2003 BMW 745I
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 54 |
| 2003 | 32 |
| 2004 | 24 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
16% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I AM THE FIRST AND ONLY OWNER OF A 2003 BMW 745I. AT FOUR HUNDRED MILES THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED DUE PROBLEMS SHIFTING ETC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050416
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE AND HIT A WALL. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20050106
13% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY AND CRASH INTO A PORCH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120417
13% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FAN BELT FRACTURED AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH MEANT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180813
13% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141222
9% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, A DESYNCHRONIZATION OF THE VALVETRONIC MOTORS FOR ENGINE BANKS I AND II MAY OCCUR. IF THIS OCCURS, THE ENGINE COULD STALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Campaign 03V240000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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
Campaign 03V324000 — check if this car was fixed
Vehicle Rollaway
Vehicle Rollaway
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 BMW 745I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V240000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V324000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 BMW 745I reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 745I?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 745I have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.