MYRModel Year Report

2003 BMW 745LI

○ Not enough data
2003 BMW 745LI
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:36:40.948Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
50
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

22% of complaints

Complaints per year

2002: 36 complaints 2002 2003: 50 complaints 2003 50 2004: 33 complaints 2004 2005: 25 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008
2002: 36 complaints 2002 2003: 50 complaints 2003 50 2004: 33 complaints 2004 2005: 25 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008
2002: 36 complaints 2002 2003: 50 complaints 2003 50 2004: 33 complaints 2004 2005: 25 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008

2003: 50 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200236
200350
200433
200525
20060
20070
20080

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

22% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 745LI. While attempting to stop the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle independently accelerated. As a result, the contact crashed into the driver side of another vehicle and then into a building.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-02-29

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

It showed up on my dash board and now its not going away

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-10-24

The airbag light and warning never clears when driving the passgners airbag warning light is on , saying bring to nearest BMW dealer ship.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-23

Service brakes

20% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2003 BMW 745LI. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with rotors, brake wear sensors, and brake failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-07-20

Power train

16% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

The consumer stated while traveling 10-15 MPH the transmission indicator started flashing and the vehicle was unable to change gears.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-16

Electrical system

14% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and 12v/24v/48v battery.

Vehicle speed control

10% · 5 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Repetitive problems with navigation, phone-- idling issues that car vehicle to sputter and or lurch forward stability control that switches itself off while vehicle in motion.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-11

Also filed under Electronic stability control

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2003-07-08Engine and engine cooling03V240000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2003-09-12Engine and engine cooling03V324000 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.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2011-08-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-04-23 Vehicle Rollaway
  4. I
    2012-04-10Engineering analysisClosed 2013-01-24 Vehicle Rollaway

Buy-smart checklist

2003 BMW 745LI — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 03V240000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 03V324000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 BMW 745LI 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 745LI?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 745LI have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.