VehicleVerdict

2002 BMW 745Li problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2002 BMW 745Li sits mid-pack among 745Li years: 57 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 41, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (12), airbags (10), and fuel system (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

57

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other 745Li years?

745Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted77 complaints2002: 57 complaints2003: 77 complaints2004: 50 complaints2005: 41 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints
745Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 745Li years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 BMW 745Li problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1221%
Airbags1018%
Transmission814%
Fuel System814%
Engine611%
Brakes47%
Seat Belts35%
Tires & Wheels35%
Steering12%
Speed Control12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2002 BMW 745Li have recalls?

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

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.

02V150000Fuel SystemJune 3, 2002 · 8,412 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP RUNS AT A ROTATIONAL SPEED THAT COULD RESULT IN REDUCED LUBRICATION OF ITS INTERNAL COMPONENTS. OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, WEAR-INDUCED INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE FUEL PUMP COULD RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE WHEN THE FUEL TANK CONTAINS ONE-THIRD OR LESS OF ITS MAXIMUM FUEL CAPACITY.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE ENGINE COULD STALL AND NOT BE RESTARTED UNTIL MORE FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD OCCUR EVEN THOUGH THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT FUEL STILL REMAINED IN THE TANK.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL SYSTEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 20, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR MAT WAS CRACKED, WHICH IN TURN DEACTIVATED THE AIR BAG AND MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 2, 2011

“I JUST CAME ACROSS NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE11025 AND WANTED TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING: I PARKED MY CAR IN FRONT OF MY DAUGHTER'S DAY CARE CENTER (THE GODDARD SCHOOL, SUWANEE) ON THE MONDAY BEFORE EASTER IN 2010 (MARCH 29, 2010). WHEN I CAME OUT, I DISCOVERED THE CAR APPROXIMATELY 40 YARDS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 29, 2010 · crash

“I CONTACTED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA JUST RECENTLY REGARDING THE AIRBAG SENSOR PROBLEM SINCE WE KEEP SPENDING MONEY ON THIS CAR SINCE THE FIRST DAY WE GOT IT NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I WOULD LIKE THEM TO PURCHASED THIS CAR BACK FROM ME SINCE ALL I HAD IS MONEY LOSSES AND AGGRAVATION WITH THIS VEHICLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 1, 2018

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 20, 2018 · crash

2002 BMW 745Li — common questions

Is the 2002 BMW 745Li reliable?

It is close to typical for the 745Li: 57 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 745Li problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (12 complaints), airbags (10 complaints), fuel system (8 complaints).

Does the 2002 BMW 745Li have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 BMW 745Li. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 BMW 745Li under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which BMW 745Li years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 745Li years to avoid are 2003. The cleanest record among 745Li 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.