Owners have filed 47 complaints
about the 2003 BMW 745I with NHTSA between 2004 and 2023.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 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 — 51
Against the median year of the BMW 745I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
29.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 38
22% 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 2003 BMW 745I
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
919.1%
4 crashes, 0 fires · median 40,000 mi
Brakes
714.9%
4 crashes, 0 fires · median 96,000 mi
Engine & Cooling
612.8%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 81,000 mi
Airbags
48.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 124,000 mi
Electrical System
48.5%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 112,500 mi
Equipment & Accessories
36.4%
Seat Belts
36.4%
Median failure at 95,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
24.3%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Lights
24.3%
Median failure at 45,000 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
12.1%
Median failure at 45,000 miles
Seats
12.1%
Median failure at 10,844 miles
Wheels
12.1%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.1%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
12.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 22,000 mi
Body & Structure
12.1%
Steering
12.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
411.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
411.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
719.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
25.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
822.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
719.4%
150,000+ miles
411.1%
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.
Mar 2004peak 5Aug 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 BMW 745I
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...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 47,000 milesCrystal Beach, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2003 BMW 745i. The contact stated while pulling into the garage and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up loudly. The contact stated that upon releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, crashed into a refrigerator and pushed the refrigerator into the wall. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. There was no police report filed. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred the following day. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and the brake warning light had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V446000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the contact was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall because the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #11538446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesGulfport, MSFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FAN BELT FRACTURED AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH MEANT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. A WEEK LATER, THE HOOD WAS OPENED AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE COMPUTER PANEL AS A FIRE STARTED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE STOPPED SMOKING ONCE THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11119569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesGulfport, MSFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FAN BELT FRACTURED AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH MEANT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. A WEEK LATER, THE HOOD WAS OPENED AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE COMPUTER PANEL AS A FIRE STARTED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE STOPPED SMOKING ONCE THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11119569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesLexington, KYCrash
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V502000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000. UPDATED 02/09/15*LJ THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/7/2015
NHTSA complaint #10667569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesLexington, KYCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V502000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000. UPDATED 02/09/15*LJ THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/7/2015
NHTSA complaint #10667569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesLexington, KYCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V502000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000. UPDATED 02/09/15*LJ THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/7/2015
NHTSA complaint #10667569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 47,000 milesCrystal Beach, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2003 BMW 745i. The contact stated while pulling into the garage and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up loudly. The contact stated that upon releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, crashed into a refrigerator and pushed the refrigerator into the wall. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. There was no police report filed. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred the following day. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and the brake warning light had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V446000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the contact was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall because the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #11538446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesNewport News, VA
SEAT BELTS
THE CAR SMOKES FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM WHEN YOU PULL OFF FROM RED LIGHT, DRIVEWAYS, OR WHENEVER YOU EXCEL IN THE CAR. I WAS TOLD ITS A ENGINE VALVE PROBLEM THAT BMW IS AWARE OF IN THE 7 SERIES. THIS CAR COST TO MUCH FOR ISSUES LIKE YOU ARE A VAPOR FROM BEYOND WHEN DRIVING. ALSO WHY IS IT A PROBLEM WITH SENSOR ON PASSENGER SIDE SEAT. I ONLY CARRY A 10 LB. PURSE THE LIGHT STAYS ON CONSIST.
NHTSA complaint #11145072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesNewport News, VA
ENGINE
THE CAR SMOKES FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM WHEN YOU PULL OFF FROM RED LIGHT, DRIVEWAYS, OR WHENEVER YOU EXCEL IN THE CAR. I WAS TOLD ITS A ENGINE VALVE PROBLEM THAT BMW IS AWARE OF IN THE 7 SERIES. THIS CAR COST TO MUCH FOR ISSUES LIKE YOU ARE A VAPOR FROM BEYOND WHEN DRIVING. ALSO WHY IS IT A PROBLEM WITH SENSOR ON PASSENGER SIDE SEAT. I ONLY CARRY A 10 LB. PURSE THE LIGHT STAYS ON CONSIST.
