Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Bmw 745LI: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

33 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

95,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: . 30 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 33 complaints (24.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting927.3%
Engine operation618.2%
Braking behavior618.2%
Steering behavior618.2%
Electrical and battery issues13.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
8
Power Train
7
Engine
6
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
4
Seat Belts
3
Seats
3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum
2
Vehicle Speed Control
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags8
Power Train7
Engine6
Power Train:Automatic Transmission4
Seat Belts3
Seats3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum2
Vehicle Speed Control2

Air Bags: 8; Power Train: 7; Engine: 6; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 4; Seat Belts: 3; Seats: 3; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
6
75,000 to 99,999
9
100,000 to 149,999
9
150,000 and above
4
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9996
75,000 to 99,9999
100,000 to 149,9999
150,000 and above4

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 9; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 4

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (9). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2008
1
2009
4
2010
1
2011
9
2012
4
2013
4
2014
4
2015
1
2016
3
2018
1
2023
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20081
20094
20101
20119
20124
20134
20144
20151
20163
20181
20231

2008: 1; 2009: 4; 2010: 1; 2011: 9; 2012: 4; 2013: 4; 2014: 4; 2015: 1; 2016: 3; 2018: 1; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 9 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10244483 · 2008-10-06 (October 6, 2008)

VEHICLE:2004 BMW 745LI DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT: SEVAS S-10 WHEELS AFTER TRAVELING ABOUT TWO HOURS GOING 65MPH ALL OF THE SUDDEN I HEAR A LOUD POP AS MY VEHICLE STARTS TO SWERVE. I SAW SPARKS AND HEARD MORE GRINDING NOISES. LUCKILY TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND I WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. AS I PULLED TO SHOULDER, IT WAS APPARENT WHAT HAD HAPPENED, MY WHEELS JUST FELL APART. AFTER ABOUT TEN MINUTES A POLICE OFFICER STOPPED BY AND CALLED A WRECKER. THE FOLLOWING DAY I REPLACED THE DAMAGED SEVAS S-10 WHEELS WITH MY FACTORY WHEELS AND REALIZED JU…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10244483 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10278644 · 2009-07-29 (July 29, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG, ENGINE, AND TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SAFETY MODULE FAILED. THE REPAIR COST WAS ESTIMATED AT $1,200. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V344000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 13…

Owner-reported narrative. 136,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10278644 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10279153 · 2009-08-03 (August 3, 2009)

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OPENED SLIGHTLY ON ITS OWN, AND THE SOFT CLOSE DOORS MUST HAVE REACTED AND CLOSED IT BACK SHUT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 82,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10279153 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10294410 · 2009-12-03 (December 3, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHICH INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE OCCUPANT DETENTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE DETENTION SYSTEM WAS RESET; HOWEVER, THE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASING THE REPAIR PART THAT WILL PROGRAM THE COMPUTER. RECALL 04V379000 FOR THE SEATS IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000. UPDATED 12/22/09. *L…

Owner-reported narrative. 67,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10294410 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10296930 · 2009-12-24 (December 24, 2009)

TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FAILING ON MY 2004 754LI THE FIRST YEAR I PURCHASED IT. I HAVE SENT TO THE VIST BMW IN CYPRESS CREEK FLORIDA OVER 20 TIMES IT STAYED IN THE THEIR HANDS FOR WEEKS ON END AND ALWAYS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. FOR YEARS IT WAS A CONSTANT CHORE TO DRIVE 30 MILES TO THEIR FACILITY AND FOR THEM TO INSPECT MY COMPLAINT TO SIMPLY TO TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. LOW AND BEHOLD MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND WHEN I WENT THERE AGAIN, THEY SAID " WELL IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND WOULD NEED…

Owner-reported narrative. 28,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10296930 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10373534 · 2010-12-30 (December 30, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT IT MIGHT BE A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10373534 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10374954 · 2011-01-06 (January 6, 2011)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT A SOFTWARE UPGRADE WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 65,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10374954 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10392938 · 2011-03-26 (March 26, 2011)

NUMEROUS WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING "POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE" AND "LOSS OF STABILITY CONTROL" LIT UP ON MY 2004 BMW 745LI. THE VEHICLE LOST ITS ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, WHICH EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN THE HIGH TRAFFIC SITUATION I WAS EXPERIENCING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS FAILURE IS IN ADDITION TO NUMEROUS WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT APPEAR INTERMITTENTLY IN THE VEHICLE AND THEN RESET THEMSELVES ONCE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE DIAGNOSIS BY BMW WAS THAT THE MECHATRONIC UNIT ON THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED (AFTER ONLY 70,000 MIL…

Owner-reported narrative. 72,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10392938 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

33 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

90.9%Usable mileage30 / 33 records
100.0%Valid incident date33 / 33 records
100.0%Valid filing date33 / 33 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates33 / 33 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2002200320042005200620072008
Air Bags
925.0%
ODI 10021142 · 2,000 mi

THE TELEMATICS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS OF THE VEHICLE HAVE FAILED OR REPORTED APPARENTLY ERRONEOUS INFORMATION ON MANY OCCASIONS. IN MOST CASES, THESE FAILURES OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN THE MIDST OF TRAVEL, WHICH THEREBY CAUSES THE DRIVER TO BECOME DISTRACTED FROM DRIVING WHILE FOCUSING ON THE SYSTEM FAILURE. THIS POSES A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE AS IT PREVENTS THE DRIVER FROM DEVOTING THE NEEDED ATTENTION TO OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. PROBLEMS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:*AK AIRBAG AND SRS WARNING MESSAGES; SERVICE ENGINE MES…

Look up ODI 10021142 at NHTSA ↗

1020.0%
ODI 10399671 · 117,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR A FEW MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THEY WERE NOT SURE THE AIR BAGS WOULD DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 117,000.

