VehicleVerdict

2003 BMW 745i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 47 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median 745i year — the 2003 model ranks #2 of 8 745i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (9), brakes (7), and engine (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

47

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other 745i years?

745i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted74 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 74 complaints2003: 47 complaints2004: 41 complaints2005: 21 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 0 complaints
745i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 745i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 BMW 745i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission919%
Brakes715%
Electrical System613%
Engine613%
Airbags49%
Seat Belts36%
Other36%
Lighting24%
Seats12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Latches & Locks12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2003 BMW 745i have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V324000EngineAugust 26, 2003 · 2,400 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE OIL FILTER DRAIN PLUG MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOOSENING OF THE PLUG CAUSING AN INITIAL OIL SPRAY AND A SUBSEQUENT OIL LEAK.

Consequence

IF A LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL LOSS OCCURS, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY RESULT. DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE OF THE OIL FILTER DRAIN PLUG AND, IF NECESSARY, RETIGHTEN THE DRAIN PLUG WITH THE CORRECTLY SPECIFIED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

03V240000EngineJuly 1, 2003 · 5,470 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, A DESYNCHRONIZATION OF THE VALVETRONIC MOTORS FOR ENGINE BANKS I AND II MAY OCCUR. IF THIS OCCURS, THE ENGINE COULD STALL.

Consequence

IN THOSE CASES, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF ENGINE ROUGHNESS, OR STALLING, AS WELL AS TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND THE DRIVER'S REACTIONS, THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY AND CRASH INTO A PORCH. THE FRONT BUMPER WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 16, 2011 · crash

“2003 BMW 745I WITH BRAKE FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT TWO WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED AND THEY WERE "WARNING-BRAKE FLUID-PLEASE", AND "BRAKE FAILURE". HE STATES THAT THE DEALER TIGHTENED THE CALIPER BLEEDER SCREW. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE PREVIOUS DEALER WHO WORKED ON HIS VEHICLE NEGLECTED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 2, 2006 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 8, 2018 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 20, 2014 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 20, 2014 · crash

2003 BMW 745i — common questions

Is the 2003 BMW 745i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 47 complaints put the 2003 model at #2 of 8 745i years. It is one of the 745i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 745i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (9 complaints), brakes (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints).

Does the 2003 BMW 745i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 BMW 745i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 BMW 745i under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW 745i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 745i years to avoid are 2002, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among 745i years belongs to 2008.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.