NHTSA complaint #11145072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesGulfport, MSFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FAN BELT FRACTURED AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH MEANT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. A WEEK LATER, THE HOOD WAS OPENED AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE COMPUTER PANEL AS A FIRE STARTED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE STOPPED SMOKING ONCE THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11119569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesGulfport, MSFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FAN BELT FRACTURED AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH MEANT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. A WEEK LATER, THE HOOD WAS OPENED AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE COMPUTER PANEL AS A FIRE STARTED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE STOPPED SMOKING ONCE THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11119569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE "ENGINE FAIL SAFE TRANSMISSION" MESSAGE DISPLAYED AND THE SHIFTER WOULD NOT SWITCH OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE "FAILED TRANSMISSION DRIVE MODERATE" MESSAGE DISPLAYED AND THE SPEED WOULD SUDDENLY REDUCE. THE VEHICLE ALSO JERKED AND ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATE ON OCCASION DURING GEAR CHANGES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10783556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesMurfreesboro, TN
SEAT BELTS
FOLLOWING ERROR WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE: "FAULT IN PASS-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. FASTEN AND CONTINUE TO WEAR SEATBELTS. PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST BMW CENTER" IN THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WHEN STARTING THE CAR. " 2003 BMW 745I. THIS MODEL/YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN PRIOR RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10679219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesMurfreesboro, TN
AIR BAGS
FOLLOWING ERROR WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE: "FAULT IN PASS-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. FASTEN AND CONTINUE TO WEAR SEATBELTS. PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST BMW CENTER" IN THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WHEN STARTING THE CAR. " 2003 BMW 745I. THIS MODEL/YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN PRIOR RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10679219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesMurfreesboro, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FOLLOWING ERROR WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE: "FAULT IN PASS-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. FASTEN AND CONTINUE TO WEAR SEATBELTS. PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST BMW CENTER" IN THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WHEN STARTING THE CAR. " 2003 BMW 745I. THIS MODEL/YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN PRIOR RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10679219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesSavannah, GA
AIR BAGS
THERE IS A FAULT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT CODE ALSO THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT WON'T GO OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10676148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesLexington, KYCrash
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V502000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000. UPDATED 02/09/15*LJ THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/7/2015
NHTSA complaint #10667569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesLexington, KYCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V502000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000. UPDATED 02/09/15*LJ THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/7/2015
NHTSA complaint #10667569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesLexington, KYCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V502000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000. UPDATED 02/09/15*LJ THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/7/2015
NHTSA complaint #10667569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHouston, TX
POWER TRAIN
THIS VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, BMW IS AWARE OF THIS BUT IS BANKING ON NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS. WHEN THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP IT PUSHES CAR TO FRONT AS IF BEING REAR ENDED, BUT ITS THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION GUIBO JOINT OR AND A SOFTWARE ISSUE THAT BMW HAD INSTALLED IN THOUSANDS OF BMW VEHICLES AT THE TIME. THERE ARE MANY FRUSTRATED OWNERS THAT HAVE PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR THIS CAR. IT IS UNSAFE CAUSE IT PUSHES CAR TO FRONT CAUSING A POSSIBLE HIT TO FRONT CAR IN A TRAFFIC SITUATION. HERE IS MORE ABOUT THIS SERVICE BULLETIN, I FEEL BMW SHOULD FIX THIS AT NO CHARGE SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. READ A/T - HARSH 3-2/2-1 DOWNSHIFTS/CLUNK NOISE , SI B 24 17 07 ,AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DECEMBER 2007, TECHNICAL SERVICE THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SI B24 17 07 DATED JULY 2007. DESIGNATES CHANGES TO THIS REVISION WARRANTY INFORMATION COVERED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE BMW NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. PLEASE REFER TO THE LATEST KSD FOR ALL APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATIONS AND ALLOWANCES. IF THE APPROPRIATE LABOR OPERATION IS NOT CONTAINED IN KSD, THEN A WORK TIME LABOR OPERATION SHOULD BE USED. DEFECT CODE 24 00 39 61 00.