Look up ODI 10399671 at NHTSA ↗

824.2%
ODI 10374954 · 65,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT A SOFTWARE UPGRADE WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.

Look up ODI 10374954 at NHTSA ↗

520.0%
ODI 10327555 · 100,060 mi

I STARTED MY CAR UP AT APPROX. 12:30AM SAT. 4/24/2010 A WARNING LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD INDICATING THAT MY SEAT BELT TENSIONER & PASSENGER AIR BAG IS NOT WORKING. *TR

Look up ODI 10327555 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
1027.8%
ODI 10018353 · 5,485 mi

SYSTEMS FAILURE IN RAIN STORM WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 95 IN BROWARD COUNTY, FL. FAILURE INVOLVED WINDSHIELD WIPERS, LIGHTS, DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS ETC. WHICH CREATED AN UNSAFE CONDITION AS WELL AS QUITE A SURPRISE FOR ME (THE DRIVER). THIS CAR HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN NUMEROUS TRIPS TO THE DEALER TO FIX COMPUTER RELATED PROBLEMS AND THIS TYPE OF COMPLAINT SEEMS TO BE BUT ONE OF MANY SIMILAR ISSUES EXPERIENCED BY OWNERS OF THIS MODEL. BMW WILL FIX THE CAR AND RETURN IT TO ME IN A PERIOD OF APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK AFTER EACH INCIDENT. *JB

Look up ODI 10018353 at NHTSA ↗

510.0%
ODI 10187959 · 10,000 mi

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 5 MPH SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TOWED; THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 MILES. IN 2006 WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED, THE RADIO WAS ON, AND THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR 4 TO 5 DAYS IN ORDER TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE SHIFT CONTROL FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED…

Look up ODI 10187959 at NHTSA ↗

13.0%
ODI 10583375 · 130,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN EXTENSIVE OIL LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED OR DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO DESCRIBED A BURNING METAL AND OIL ODOR IN ADDITION TO A WHILE CLOUD OF SMOKE. THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE REPAIRED TWICE BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ALTERNATOR, A…

Look up ODI 10583375 at NHTSA ↗

14.0%
ODI 10291502

MY BMW IS STILL DEAD AS A DOOR KNOB SITTING WHERE IT WAS LAST SITTING AFTER I HAD GOTTEN IT FROM THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT LAST GOING ON ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. SOME OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD THAT ARE STILL FLASHING ON AND OFF BEFORE AND AFTER THE NEW BATTERIES WERE INSTALLED 1. TRANSMISSION FAILSAFE DRIVE MODERATELY 2. DYNAMIC DRIVE INACTIVE 3. ENGINE OVERHEATING LIGHT WAS GOING ON AND OFF CONTINUOUSLY. 4. THE RECHARGE BATTERY LIGHT WAS STILL FLASHING ON AND OFF. NOTE: NOW THE ENGINE OVERHEATING LIGHT IS GOING ON AND OFF CONTINUOUSLY, AND TH…

Look up ODI 10291502 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
25.6%
ODI 10422543 · 106,112 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 745 LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE GEAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,112 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,313.

Look up ODI 10422543 at NHTSA ↗

612.0%
ODI 10371074 · 63,000 mi

AFTER STOPPING MY 2003 745LI BMW ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2010, (CAR WAS IN PARK), I PUT GEAR SELECTOR INTO DRIVE AND VEHICLE STARTED GOING INTO REVERSE CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HIT VEHICLE BEHIND ME IN THE SCHOOL ZONE. I TURNED OFF VEHICLE AND STARTED AGAIN THINKING IT WAS JUST A COMPUTER GLITCH, THE CAR AGAIN PROCEEDED TO GO BACKWARDS WHILE IN PARK AND DRIVE. AFTER RESTARTING VEHICLE THE THIRD TIME, THE DRIVE FUNCTION FINALLY WORKED. THE FOLLOWING DAY I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A BMW SERVICE CENTER. AT THE CENTER THE VEHICLE AGAIN STA…

Look up ODI 10371074 at NHTSA ↗

721.2%
ODI 10296930 · 28,000 mi

TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FAILING ON MY 2004 754LI THE FIRST YEAR I PURCHASED IT. I HAVE SENT TO THE VIST BMW IN CYPRESS CREEK FLORIDA OVER 20 TIMES IT STAYED IN THE THEIR HANDS FOR WEEKS ON END AND ALWAYS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. FOR YEARS IT WAS A CONSTANT CHORE TO DRIVE 30 MILES TO THEIR FACILITY AND FOR THEM TO INSPECT MY COMPLAINT TO SIMPLY TO TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. LOW AND BEHOLD MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND WHEN I WENT THERE AGAIN, THEY SAID " WELL IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND WOULD NEED…

