2004 BMW 745i problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 41 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median 745i year — the 2004 model ranks #3 of 8 745i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (27% of the total).
41
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other 745i years?
What are the most common 2004 BMW 745i problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 11 | 27% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 9 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 8 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 5 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“2004 BMW 745I. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE RAN THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY RUNNING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE WENT INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO THE…”
“2004 BMW 745I. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE RAN THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY RUNNING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE WENT INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO THE…”
“BMW 745I 2004 ..ERROR CODE FOR HEADLIGHTS APPEAR ON DASH..I WENT AND REPLACE ALL LIGHT BULBS THEN NOTICED ALL THE WIRING IN THE HEADLIGHT UNIT ARE BRIDLE AND BROKEN DOWN CAUSING SHORTAGES AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS...VERY DANGEROUS IF DRIVING CAN ACTUALLY CAUSE A FIRE”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY DECELERATED TO A STOP AS THE CONTACT APPLIED EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER HOME AND PARKED WHERE AN…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW 745I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUALLY LOUD NOISE AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE EXPLODED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT'S CLOTHES CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN FRONT OF A FIRE STATION WHERE THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE…”
2004 BMW 745i — common questions
Is the 2004 BMW 745i reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 41 complaints put the 2004 model at #3 of 8 745i years. It is one of the 745i years to avoid.
What are the most common 2004 745i problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (11 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), engine (8 complaints).
Does the 2004 BMW 745i have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 BMW 745i.
Is the 2004 BMW 745i under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation 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.