VehicleVerdict

2003 BMW 745Li problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 77 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median 745Li year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 7 745Li years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (11), airbags (11), and engine (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

77

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other 745Li years?

745Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted77 complaints2002: 57 complaints2003: 77 complaints2004: 50 complaints2005: 41 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints
745Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 745Li years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 BMW 745Li problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1114%
Brakes1114%
Transmission810%
Electrical System810%
Engine810%
Speed Control56%
Fuel System56%
Other56%
Tires & Wheels56%
Seat Belts34%
Body & Structure34%
Suspension23%
Steering11%
Lighting11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2003 BMW 745Li 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 745LI. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THEN INTO A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 19, 2016 · crash

“The contact owns a 2003 BMW 745LI. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with rotors, brake wear sensors, and brake failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 1, 2022

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 10, 2009

“THERE IS A TUBE IN ENGINE THAT IS SECURED WITH TWO O RINGS. THE TUBE HOLDS COOLANT. IF THE O RINGS FAIL, THEN THE COOLANT LEAKS AND THE ENGINE WILL OVERHEAT. THERE ARE MULTIPLE CASES OF THIS DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET AND IT HAS OCCURRED IN MY VEHICLE. SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES HAVE INDICATED THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2011

“MY CAR IS HAVING SEVERE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT WERE RECALLED ON OTHER CARS OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. ALSO THE PARK LIGHTS WON'T WORK MOST OF THE TIME. THE TRACTION CONTROL AS WELL AS THE ANTILOCK BRAKES GO IN AND OUT. THE STABILITY CONTROL ON THE FEONT PASSENGER SIDE GOES OUT. IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 11, 2014

2003 BMW 745Li — common questions

Is the 2003 BMW 745Li reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 77 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 7 745Li years. It is one of the 745Li years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 745Li problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (11 complaints), airbags (11 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 2003 BMW 745Li have recalls?

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

Is the 2003 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.