Look up ODI 10296930 at NHTSA ↗

28.0%
ODI 10622607 · 130,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10622607 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
616.7%
ODI 10000614

2002 BMW 745LI HIGH PITCH WHINE FROM TRANSMISSION, SIMILAR TO AIRCRAFT TURBINE ENGINE NOISE, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. BMW, IT'S DEALER AND HEADQUARTERS HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ARE UNABLE TO RESOLVE OR FIX IT. ADDITIONAL PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE IS A SHIMMY FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 10000614 at NHTSA ↗

24.0%
ODI 10040061 · 6,000 mi

THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING 10-15 MPH THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR STARTED FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS. *AK *TS *NLM

Look up ODI 10040061 at NHTSA ↗

412.1%
ODI 10296930 · 28,000 mi

TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FAILING ON MY 2004 754LI THE FIRST YEAR I PURCHASED IT. I HAVE SENT TO THE VIST BMW IN CYPRESS CREEK FLORIDA OVER 20 TIMES IT STAYED IN THE THEIR HANDS FOR WEEKS ON END AND ALWAYS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. FOR YEARS IT WAS A CONSTANT CHORE TO DRIVE 30 MILES TO THEIR FACILITY AND FOR THEM TO INSPECT MY COMPLAINT TO SIMPLY TO TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. LOW AND BEHOLD MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND WHEN I WENT THERE AGAIN, THEY SAID " WELL IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND WOULD NEED…

Look up ODI 10296930 at NHTSA ↗

312.0%
ODI 10291429

MY BMW IS STILL DEAD AS A DOOR KNOB SITTING WHERE IT WAS LAST SITTING AFTER I HAD GOTTEN IT FROM THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT LAST GOING ON ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. SOME OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD THAT ARE STILL FLASHING ON AND OFF BEFORE AND AFTER THE NEW BATTERIES WERE INSTALLED 1.TRANSMISSION FAILSAFE DRIVE MODERATELY 2.DYNAMIC DRIVE INACTIVE 3.ENGINE OVERHEATING LIGHT WAS GOING ON AND OFF CONTINUOUSLY. 4.THE RECHARGE BATTERY LIGHT WAS STILL FLASHING ON AND OFF. NOTE: NOW THE ENGINE OVERHEATING LIGHT IS GOING ON AND OFF CON…

Look up ODI 10291429 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
25.6%
ODI 11203845 · 180,425 mi

CAR STALLED AND ALL THE LIGHTS ARE FLASHING ON THE DASH... WILL NOT START BACK UP... ALMOST HAD A SERIOUS WRECK AT 75MPH CAR JUST WENT OFF...HAD NO STEERING AND BARLEY MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD... DAMAGED THE FRONT END AFTER HITTING THE CURB TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY TO SAFETY... HAD IT TOWED HOME THEN TO A BMW DEALER WHO TOLD ME MY CASS WENT OUT AND THE COMPUTER WAS NOT RESPONDING AND COULD BE MANY THINGS TOLD ME IT WOULD COST ME OVER $4K TO FIX THE CAR... I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND IT SITS IN MY BACK YARD NOW AND HAS BEEN SITTING …

Look up ODI 11203845 at NHTSA ↗

36.0%
ODI 10470881 · 143,000 mi

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 RE…

Look up ODI 10470881 at NHTSA ↗

618.2%
ODI 10491870 · 90,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE HOSE TO THE ENGINE WAS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10491870 at NHTSA ↗

28.0%
ODI 10509659 · 100,000 mi

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 VEN…

Look up ODI 10509659 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
38.3%
ODI 10795344 · 101,000 mi

THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT TENSIONER WAS RECALLED FOR SAME MANUFACTURER FOR CARS FROM 2004 AND UP. THE 2002 AND 2003 MODEL HAD THE SAME ISSUE BUT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE LIGHT FOR THE SEATBELT TENSIONER AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG CAME ON. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN SINCE AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT TIGHTEN IN AN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 10795344 at NHTSA ↗

24.0%
ODI 10275346 · 80,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745LI . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALARM WOULD ACTIVATE ON ITS OWN. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR NO REASON. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF AS IF THERE WERE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHENEVER HE WOULD STOP THE VEHICLE OR DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DEALER WOULD NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 80,000.