NHTSA complaint #10648260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHouston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, BMW IS AWARE OF THIS BUT IS BANKING ON NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS. WHEN THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP IT PUSHES CAR TO FRONT AS IF BEING REAR ENDED, BUT ITS THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION GUIBO JOINT OR AND A SOFTWARE ISSUE THAT BMW HAD INSTALLED IN THOUSANDS OF BMW VEHICLES AT THE TIME. THERE ARE MANY FRUSTRATED OWNERS THAT HAVE PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR THIS CAR. IT IS UNSAFE CAUSE IT PUSHES CAR TO FRONT CAUSING A POSSIBLE HIT TO FRONT CAR IN A TRAFFIC SITUATION. HERE IS MORE ABOUT THIS SERVICE BULLETIN, I FEEL BMW SHOULD FIX THIS AT NO CHARGE SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. READ A/T - HARSH 3-2/2-1 DOWNSHIFTS/CLUNK NOISE , SI B 24 17 07 ,AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DECEMBER 2007, TECHNICAL SERVICE THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SI B24 17 07 DATED JULY 2007. DESIGNATES CHANGES TO THIS REVISION WARRANTY INFORMATION COVERED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE BMW NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. PLEASE REFER TO THE LATEST KSD FOR ALL APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATIONS AND ALLOWANCES. IF THE APPROPRIATE LABOR OPERATION IS NOT CONTAINED IN KSD, THEN A WORK TIME LABOR OPERATION SHOULD BE USED. DEFECT CODE 24 00 39 61 00.
NHTSA complaint #10648260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHouston, TX
ENGINE
THIS VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, BMW IS AWARE OF THIS BUT IS BANKING ON NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS. WHEN THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP IT PUSHES CAR TO FRONT AS IF BEING REAR ENDED, BUT ITS THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION GUIBO JOINT OR AND A SOFTWARE ISSUE THAT BMW HAD INSTALLED IN THOUSANDS OF BMW VEHICLES AT THE TIME. THERE ARE MANY FRUSTRATED OWNERS THAT HAVE PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR THIS CAR. IT IS UNSAFE CAUSE IT PUSHES CAR TO FRONT CAUSING A POSSIBLE HIT TO FRONT CAR IN A TRAFFIC SITUATION. HERE IS MORE ABOUT THIS SERVICE BULLETIN, I FEEL BMW SHOULD FIX THIS AT NO CHARGE SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. READ A/T - HARSH 3-2/2-1 DOWNSHIFTS/CLUNK NOISE , SI B 24 17 07 ,AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DECEMBER 2007, TECHNICAL SERVICE THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SI B24 17 07 DATED JULY 2007. DESIGNATES CHANGES TO THIS REVISION WARRANTY INFORMATION COVERED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE BMW NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. PLEASE REFER TO THE LATEST KSD FOR ALL APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATIONS AND ALLOWANCES. IF THE APPROPRIATE LABOR OPERATION IS NOT CONTAINED IN KSD, THEN A WORK TIME LABOR OPERATION SHOULD BE USED. DEFECT CODE 24 00 39 61 00.
NHTSA complaint #10648260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesGaithersburg, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. AFTER THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM, SEAT BELT, AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATORS WERE RESET BY SELECTING THE HARD DRIVE BUTTON LOCATED ON THE GPS PANEL; HOWEVER, THE INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED AGAIN THE FOLLOWING DAY WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSISTENTLY THEREAFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #10615634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesFernandina Beach, FL
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS STUCK IN THE LATCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY REPAIRED FOR THE SEAT BELT PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,060.
NHTSA complaint #10608950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesFernandina Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS STUCK IN THE LATCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY REPAIRED FOR THE SEAT BELT PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,060.
