2004 BMW 745Li problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2004 BMW 745Li sits mid-pack among 745Li years: 50 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 41, with no recalls and 2 closed investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (12), airbags (9), and engine (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
50
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other 745Li years?
What are the most common 2004 BMW 745Li problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 12 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 9 | 18% | — flat |
| Engine | 8 | 16% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Brakes | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 6% | new |
| Speed Control | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | new |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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,…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 745LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”
“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…”
“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”
“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”
2004 BMW 745Li — common questions
Is the 2004 BMW 745Li reliable?
It is close to typical for the 745Li: 50 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.
What are the most common 2004 745Li problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (12 complaints), airbags (9 complaints), engine (8 complaints).
Does the 2004 BMW 745Li have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 BMW 745Li.
Is the 2004 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.