VehicleVerdict

2005 BMW 745Li problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2005 BMW 745Li sits mid-pack among 745Li years: 41 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 41, with 3 recalls and 4 closed investigations. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (7), engine (6), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

41

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other 745Li years?

745Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted77 complaints2002: 57 complaints2003: 77 complaints2004: 50 complaints2005: 41 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints
745Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 745Li years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 BMW 745Li problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System717%
Engine615%
Airbags512%
Brakes512%
Transmission512%
Latches & Locks410%
Seat Belts37%
Body & Structure37%
Seats12%
Speed Control12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 2005 BMW 745Li have recalls?

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

17V328000Latches & LocksMay 18, 2017 · 45,484 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2005-2008 745i, 745Li, 750i, 750Li, 760i, 760Li, and B7 Alpina vehicles equipped with both the Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options. In these vehicles, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.

Consequence

The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the door latch system, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

12V502000Electrical SystemOctober 17, 2012 · 45,500 units

Defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire) that automatically shifts the transmission to Park when the driver presses the Start/Stop button to shutdown the engine. If the driver presses the engine Start/Stop button 2 or 3 times within a short time interval, the system may shift the transmission to Neutral rather than Park. If using the electronic key (Comfort Access mode), there would be no protection from the ignition interlock that prevents key removal if the vehicle is not in Park.

Consequence

If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or enter the vehicle or to other bystanders in the path of the vehicle.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

12V504000Latches & LocksOctober 17, 2012 · 7,485 units

Defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 7-Series vehicles, equipped with both Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through September 3, 2007. Due to a software problem, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.

Consequence

The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners and dealers will update software. The recall began on December 12, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE SLID TO THE RIGHT AND FLIPPED OVER ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A NECK INJURY AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 18, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR HOUSING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 2, 2015 · crash

“MY BMW IS STILL DEAD AS A DOOR KNOB SITTING WHERE IT WAS LAST SITTING AFTER I HAD GOTTEN IT FROM THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT LAST GOING ON ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. SOME OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD THAT ARE STILL FLASHING ON AND OFF BEFORE AND AFTER THE NEW BATTERIES WERE INSTALLED 1.TRANSMISSION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 23, 2009 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 BMW 745LI. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE SLID TO THE RIGHT AND FLIPPED OVER ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A NECK INJURY AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 18, 2013 · crash

“I PURCHASE BMW 2005 745LI ABOUT 60 DAYS ..I WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER .THE RED LIGHT I TRY TO STEP ON BRAKE WONT STOP ..I CALL TOWING TRUCK TO TOWN MY CAR TO DEAL ...MECHANIC TOLD ME THE BOOSTER BRAKE NOT WORKING ..I THINK THIS IS THE SAFETY ISSUE ..THE DEALER I CALL THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 20, 2010

2005 BMW 745Li — common questions

Is the 2005 BMW 745Li reliable?

It is close to typical for the 745Li: 41 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 4 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2005 745Li problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 2005 BMW 745Li have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 BMW 745Li. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 BMW 745Li under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 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.