Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 745li. The contact took the vehicle to bmw of riverside (3060 adams st, riverside, ca 92504, 1 (951) 373-5000) to be repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v328000 (latches/locks/linkages). Shortly after the recall repair, the contact noticed that the rear driver and passenger side door latches failed to lock and were unsecured. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The same dealer was contacted and stated that the battery was drained after servicing the recall repair. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer to recharge the battery. In addition, the dealer stated that the latch replacement was separate from the recall repair and that both latches needed to be replaced. The dealer indicated that they replaced both latches; however, the rear passenger door latch still failed. The other three door latches worked properly. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 58,423.
The worst 2005 BMW 745LI problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine6
- Airbags5
- Transmission5
- Brakes4
- Driver assistance4
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine6
- Airbags5
- Transmission5
- Brakes4
- Driver assistance4
- Locks4
- Body3
- Electrical3
- Seat belts3
- Acceleration1
- Fuel system1
- Seats1
Recalls 3
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- 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 [email protected].
Recall number 17V328000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or enter the vehicle or to other bystanders in the path of the vehicle.
- 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 [email protected].
Recall number 12V502000 · Recall details
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- 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 [email protected].
Recall number 12V504000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2005 BMW 745LI
Defect investigations
Vehicle Rollaway
In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), the federal safety agency Recall No. 12V‑502 to the federal safety agency 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 require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V‑502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V‑502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770
EA12002
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 button) to control starting/stopping the engine and Shift-by-Wire gearshift systems controlled by a column mounted selector lever behind the steering wheel. The Start/Stop button also controls switching the ignition and the radio ready state On and Off. Shift-by-wire systems replace the traditional mechanical connection (e.g., cable or linkage) between the gearshift and automatic transmission with an electronic connection controlled by a computer module. When parking the vehicle, the driver has the capability to manually shift the vehicle to park by pressing the Park button on the end of the electronic gearshift lever. However, the instructions for engine shutoff provided in the owner's manual state that pressing the Start/Stop button serves the dual function of switching off the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In response to ODI's information request for PE11-025, BMW described several circumstances where the subject vehicles may shift to neutral when the driver may expect it to automatically shift to park. First, for Comfort Access System (CAS) vehicles, if the transmission is in neutral when the key fob is in the ignition slot and the Start/Stop button is pressed to shut-off the engine, the transmission will remain in neutral. This is referred to as the Carwash mode and is a normal operating feature of the vehicles that is described in the owner's manual. BMW also described two circumstances that are not normal operating features and are not described in the owners' manual: (1) with the transmission in drive or reverse and the engine running, if the Start/Stop button is pushed 2 or 3 times within a 0.3 second to 0.5 second interval, the engine will stop and the transmission will shift to Neutral; and 2) if the Park button on the gearshift lever is pressed at the same time that the gearshift lever is actuated (i.e., toggled up or down) to select drive, reverse or neutral; the transmission will shift to neutral or remain in neutral.Beginning in model year (MY) 2005, BMW introduced CAS as an optional feature package for the subject vehicles.The key for CAS equipped vehicles is an electronic code that is sent to the engine control module by a remote transmitter (key fob). An optional docking port (key slot) is provided for driver convenience or to put the vehicle into Car Wash mode, which allows for engine shutoff in neutral. BMW sold approximately 45,000 subject vehicles with CAS and approximately 94 percent of the CAS equipped vehicles were produced from MY 2006 through 2008. Non-CAS subject vehicles were produced from MY 2002 through 2008 and require the remote control to be in the ignition slot located next to the Start/Stop button to start the engine.The 50 incidents identified by ODI's analysis of complaints and field reports include 18 involving CAS vehicles (39.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles) and 32 involving non-CAS vehicles (42.0 incidents per 100,000 vehicles). Because the incidents are considered random events, the failure rates were also adjusted for vehicle exposure, resulting in rat
PE11025
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 the extended warranty are my 06/ 6 series, my 06/ 3-series with standard seats, my04-05/ z4, my04-06/ 7 series, my 06/ x5, and my04-06/ 5-series with comfort seats.the average frequency of failures among the extended warranty groups was less than 1/7th of the recall vehicle groups.please see bmw's 08v‑384 recall notification for further detailsdepending on seat configuration and vehicle geometry, the occupant detection mat can fatigue during use depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit.specifically, over time, micro-cracks could develop in the side flanks of the mat causing a broken circuit.a brokencircuit can lead to the deactivation of the passenger air bag and the illumination of both the air bag warning light and the passenger air bag light.
