VehicleVerdict

2005 BMW 760i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2005 BMW 760i — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other 760i years?

760i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted17 complaints2004: 6 complaints2005: 4 complaints2006: 11 complaints2023: 17 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 3 complaints
760i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 760i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 BMW 760i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags125%
Electrical System125%
Engine125%
Speed Control125%

Does the 2005 BMW 760i 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.

“AT A RED LIGHT THE CAR GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN DIES, AFTER ABOUT 5 MIN WAS ABLE TO START AND THEN AS DRIVING 45 MLS PER HOUR THE CAR AGAIN GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND DIES, LEAVING NO CONTROL OF STEERING AND CARS ZOOMING BY ALMOST HIT WITH CHILDREN IN CAR, READ UP ON THIS PROBLEM AND NHTSA HAS LOOKED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 26, 2017

“AT A RED LIGHT THE CAR GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN DIES, AFTER ABOUT 5 MIN WAS ABLE TO START AND THEN AS DRIVING 45 MLS PER HOUR THE CAR AGAIN GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND DIES, LEAVING NO CONTROL OF STEERING AND CARS ZOOMING BY ALMOST HIT WITH CHILDREN IN CAR, READ UP ON THIS PROBLEM AND NHTSA HAS LOOKED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 26, 2017

“AT A RED LIGHT THE CAR GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN DIES, AFTER ABOUT 5 MIN WAS ABLE TO START AND THEN AS DRIVING 45 MLS PER HOUR THE CAR AGAIN GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND DIES, LEAVING NO CONTROL OF STEERING AND CARS ZOOMING BY ALMOST HIT WITH CHILDREN IN CAR, READ UP ON THIS PROBLEM AND NHTSA HAS LOOKED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 26, 2017

2005 BMW 760i — common questions

Is the 2005 BMW 760i reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 BMW 760i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 BMW 760i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 BMW 760i under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.