2002 BMW 745i recalls and problems

The 2002 BMW 745i has 2 safety recalls and 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

3 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 BMW 745i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 BMW 745i recalls

Recall 03V-240: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jul 1, 2003 · 5,470 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: 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.

Risk: In those cases, the driver may not be able to restart the engine. Depending on the level of engine roughness, or stalling, as well as traffic conditions and the driver's reactions, this could lead to a crash.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. Owner notification began july 8, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Recall 02V-150: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jun 3, 2002 · 8,412 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the electric fuel pump runs at a rotational speed that could result in reduced lubrication of its internal components. Over an extended period of time, wear-induced internal damage to the fuel pump could result in insufficient fuel supply to the engine when the fuel tank contains one-third or less of its maximum fuel capacity.

Risk: If this were to occur, the engine could stall and not be restarted until more fuel was added to the fuel tank. This could occur even though the fuel gauge indicated that fuel still remained in the tank.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the fuel pump control system. Owner notification began june 28, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-332-4269.

2002 BMW 745i problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	17
Air Bags	11
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	10
Electrical System	8
Engine and Engine Cooling	5
Parking Brake	3
Seat Belts	3
Engine	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Seats	2
Service Brakes	2
Unknown or Other	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 8
Electrical System › Ignition — 2
Air Bags › Frontal — 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
Power Train › Driveline — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 99,800 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 BMW 745i complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Feb 24, 2020

I bought the car from someone in cash. It has smoke coming out of the tail pipes. When its sitting and idling for a while it smokes terribly.

Air Bags · at 100,000 miles · reported May 6, 2016

The contact owns a 2002 bmw 745i. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the air bag light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who checked all connections to the air bags, scanned the computer, and the light dimmed. The failure recurred after two weeks and the light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. A follow-up appointment was scheduled with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Service Brakes · reported Jan 26, 2016

Vehicle has a recall for brake vacuum pump 10v-446. Vehicle was brought into a local mechanic and he said the brake master cylinder was not working properly. He did research and said that it was a bmw recall. Finally took vehicle into bmw (Tucson) and the said they saw no oil leak, therefore master cylinder would not be replaced. They want to charge $1,175 to fix it. The brake vacuum pump and master cylinder work together. Bmw is not fixing the real problem, they are expecting me to fix the flawed brake system. The heat of the engine can burn oil off, so just because they didn't see it…

Seat Belts · at 144,300 miles · reported Jul 14, 2015

All of a sudden, I got into my 745i 2002,"fault in passenger restraint system affecting airbag belt tensioner or belt force limiter. Continue to wear safety belt despite fault." this is an obvious defective materials from bmw manufacturing plant.

Service Brakes · at 150,000 miles · reported Mar 16, 2015

The contact owns a 2002 bmw 745i. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal had to be depressed with extreme force in order for the vehicle to stop without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the brake booster needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10v446000 (Service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Other BMW 745i years

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 20032002

Compare all BMW 745i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 BMW 745i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 BMW 745i: 03V-240 (engine and engine cooling), 02V-150 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 BMW 745i?

Owners report power train problems most often (17 reports), followed by air bags (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 99,800 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.