Look up ODI 10275346 at NHTSA ↗

39.1%
ODI 10499391 · 76,000 mi

ON THE DASH BOARD THE LOUD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON: DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. I KNOW THAT SEVERAL 2002-2008 BMW 7-SERIES GOT RECALLED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AND MANUFACTURE OFFERED 10 YEAR WARRANTY FROM IN SERVICE DATE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MINE IS A 2004 745LI AND SHOULD BE ONE OF THE RECALLED ONE. CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAD THE VIN NUMBER THAT MY CAR HAS NEVER HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS ON AND I THINK THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. IS A SHAME TO SPEND SO MU…

Look up ODI 10499391 at NHTSA ↗

312.0%
ODI 10327555 · 100,060 mi

I STARTED MY CAR UP AT APPROX. 12:30AM SAT. 4/24/2010 A WARNING LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD INDICATING THAT MY SEAT BELT TENSIONER & PASSENGER AIR BAG IS NOT WORKING. *TR

Look up ODI 10327555 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
38.3%
ODI 10283607 · 96,000 mi

MY 2002 BMW 745LI IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS REPORTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V240000. WHEN I CALLED BMW TO ASK ABOUT THE RECALL THEY TOLD ME THAT MY BMW 745LI DID NOT HAVE ANY RECALLS UNDER MY VIN. BUT THE PROBLEMS ARE THE SAME AS REPORTED ON NHTSA. *TR

Look up ODI 10283607 at NHTSA ↗

24.0%
ODI 10380056 · 100,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING RECURRING FAILURES IN WHICH THE DASHBOARD WOULD DISPLAY AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION MESSAGE BEFORE STALLING. THE FAILURES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD BE PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED. AFTER SOME OF THE FAILURES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE …

Look up ODI 10380056 at NHTSA ↗

13.0%
ODI 10395588 · 109,115 mi

I PURCHASED A 2004 BMW 745 LI FROM LEXUS DEALERSHIP IN MD, I DROVE TO FAYETTEVILLE, NC BECAUSE IM IN THE MILITARY. 1 WEEK AFTER BEING HOME AT FT BRAGG I STARTED THE CAR IN THE MORNING AND THEN THE TRANSFAIL SAFE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK. 4/12/2011 WHILE DRIVING TO WORK IN FULL HEAVY TRAFFIC THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON WITH A YELLOW INDICATOR AND TOLD ME TO DRIVE MODERATELY. WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE TO A GAS STATION THE RED INDICATOR CAME ON AND TOLD ME TO STOP SAFELY AND THIS IS WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THIS COMPUTER IS ALWAYS SAYING SOMET…

Look up ODI 10395588 at NHTSA ↗

28.0%
ODI 10312152 · 26,000 mi

DYNAMIS DRIVE INACTIVE LIGHT COMES ON UNTIL THE CAR IS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED BUT IT WON'T STORE THE CODE. BMW SAID THAT THIS CAN'T HAPPEN SO WHEN IT HAPPENED I DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HE SAW IT WAS ON BUT AS SOON AS HE SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT THE LIGHT WAS OFF AND THE CODE GONE. THE CAR ACTS LIKE A BIG BOAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT MOVES SIDE TO SIDE. *TR

Look up ODI 10312152 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Gasoline
513.9%
ODI 10021142 · 2,000 mi

THE TELEMATICS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS OF THE VEHICLE HAVE FAILED OR REPORTED APPARENTLY ERRONEOUS INFORMATION ON MANY OCCASIONS. IN MOST CASES, THESE FAILURES OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN THE MIDST OF TRAVEL, WHICH THEREBY CAUSES THE DRIVER TO BECOME DISTRACTED FROM DRIVING WHILE FOCUSING ON THE SYSTEM FAILURE. THIS POSES A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE AS IT PREVENTS THE DRIVER FROM DEVOTING THE NEEDED ATTENTION TO OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. PROBLEMS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:*AK AIRBAG AND SRS WARNING MESSAGES; SERVICE ENGINE MES…

Look up ODI 10021142 at NHTSA ↗

24.0%
ODI 10345069 · 22,000 mi

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY BMW 74LI 2003 HAS REGISTERED A ENGINE MALFUNCTION AFTER TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE AT 55 MILES PER HOUR. THE ENGINE WOULD STALL ON THE LAST TIME THE COMPANY TRY TO STATE THAT IT WAS THE GAS BUT THAT IS NOT TRUE, I HAVE ALWAYS USED HIGH OCTANE PER THE OWNER'S MANUAL. I HAVE COME ACROSS SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE 5 SERIES AND 3 SERIES AND I AM SURE THE SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING IN THE 7SERIES. THE BMW NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10345069 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.0%
ODI 10622607 · 130,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10622607 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags70,500–150,254 mi90,000 mi7
ODI 10374954 · 65,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT A SOFTWARE UPGRADE WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.

Look up ODI 10374954 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459306 · 160,507 mi

WE WERE DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHTS AND MESSAGE CAME ON. I HAD THE CAR DIAGNOSED BY MY LOCAL BMW DEALER WHO PIN POINTED THE PROBLEM TO THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. I AM NOT SURE HOW THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAULT IS CURRENTLY COVERED UNDER A TEN WARRANTY AND I AM NOT SURE WHY THE BMW DEALER WOULD TELL ME THE PROBLEM WAS ELSE WHERE WITH A PRICE TAG OF A 1K PROBLEM. I NEED TO KNOW FROM BMW NORTH AMERICA HOW IS THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM TIED TO THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. I WAS T…

Look up ODI 10459306 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10499391 · 76,000 mi