EA08001
Bmw airbag light illumination
In certain my 2005 through my 2006 bmw vehicles, the occupant classification system (ocs) for the passenger frontal airbag may malfunction and render the passenger airbag inoperative.in june 2006, bmw issued a technical service bulletin (si b 72 02 06) regarding the illumination of the airbag warning light and the passenger airbag status lamp.illumination of these lights warn that an open electrical circuit may be present within the passenger seat mat sensor.when both of the lights are illuminated, the passenger frontal air bag will not deploy in a frontal crash.certain bmw vehicles in addition to the subject vehicles contain the same seat mat sensor.these are the my 2004 5-series, 7-series and x3, the my 2004 through 2006z-4 series and my 2006 3-series, 6-series and x5 vehicles.an improved seat mat sensor was introduced in december 2005 for the mid-my 2006 production.in response to odi's information request letter, bmw provided 1,172 owner reports and 28,238 warranty claims.initial review of the data indicate that 280 non-duplicating owner reports and 13,051 non-duplicating warranty claims may be related the subject defect issue on the subject vehiclesthis preliminary evaluation is being upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea08-001).
PE07045
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 BMW 745LI 27
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Engine will crank but not start
- Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle
- Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may...
- Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been...
- Navigation system: reporting missing or incorrect road map data
- Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits This Service Information bulletin...
- This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015
- This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated May 2015
2005 BMW 745LI fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8‑cyl | RWD | 16 | 24 | 19 |
What 2005 BMW 745LI owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v502000 (electrical system, power train) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 bmw 745li. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine failsafe mode warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator housing failed. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel veered to the right causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a bridge through the railing and into a pole. A police report was filed. The contact sustained unknown injuries that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 745li. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and attempting a turn, the front driver's side door opened independently. The instrument panel displayed that the doors were closed. The soft close automatic option failed and the contact had to slam the door in order for it to properly close. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The check engine light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for emissions inspection and the contact was advised that the crank case ventilation valves had to be replaced. The repair was not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 12v504000 (latches/locks/linkages), however the VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.
I took my 745li to the only bmw service center in davenport, ia for service and they could not open the hood by using the latch inside the car nor could they open it by any other means. There was nothing that LED up to this issue, it just happened. They failed once again to open the hood the next time I brought the car in for a service so I asked them to fix the problem. They stated it was not something covered under my extended warranty, so I was forced to pay out of pocket. They stated that they had to remove my front tire in order to open the hood and that the faulty part was the mechanism that connects with the latch and hood. I paid over $3k for an extensive warranty, so I was livid that something like this was not covered. I had to pay out of pocket for new parts, repairs and of course labor. I keep my vehicle in tip-top condition and I even keep it in storage during the winter months. At the time of this incident, it was only 6 years old. For a $80k car; I expected more.
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Questions about the 2005 BMW 745LI
Is the 2005 BMW 745LI reliable?
Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2005 BMW 745LI, fewer than a typical 745LI model year.
What is the 2005 BMW 745LI year score?
The 2005 BMW 745LI scores 71 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 745LI: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 BMW 745LI?
Engine and cooling, with 6 complaints. Next is airbags (5).
How many recalls does the 2005 BMW 745LI have?
3 recalls, covering latches/locks/linkages and electrical system.
What gas mileage does the 2005 BMW 745LI get?
Official estimates for the 2005 BMW 745LI range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.4L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 24 highway.
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