERHEAT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT DOWN AND LOSE POWER. THE SAFETY MECHANISM IN THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT DOWN IF IT SENSED A FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. ON ONE OCCASION, SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER AROUND THE CORNER AND THE OTHER TWO TIMES, SHE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE CODE WAS LOST. THE CONTACT SHOWED THE MECHANIC PICTURES OF THE MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT READ, "DO NOT DRIVE, ENGINE OVERHEATING, TURN ENGINE OFF". THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW BATTERY WAS NEEDED AND SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $600. SHE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THE ISSUE CENTERED AROUND THE BATTERY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BECAUSE NO CODE DISPLAYED, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,827. UPDATED 09/17/08.*LJ UPDATED 09/25/08.
NHTSA complaint #10238847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,827 milesStockbridge, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD OVERHEAT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT DOWN AND LOSE POWER. THE SAFETY MECHANISM IN THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT DOWN IF IT SENSED A FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. ON ONE OCCASION, SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER AROUND THE CORNER AND THE OTHER TWO TIMES, SHE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE CODE WAS LOST. THE CONTACT SHOWED THE MECHANIC PICTURES OF THE MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT READ, "DO NOT DRIVE, ENGINE OVERHEATING, TURN ENGINE OFF". THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW BATTERY WAS NEEDED AND SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $600. SHE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THE ISSUE CENTERED AROUND THE BATTERY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BECAUSE NO CODE DISPLAYED, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,827. UPDATED 09/17/08.*LJ UPDATED 09/25/08.
NHTSA complaint #10238847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesHendersonville, NC
STEERING
WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP ON AN INCLINE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED FULL CHOCKED TO EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT THE STEERING WHEEL FREEZES AND CANNOT BE TURNED TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. IT WILL NOT FREE UP UNTIL I SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE AND BACK UP A FEW FEET. AT THAT POINT IT WILL UNFREEZE WITH A JERK AND OPERATE CORRECTLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON ABOUT 6 OCCASIONS. I NOTIFIED THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR, USED WITH 52,000 MILES. IT NOW HAS 55,000 MILES AND I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS. THE DEALERS SERVICE SHOP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND COULD NOT FIND ANY ERROR CODES IN THE OBD. I BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE ON AN INCLINE, WHICH IS THE CASE WITH MY DRIVEWAY, WHERE IT HAPPENED 4 OF THE 6 TIMES. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENCE HAPPENED ON MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY WHICH ALSO HAS A MODERATELY STEEP INCLINE. (*** UPDATE***) LOCAL DEALERSHIP CONTACTED THE FACTORY IN GERMANY AND WAS TOLD THAT A FIX WAS TO INSTALL 'BUMPERS" ON EACH END OF THE STEERING MECHANISM THAT WOULD PREVENT THE WHEELS FROM TURNING TOO FAR AND RIDING UP ONTO THE FACTORY INSTALLED STEERING STOPS. THE DEALER OBTAINED THE "BUMPERS" AND INSTALLED THEM AT NO CHARGE. I WAS TOLD THAT I'D RECEIVE PAPERWORK ON THE MODIFICATIONS SOON.
NHTSA complaint #10234466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,500 milesHendersonville, NC
STEERING
WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP ON AN INCLINE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED FULL CHOCKED TO EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT THE STEERING WHEEL FREEZES AND CANNOT BE TURNED TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. IT WILL NOT FREE UP UNTIL I SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE AND BACK UP A FEW FEET. AT THAT POINT IT WILL UNFREEZE WITH A JERK AND OPERATE CORRECTLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON ABOUT 6 OCCASIONS. I NOTIFIED THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR, USED WITH 52,000 MILES. IT NOW HAS 55,000 MILES AND I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS. THE DEALERS SERVICE SHOP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND COULD NOT FIND ANY ERROR CODES IN THE OBD. I BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE ON AN INCLINE, WHICH IS THE CASE WITH MY DRIVEWAY, WHERE IT HAPPENED 4 OF THE 6 TIMES. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENCE HAPPENED ON MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY WHICH ALSO HAS A MODERATELY STEEP INCLINE.
NHTSA complaint #10232203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,200 milesBrooklyn, NYFire1 injured
SEATS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A WARNING FROM THE COMPUTER TO ENGAGE HIS SEAT BELT. THE SEAT BELTS WERE ALREADY ENGAGED, HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED TO RECEIVE THE MESSAGE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A GLITCH IN THE PROGRAM AND THEY WOULD NEED TO SERVICE THE COMPUTER. APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS LATER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LEATHER AND WIRING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,200.
NHTSA complaint #10197541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington Beach, CA
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
CONSUMER 2004 BMW 745 LI CAR PHONE DID NOT REGISTER WHEN IN THE CRADLE. NAVIGATION DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. *** NAR RECEIVED 10-18-05*** *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL SOFTWARE UPGRADES TO GET THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM TO WORK. ON MULTIPLE OCCASION, THE FLAT TIRE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATED EVEN THOUGH THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE A FLAT TIRE. THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW NEVER OPENED OR CLOSED ALL THE WAY.
NHTSA complaint #10141051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington Beach, CA
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
CONSUMER 2004 BMW 745 LI CAR PHONE DID NOT REGISTER WHEN IN THE CRADLE. NAVIGATION DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. *** NAR RECEIVED 10-18-05*** *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL SOFTWARE UPGRADES TO GET THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM TO WORK. ON MULTIPLE OCCASION, THE FLAT TIRE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATED EVEN THOUGH THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE A FLAT TIRE. THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW NEVER OPENED OR CLOSED ALL THE WAY.
NHTSA complaint #10141051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CONSUMER 2004 BMW 745 LI CAR PHONE DID NOT REGISTER WHEN IN THE CRADLE. NAVIGATION DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. *** NAR RECEIVED 10-18-05*** *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL SOFTWARE UPGRADES TO GET THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM TO WORK. ON MULTIPLE OCCASION, THE FLAT TIRE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATED EVEN THOUGH THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE A FLAT TIRE. THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW NEVER OPENED OR CLOSED ALL THE WAY.
NHTSA complaint #10141051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.