10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
110,625 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 BMW 745 engine problems

engine problem

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2003 BMW 745 Owner Comments

problem #8

Jul 022018

745

  • 106,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Newport News, VA, USA

problem #7

Aug 082018

745

  • 130,000 miles
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.

- Gulfport, MS, USA

problem #6

Aug 222013

745 8-cyl

  • 131,000 miles
I have a serious oil leak my, light control system is not working, airbag in the seat not working, brakes and hud assembly has to be replaced.

- Winnsboro, SC, USA

problem #5

Oct 012007

745

  • 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #4

Mar 202014

745

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 BMW 745li. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled and the engine warning light illuminated. The contact also mentioned that the chime sounded throughout the vehicle. The vehicle was able to restart on the second attempt. After restarting, the vehicle vibrated and stalled. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

- Greenville, CA, USA

problem #3

Aug 142013

745 12-cyl

  • 99,000 miles
Car does not start correctly and stalls while sitting at lights. It also cuts off while driving.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #2

Jan 142009

745

  • 76,000 miles
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.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #1

Mar 122012

745

  • 143,000 miles
Terrible transmission in this car!!!while driving, this car jumps into gear. Feels like someone hit me from behind whenever I stop. It also started leaking transmission fluid. After researching this car, I have found out the 745li models are known for transmission problems, and leaks. This car should have a recall on it, because apparently BMW knows this, and has done nothing about it. They should make consumers aware they have ongoing problems with the transmissions. I went to drop car off for repair, and there were 4 other 745li's needing same repair. BMW should be made to recall these cars, and pay to have them repaired, or reimburse us if we already had this fixed.

- Richmond, VA, USA

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