VehicleVerdict

2005 BMW 760Li problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2005 BMW 760Li — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other 760Li years?

760Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 760Li years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 BMW 760Li problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes150%
Transmission150%

Does the 2005 BMW 760Li 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 OWNS A 2005 BMW 760LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY. THE GEAR WAS THEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. THE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 5, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 750LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 10V446000 AND CALLED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 8, 2010

2005 BMW 760Li — common questions

Is the 2005 BMW 760Li reliable?

The record is thin — 2 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 760Li have recalls?

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

Is the 2005 BMW 760Li 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.