2003 BMW 745i recalls and problems

The 2003 BMW 745i has 2 safety recalls and 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

8 / 1

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 BMW 745i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 BMW 745i recalls

Recall 03V-324: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Aug 26, 2003 · 2,400 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: 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.

Risk: If a large amount of oil loss occurs, engine damage may result. Depending on the extent of the damage, a crash could occur.

Fix: 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 should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

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.

2003 BMW 745i problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	9
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	4
Engine	4
Air Bags	4
Electrical System	4
Equipment	3
Service Brakes	3
Seat Belts	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Unknown or Other	2
Interior Lighting	1
Steering	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
Steering › Column — 1
Structure › Body › Bumpers — 1
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 76,000 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 2003 BMW 745i complaints

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 47,000 miles · reported Aug 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2003 BMW 745i. The contact stated while pulling into the garage and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up loudly. The contact stated that upon releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, crashed into a refrigerator and pushed the refrigerator into the wall. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. There was no police report filed. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred the following day. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and the brake warning light had…

Engine · at 106,000 miles · reported Nov 3, 2018

The car smokes from exhaust system when you pull off from red light, driveways, or whenever you excel in the car. I was told its a engine valve problem that bmw is aware of in the 7 series. This car cost to much for issues like you are a vapor from beyond when driving. Also why is it a problem with sensor on passenger side seat. I only carry a 10 lb. Purse the light stays on consist.

Engine · at 130,000 miles · reported Aug 13, 2018

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. A week later, the hood was opened and smoke was seen coming from the computer panel as a fire started. The contact extinguished the fire with a water hose and disconnected the battery. The vehicle stopped smoking once the battery was disconnected. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.

Power Train · at 100,000 miles · reported Oct 20, 2015

The contact owns a 2003 bmw 745i. After starting the engine, the "engine fail safe transmission" message displayed and the shifter would not switch out of the park position. While operating the vehicle, the "failed transmission drive moderate" message displayed and the speed would suddenly reduce. The vehicle also jerked and erroneously accelerate on occasion during gear changes. The cause of the failures were not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Air Bags · at 95,000 miles · reported Jan 27, 2015

Following error when driving vehicle: "fault in pass-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Fasten and continue to wear seatbelts. Please contact the nearest bmw center" in the navigation system when starting the car. " 2003 bmw 745i. This model/year was not included in prior recall.

Other BMW 745i years

2008 2007 2006 2005 200420032002

Compare all BMW 745i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 BMW 745i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 BMW 745i: 03V-324 (engine and engine cooling), 03V-240 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW 745i?

Owners report power train problems most often (9 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 76,000 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.