2005 BMW 745I
Only 16 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVING FROM WORK AN MY CAR JUST STARTED LOSING POWER I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AN BATTERY AN THE CAR DID THE SAME THING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190522
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130611
3 of 16 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V328000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171122
3 of 16 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
MY CAR WAS DUE FOR STATE INSPECTION AND I TOOK IT INTO RICHMOND BMW IN MIDLOTHIAN VA. THE TECHNICIAN CALLED AND SAID THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON AND THE SENSOR IS BAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130625
2 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAVE BEEN HAVING SEVERAL ELECTRICAL ISSUES ON MY 2005 745I THE ISSUES I AM HAVING ARE ALL ELECTRICAL AND BRAKES, DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW NOT INITIATED, LICENSE PLATE LAMP NOT INITIATED, TRUNK BUTTON NOT WORKING ON DASH PANEL OR KEY FOB OR BUTTON ON...
NHTSA ODI report, 20130730
1 of 16 total reports mentions: traction control system.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION SKIPPED, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP...IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND "REPAIRED" BY REPLACING THE "MECHATRONICS" IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100913
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
Vehicle Rollaway
Vehicle Rollaway
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 t
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.
Campaign 12V504000 — check if this car was fixed
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 electro
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.
Campaign 12V502000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 17V328000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 BMW 745I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V504000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V502000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V328000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2005 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 2005 BMW 745I?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 BMW 745I have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.