VehicleVerdict

2003 BMW 760Li problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2003 BMW 760Li — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other 760Li years?

760Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted12 complaints2003: 7 complaints2004: 3 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 12 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints
760Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 760Li years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 BMW 760Li problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System571%
Electrical System114%
Engine114%

Does the 2003 BMW 760Li have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS FAIL WHICH CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL AND CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. IF YOU TURN THE CAR OFF AND ION IT MAY START BACK UP AND RUN AGAIN, BUT IT WILL CONTINUE TO STALL AND CUT OFF. BMW KNOWS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SAYS BOT HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS NEED TO BE REPLACED AT $2700…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 14, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 760LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORMED A TUNE-UP AND CHECKED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 4, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 760LI. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLANT SERVICE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR UNKNOWN REPAIRS BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER YET THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 21, 2010

2003 BMW 760Li — common questions

Is the 2003 BMW 760Li reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 BMW 760Li have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 BMW 760Li. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 BMW 760Li under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.