ON THE DASH BOARD THE LOUD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON: DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. I KNOW THAT SEVERAL 2002-2008 BMW 7-SERIES GOT RECALLED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AND MANUFACTURE OFFERED 10 YEAR WARRANTY FROM IN SERVICE DATE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MINE IS A 2004 745LI AND SHOULD BE ONE OF THE RECALLED ONE. CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAD THE VIN NUMBER THAT MY CAR HAS NEVER HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS ON AND I THINK THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. IS A SHAME TO SPEND SO MU…

Look up ODI 10499391 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train83,553–146,250 mi99,500 mi6
ODI 10296930 · 28,000 mi

TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FAILING ON MY 2004 754LI THE FIRST YEAR I PURCHASED IT. I HAVE SENT TO THE VIST BMW IN CYPRESS CREEK FLORIDA OVER 20 TIMES IT STAYED IN THE THEIR HANDS FOR WEEKS ON END AND ALWAYS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. FOR YEARS IT WAS A CONSTANT CHORE TO DRIVE 30 MILES TO THEIR FACILITY AND FOR THEM TO INSPECT MY COMPLAINT TO SIMPLY TO TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. LOW AND BEHOLD MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND WHEN I WENT THERE AGAIN, THEY SAID " WELL IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND WOULD NEED…

Look up ODI 10296930 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10427928 · 80,071 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, BUT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARD OUT OF A GARAGE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE BY ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,…

Look up ODI 10427928 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10457690 · 105,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH MUCH HESITATION FROM THE ENGINE. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT THEN ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE POWER ASSIST WARNING SIGNAL ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED TWO RECALLS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) AND 04V344000 (POW…

Look up ODI 10457690 at NHTSA ↗

Engine91,250–123,500 mi99,500 mi6
ODI 10491870 · 90,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE HOSE TO THE ENGINE WAS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10491870 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10578275 · 73,245 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVEN SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,245. UPDATED 5/8/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE KEPT RUNNI…

Look up ODI 10578275 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10583375 · 130,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN EXTENSIVE OIL LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED OR DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO DESCRIBED A BURNING METAL AND OIL ODOR IN ADDITION TO A WHILE CLOUD OF SMOKE. THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE REPAIRED TWICE BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ALTERNATOR, A…

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Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range68,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10296930 · 28,000 mi

TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FAILING ON MY 2004 754LI THE FIRST YEAR I PURCHASED IT. I HAVE SENT TO THE VIST BMW IN CYPRESS CREEK FLORIDA OVER 20 TIMES IT STAYED IN THE THEIR HANDS FOR WEEKS ON END AND ALWAYS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. FOR YEARS IT WAS A CONSTANT CHORE TO DRIVE 30 MILES TO THEIR FACILITY AND FOR THEM TO INSPECT MY COMPLAINT TO SIMPLY TO TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. LOW AND BEHOLD MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND WHEN I WENT THERE AGAIN, THEY SAID " WELL IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND WOULD NEED…

Look up ODI 10296930 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10392938 · 72,000 mi

NUMEROUS WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING "POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE" AND "LOSS OF STABILITY CONTROL" LIT UP ON MY 2004 BMW 745LI. THE VEHICLE LOST ITS ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, WHICH EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN THE HIGH TRAFFIC SITUATION I WAS EXPERIENCING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS FAILURE IS IN ADDITION TO NUMEROUS WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT APPEAR INTERMITTENTLY IN THE VEHICLE AND THEN RESET THEMSELVES ONCE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE DIAGNOSIS BY BMW WAS THAT THE MECHATRONIC UNIT ON THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED (AFTER ONLY 70,000 MIL…

Look up ODI 10392938 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10394263 · 65,000 mi

VEHICLE TYPE IS A 2004 745LI BMW V-8 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE CAR IS IN 5TH GEAR THE CAR HICCUPS LIKE IT WANTS TO UP SHIFT BUT THEN DOES NOT. IT CAUSE THE CAR IT JERK EVERY 3 TO 5 SECONDS WHEN IN 5TH GEAR. WHEN THE CAR IS IN ANY OTHER GEAR IN DOES NOT DO THIS. I HAVE HAD A TRANSMISSION FLUID COMPLETELY CHANGED OUT. IN WHICH THE FLUID SMELLED BURNT AND LOOKED BROWN IN COLOR. BMW SAYS THAT IT IS A LIFE TIME FLUID (IT IS NOT). WHEN THE CAR IS ACCELERATING THROUGH 5TH GEAR IT DOES NOT DO THE PROBLEM EITHER. THERE IS SOMETHING CLEARLY WRON…

Look up ODI 10394263 at NHTSA ↗

Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range76,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10499391 · 76,000 mi

ON THE DASH BOARD THE LOUD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON: DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. I KNOW THAT SEVERAL 2002-2008 BMW 7-SERIES GOT RECALLED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AND MANUFACTURE OFFERED 10 YEAR WARRANTY FROM IN SERVICE DATE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MINE IS A 2004 745LI AND SHOULD BE ONE OF THE RECALLED ONE. CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAD THE VIN NUMBER THAT MY CAR HAS NEVER HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS ON AND I THINK THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. IS A SHAME TO SPEND SO MU…