NHTSA complaint #10608950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesFountain Valley, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO ACCESS THE TRUNK LID WHEN USING THE REMOTE OR WHEN MANUALLY ATTEMPTING TO OPEN. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE SECURELY WITHOUT EXERTING FORCE. ALSO, THE HEADLAMP LENSES ILLUMINATED DIMLY WHENEVER ACTIVATED AT NIGHT, DISTORTING THE CONTACT'S VISION OF THE ROADWAY. THE HEADLAMP LENSES WERE REPAIRED BY A DEALER BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE DEFECTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 7/10/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOOR WAS REPLACED BY BMW. HOWEVER, THE HEADLIGHT STILL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10514093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesFountain Valley, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO ACCESS THE TRUNK LID WHEN USING THE REMOTE OR WHEN MANUALLY ATTEMPTING TO OPEN. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE SECURELY WITHOUT EXERTING FORCE. ALSO, THE HEADLAMP LENSES ILLUMINATED DIMLY WHENEVER ACTIVATED AT NIGHT, DISTORTING THE CONTACT'S VISION OF THE ROADWAY. THE HEADLAMP LENSES WERE REPAIRED BY A DEALER BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE DEFECTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 7/10/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOOR WAS REPLACED BY BMW. HOWEVER, THE HEADLIGHT STILL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10514093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesSelma, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
WAS DRIVING CAR AT NORMAL SPEED MAYBE 35 OR 45 MPH TRIED TO SLOW DOWN AND CAR SEEMED TO KEEP GOING DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN CAR SLOWED FINALLY AND STOPPED WAS CONCERNED SO CALLED THE BMW SERVICER ( AUTHORIZED REPAIRER) NOT DEALERSHIP THEY CHECKED AND INFORMED ME OF RECALL ON BRAKE SYSTEM AND FELT THAT WAS THE PROBLEM CAUSE THEY HAD ENCOUNTERED IT BEFORE SAYING IT WAS THE BRAKE BOOSTER OR VACUUM. THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE SO WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL WENT TO PICK UP VEHICLE THEY SAID CAR WAS FINE THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR ASKED IF THEY HAD CHECKED THURALLY THEY SAID YES AND FOUND NO LEAKS OR PROBLEMS ASKED IF THEY TEST DROVE IT THEY SAID NO ASKED WHAT DID THEY CHECK THEY SAID BRAKE LINES AND LOOKED FOR LEAKS AROUND BOOSTER LINES AND VACUUM PUMP BUT ONLY A VISUAL INSPECTION AND WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE CAR HOME THE CAR WAS HAVING SAME PROBLEM WHEN I CALLED BACK THEY SAID I HAD TO PAY FOR A BRAKE SERVICE CHECK TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM AND I ASKED DIDN'T YALL DO THAT WHEN YALL HAD IT BECAUSE I FELT IT WAS A DANGER TO ME AND EVERYONE ON HIGHWAY ME DRIVING A CAR WITH NO BRAKES BUT THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL TO TEST VEHICLE JUST CHECK FOR LEAKS, AND THAT THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE PARTS IF THEY SAW LEAKS AND REFUSED TO REPLACE ANYTHING (SO WHY WASTE TIME TO BRING VEHICLE IN IF THEY NOT GONNA FIX ANYTHING MAKES NO SINCE )SEEMED LIKE THEY DIDN'T CARE AND SAID WHAT EVER THE PROBLEM IS ISN'T UNDER THE RECALL BUT I'VE BEEN TOLD IT WAS EITHER BOOSTER OR VACUUM PUMP AND I STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT FIXED IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE JUST SEEMS LIKE THEY DON'T WANNA FIX THE VEHICLES JUST PULL U IN SO THEY CAN CHARGE U FOR RECALL PARTS LIKE A SCAM.......
NHTSA complaint #10511042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesPiney Flats, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
CAR WAS RECALLED FOR BRAKE ISSUES. A HOSE WAS REPLACED. BRAKES BEGIN TO FAIL SHORTLY THEREAFTER AND GOT A POINT THAT THE CAR WOULD BARELY STOP. DEALER AND BMW SAY ITS MY PROBLEM AND INSIST I PAY ABOUT $2500 FOR A REPAIR THAT IS UNDER THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10491884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesGrayson, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE CAR DISPLAYED AN ERROR MESSAGE STATING "PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION". WHEN I APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE IT DID NOT WORK. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. I PAID A TOTAL OF 1300 DOLLARS TO HAVE THE PARKING BRAKE REPLACED. I LATER RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON LINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH MANY MODELS OF BMW'S.
NHTSA complaint #10485966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesOrlando, FL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT DISPENSED COOLANT INTO THE RESERVOIR AND THEN AFTER DRIVING 50 MILES THE MALFUNCTION RECURRED. IN 2012, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE AN ENGINE OVERHAUL WAS PERFORMED. THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 300 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THERE WAS RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V324000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER THE VIN WAS INELIGIBLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #10481379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.