2005 BMW 745i recalls and problems

The 2005 BMW 745i has 3 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
16
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 BMW 745i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 BMW 745i recalls

Recall 17V-328: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported May 18, 2017 · 45,484 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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. In these vehicles, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.

Risk: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 12V-504: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Oct 17, 2012 · 7,485 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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 to a software problem, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.

Risk: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 12V-502: Electrical System, Power Train

Reported Oct 17, 2012 · 45,500 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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 electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire) that automatically shifts the transmission to Park when the driver presses the Start/Stop button to shutdown the engine. If the driver presses the engine Start/Stop button 2 or 3 times within a short time interval, the system may shift the transmission to Neutral rather than Park. If using the electronic key (Comfort Access mode), there would be no protection from the ignition interlock that prevents key removal if the vehicle is not in Park.

Risk: If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or enter the vehicle or to other bystanders in the path of the vehicle.

Fix: 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.

2005 BMW 745i problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System4
Air Bags3
Latches/Locks/Linkages3
Seats1
Power Train1
Traction Control System1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Suspension1
Service Brakes1
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility1
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Suspension › Rear — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 110,000 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 2005 BMW 745i complaints

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

Electrical System · at 160,336 miles · reported May 22, 2019
Driving from work an my car just started losing power I replaced the alternator an battery an the car did the same thing.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 172,000 miles · reported Jul 17, 2017
The contact owns a 2005 bmw 745i. The contact stated that the front driver and passenger side doors opened independently. The failures occurred without warning. The contact stated that the failure also occurred in the rear doors while his daughter was in the rear seat. There were no injuries. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v328000(Latches/locks/linkages); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The sterling bmw dealer was contacted and confirmed that…
Electrical System · reported Apr 30, 2015
The contact owns a 2005 bmw 745i. The contact stated that all the door locks failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and it was determined that the software needed to be updated. The contact found NHTSA campaign number: 12v504000 (Latches, locks and linkages); however, the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included and would not be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 7/10/15 updated 10/11/2017
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · at 111,245 miles · reported Apr 19, 2015
While driving my vehicle the driver door ejected open causing me to stop instantly to where the door needed to be held in order for me to make it to a safe destination so unreal I was scared to death it doesnt close at all in order to drive now.
Service Brakes · at 110,000 miles · reported Jul 30, 2013
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 trunk lid, parking brake malfunctioning and caused the rotors and brake pads to warp when the parking brake come on suddenly while I was moving from a spot I was parked at,

Other BMW 745i years

Compare all BMW 745i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 BMW 745i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 BMW 745i: 17V-328 (latches/locks/linkages), 12V-504 (latches/locks/linkages), 12V-502 (electrical system, power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 BMW 745i?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (4 reports), followed by air bags (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 110,000 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.