Look up ODI 10499391 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10549449 · 55,147 mi

THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG CAME ON AND THE TENSION IN THE SEAT BELT IS NON-EXISTENT. *TR

Look up ODI 10549449 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10747805 · 140,000 mi

THE VEHICLE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. IT IS A DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH BMW AND THEY ARE DENYING COVERAGE FOR MY PARTICULAR VIN

Look up ODI 10747805 at NHTSA ↗

SeatsToo few reports for a range76,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10294410 · 67,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHICH INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE OCCUPANT DETENTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE DETENTION SYSTEM WAS RESET; HOWEVER, THE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASING THE REPAIR PART THAT WILL PROGRAM THE COMPUTER. RECALL 04V379000 FOR THE SEATS IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000. UPDATED 12/22/09. *L…

Look up ODI 10294410 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10499391 · 76,000 mi

ON THE DASH BOARD THE LOUD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON: DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. I KNOW THAT SEVERAL 2002-2008 BMW 7-SERIES GOT RECALLED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AND MANUFACTURE OFFERED 10 YEAR WARRANTY FROM IN SERVICE DATE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MINE IS A 2004 745LI AND SHOULD BE ONE OF THE RECALLED ONE. CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAD THE VIN NUMBER THAT MY CAR HAS NEVER HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS ON AND I THINK THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. IS A SHAME TO SPEND SO MU…

Look up ODI 10499391 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10747805 · 140,000 mi

THE VEHICLE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. IT IS A DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH BMW AND THEY ARE DENYING COVERAGE FOR MY PARTICULAR VIN

Look up ODI 10747805 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:VacuumToo few reports for a range97,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10395431 · 96,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) AND BEGIN TO LEAK OIL ABNORMALLY TWO MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND DETERMINED THAT THE OIL LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE VACUUM PUMP. THE CONTACT SECURED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER AND WAS AWAITING POSSIBLE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,130. UPDATED 0…

Look up ODI 10395431 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10398900 · 99,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CU…

Look up ODI 10398900 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range154,930 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10453438 · 129,860 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745 LI. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECREASED SPEED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 129,860.

Look up ODI 10453438 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10474366 · 180,000 mi

SENSOR MALFUNCTION CAUSES TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO ALTERNATE GEARS WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. WHILE IN DRIVE CAR WOULD SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR NEUTRAL BY ITSELF WITH NO OPERATOR CONTROL. *TR

Look up ODI 10474366 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2007: 0 complaints · 2008: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2007000
2008000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2007000
2008000

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsPower TrainEnginePower Train:Automatic TransmissionSeat BeltsSeatsService Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:VacuumVehicle Speed Control
Air Bags—000
3
ODI 10499391 · 76,000 mi

ON THE DASH BOARD THE LOUD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON: DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. I KNOW THAT SEVERAL 2002-2008 BMW 7-SERIES GOT RECALLED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AND MANUFACTURE OFFERED 10 YEAR WARRANTY FROM IN SERVICE DATE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MINE IS A 2004 745LI AND SHOULD BE ONE OF THE RECALLED ONE. CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAD THE VIN NUMBER THAT MY CAR HAS NEVER HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS ON AND I THINK THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. IS A SHAME TO SPEND SO MU…

Look up ODI 10499391 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10549449 · 55,147 mi

THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG CAME ON AND THE TENSION IN THE SEAT BELT IS NON-EXISTENT. *TR

Look up ODI 10549449 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10747805 · 140,000 mi

THE VEHICLE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. IT IS A DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH BMW AND THEY ARE DENYING COVERAGE FOR MY PARTICULAR VIN

Look up ODI 10747805 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10499391 · 76,000 mi

ON THE DASH BOARD THE LOUD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON: DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. I KNOW THAT SEVERAL 2002-2008 BMW 7-SERIES GOT RECALLED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AND MANUFACTURE OFFERED 10 YEAR WARRANTY FROM IN SERVICE DATE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MINE IS A 2004 745LI AND SHOULD BE ONE OF THE RECALLED ONE. CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAD THE VIN NUMBER THAT MY CAR HAS NEVER HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS ON AND I THINK THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. IS A SHAME TO SPEND SO MU…

Look up ODI 10499391 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10747805 · 140,000 mi

THE VEHICLE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. IT IS A DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH BMW AND THEY ARE DENYING COVERAGE FOR MY PARTICULAR VIN

Look up ODI 10747805 at NHTSA ↗

00
Power Train0—
1
ODI 11098844 · 160,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE MANIFOLD. ALSO, THE WHEELS AND AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF STRATHAM (71 PORTSMOUTH AVENUE, STRATHAM, NH 03885, [phone removed]), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER REFUSED TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO PURCHASE AN AFTERMAR…

Look up ODI 11098844 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10296930 · 28,000 mi

TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FAILING ON MY 2004 754LI THE FIRST YEAR I PURCHASED IT. I HAVE SENT TO THE VIST BMW IN CYPRESS CREEK FLORIDA OVER 20 TIMES IT STAYED IN THE THEIR HANDS FOR WEEKS ON END AND ALWAYS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. FOR YEARS IT WAS A CONSTANT CHORE TO DRIVE 30 MILES TO THEIR FACILITY AND FOR THEM TO INSPECT MY COMPLAINT TO SIMPLY TO TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. LOW AND BEHOLD MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND WHEN I WENT THERE AGAIN, THEY SAID " WELL IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND WOULD NEED…

Look up ODI 10296930 at NHTSA ↗

000
1
ODI 10474366 · 180,000 mi

SENSOR MALFUNCTION CAUSES TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO ALTERNATE GEARS WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. WHILE IN DRIVE CAR WOULD SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR NEUTRAL BY ITSELF WITH NO OPERATOR CONTROL. *TR

Look up ODI 10474366 at NHTSA ↗

Engine0
1
ODI 11098844 · 160,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE MANIFOLD. ALSO, THE WHEELS AND AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF STRATHAM (71 PORTSMOUTH AVENUE, STRATHAM, NH 03885, [phone removed]), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER REFUSED TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO PURCHASE AN AFTERMAR…

Look up ODI 11098844 at NHTSA ↗

—00000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission0
1
ODI 10296930 · 28,000 mi

TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FAILING ON MY 2004 754LI THE FIRST YEAR I PURCHASED IT. I HAVE SENT TO THE VIST BMW IN CYPRESS CREEK FLORIDA OVER 20 TIMES IT STAYED IN THE THEIR HANDS FOR WEEKS ON END AND ALWAYS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. FOR YEARS IT WAS A CONSTANT CHORE TO DRIVE 30 MILES TO THEIR FACILITY AND FOR THEM TO INSPECT MY COMPLAINT TO SIMPLY TO TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. LOW AND BEHOLD MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND WHEN I WENT THERE AGAIN, THEY SAID " WELL IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND WOULD NEED…

Look up ODI 10296930 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Seat Belts
3
ODI 10499391 · 76,000 mi

ON THE DASH BOARD THE LOUD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON: DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. I KNOW THAT SEVERAL 2002-2008 BMW 7-SERIES GOT RECALLED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AND MANUFACTURE OFFERED 10 YEAR WARRANTY FROM IN SERVICE DATE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MINE IS A 2004 745LI AND SHOULD BE ONE OF THE RECALLED ONE. CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAD THE VIN NUMBER THAT MY CAR HAS NEVER HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS ON AND I THINK THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. IS A SHAME TO SPEND SO MU…

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ODI 10549449 · 55,147 mi

THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG CAME ON AND THE TENSION IN THE SEAT BELT IS NON-EXISTENT. *TR

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ODI 10747805 · 140,000 mi

THE VEHICLE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. IT IS A DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH BMW AND THEY ARE DENYING COVERAGE FOR MY PARTICULAR VIN

Look up ODI 10747805 at NHTSA ↗

000—
2
ODI 10499391 · 76,000 mi

ON THE DASH BOARD THE LOUD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON: DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. I KNOW THAT SEVERAL 2002-2008 BMW 7-SERIES GOT RECALLED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AND MANUFACTURE OFFERED 10 YEAR WARRANTY FROM IN SERVICE DATE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MINE IS A 2004 745LI AND SHOULD BE ONE OF THE RECALLED ONE. CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAD THE VIN NUMBER THAT MY CAR HAS NEVER HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS ON AND I THINK THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. IS A SHAME TO SPEND SO MU…

Look up ODI 10499391 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10747805 · 140,000 mi

THE VEHICLE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. IT IS A DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH BMW AND THEY ARE DENYING COVERAGE FOR MY PARTICULAR VIN

Look up ODI 10747805 at NHTSA ↗

00
Seats
2
ODI 10499391 · 76,000 mi

ON THE DASH BOARD THE LOUD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON: DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. I KNOW THAT SEVERAL 2002-2008 BMW 7-SERIES GOT RECALLED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AND MANUFACTURE OFFERED 10 YEAR WARRANTY FROM IN SERVICE DATE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MINE IS A 2004 745LI AND SHOULD BE ONE OF THE RECALLED ONE. CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAD THE VIN NUMBER THAT MY CAR HAS NEVER HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS ON AND I THINK THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. IS A SHAME TO SPEND SO MU…

Look up ODI 10499391 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10747805 · 140,000 mi

THE VEHICLE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. IT IS A DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH BMW AND THEY ARE DENYING COVERAGE FOR MY PARTICULAR VIN

Look up ODI 10747805 at NHTSA ↗

000
2
ODI 10499391 · 76,000 mi

ON THE DASH BOARD THE LOUD WARNING LIGHT COMES ON: DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. I KNOW THAT SEVERAL 2002-2008 BMW 7-SERIES GOT RECALLED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AND MANUFACTURE OFFERED 10 YEAR WARRANTY FROM IN SERVICE DATE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MINE IS A 2004 745LI AND SHOULD BE ONE OF THE RECALLED ONE. CALLED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY SAD THE VIN NUMBER THAT MY CAR HAS NEVER HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS ON AND I THINK THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. IS A SHAME TO SPEND SO MU…

Look up ODI 10499391 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10747805 · 140,000 mi

THE VEHICLE AIR BAG SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR. IT IS A DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH BMW AND THEY ARE DENYING COVERAGE FOR MY PARTICULAR VIN

Look up ODI 10747805 at NHTSA ↗

—00
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum000000—0
Vehicle Speed Control0
1
ODI 10474366 · 180,000 mi

SENSOR MALFUNCTION CAUSES TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO ALTERNATE GEARS WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. WHILE IN DRIVE CAR WOULD SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR NEUTRAL BY ITSELF WITH NO OPERATOR CONTROL. *TR

Look up ODI 10474366 at NHTSA ↗

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Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

11 mentions · 33.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 92,000 mi (10 usable records).

ODI 10278644 · 136,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG, ENGINE, AND TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SAFETY MODULE FAILED. THE REPAIR COST WAS ESTIMATED AT $1,200. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V344000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 13…

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ODI 10392938 · 72,000 mi

NUMEROUS WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING "POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE" AND "LOSS OF STABILITY CONTROL" LIT UP ON MY 2004 BMW 745LI. THE VEHICLE LOST ITS ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, WHICH EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN THE HIGH TRAFFIC SITUATION I WAS EXPERIENCING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS FAILURE IS IN ADDITION TO NUMEROUS WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS THAT APPEAR INTERMITTENTLY IN THE VEHICLE AND THEN RESET THEMSELVES ONCE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE DIAGNOSIS BY BMW WAS THAT THE MECHATRONIC UNIT ON THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED (AFTER ONLY 70,000 MIL…

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ODI 10453438 · 129,860 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745 LI. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECREASED SPEED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 129,860.

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

6 mentions · 18.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 92,036 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10278644 · 136,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG, ENGINE, AND TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SAFETY MODULE FAILED. THE REPAIR COST WAS ESTIMATED AT $1,200. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V344000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 13…

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ODI 10419562 · 30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI . THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH THE ABS LAMP ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING VIOLENTLY AND THE BRAKES AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, AFTER THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON THE TRANSMISSION SAFE MODE WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THREE YEARS AGO, THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILU…

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ODI 10427928 · 80,071 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, BUT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARD OUT OF A GARAGE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE BY ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,…

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

4 mentions · 12.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 104,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10419562 · 30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI . THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH THE ABS LAMP ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING VIOLENTLY AND THE BRAKES AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, AFTER THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON THE TRANSMISSION SAFE MODE WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THREE YEARS AGO, THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILU…

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ODI 10425168

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED REPEATEDLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE REPAIRED TWICE BEFORE LOCATING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:04V344000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE -TCM, PCM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

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ODI 10457690 · 105,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH MUCH HESITATION FROM THE ENGINE. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT THEN ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE POWER ASSIST WARNING SIGNAL ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED TWO RECALLS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) AND 04V344000 (POW…

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 6.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 99,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10398900 · 99,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CU…

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ODI 10425168

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED REPEATEDLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE REPAIRED TWICE BEFORE LOCATING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:04V344000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE -TCM, PCM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 10425168 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 6.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 47,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10394263 · 65,000 mi

VEHICLE TYPE IS A 2004 745LI BMW V-8 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE CAR IS IN 5TH GEAR THE CAR HICCUPS LIKE IT WANTS TO UP SHIFT BUT THEN DOES NOT. IT CAUSE THE CAR IT JERK EVERY 3 TO 5 SECONDS WHEN IN 5TH GEAR. WHEN THE CAR IS IN ANY OTHER GEAR IN DOES NOT DO THIS. I HAVE HAD A TRANSMISSION FLUID COMPLETELY CHANGED OUT. IN WHICH THE FLUID SMELLED BURNT AND LOOKED BROWN IN COLOR. BMW SAYS THAT IT IS A LIFE TIME FLUID (IT IS NOT). WHEN THE CAR IS ACCELERATING THROUGH 5TH GEAR IT DOES NOT DO THE PROBLEM EITHER. THERE IS SOMETHING CLEARLY WRON…

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ODI 10419562 · 30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI . THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH THE ABS LAMP ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING VIOLENTLY AND THE BRAKES AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, AFTER THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON THE TRANSMISSION SAFE MODE WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THREE YEARS AGO, THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILU…

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 3.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 95,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10871765 · 95,000 mi

ENGINE VALVE GUIDE SEALS MADE OF IMPROPER MATERIAL THAT FAILS CAUSING OIL LEAKAGE INTO EXHAUST, FOULING OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER, FAILURE TO PASS INSPECTION AND POLLUTION. THE VALVE GUIDE SEALS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURES WHICH CAUSES THE SEALS TO FAIL AT 80,000 TO 120,000 MILES. MY SEALS FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 95,000 MILES CAUSING OIL CONSUMPTION IN EXCESS OF 1 QUART PER THOUSAND MILES. REPLACEMENT OF THE VALVE SEALS REQUIRES EXTENSIVE ENGINE READ DOWN AND COSTS APPROXIMATELY $9,000 TO REPAIR.

Look up ODI 10871765 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b