There are no safety recalls for the 2004 BMW 745LI, but owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA.
2004 BMW 745LI problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 12 | |
| Air Bags | 9 | |
| Engine | 6 | |
| Seats | 3 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 3 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | |
| Wheels | 2 | |
| Equipment | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
- Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 96,000 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 2004 BMW 745LI complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Air Bags · at 198,000 miles · reported May 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 745LI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V379000 (Seats) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
Engine · at 95,000 miles · reported Jun 1, 2016
Engine valve guide seals made of improper material that fails causing oil leakage into exhaust, fouling of catalytic converter, failure to pass inspection and pollution. The valve guide seals are not compatible with high engine temperatures which causes the seals to fail at 80,000 to 120,000 miles. My seals failed at approximately 95,000 miles causing oil consumption in excess of 1 quart per thousand miles. Replacement of the valve seals requires extensive engine read down and costs approximately $9,000 to repair.
Engine · at 104,000 miles · reported Jun 1, 2016
Coolant transfer pipe seal is made of improper material that is not compatble with high engine temperatures. Seal fails causing loss of engine coolant. Seal fails at 40,000 to 110,000 miles. Repair is approximately $6,000 because engine must be taken apart to replace the seal. My seal failed at 104,000 miles. Loss of power steering and vehicle stability control due to coolant leak onto serpentine belt.
Structure · at 121,000 miles · reported Apr 26, 2016
Car was stationary on the side of the street. I simply got out of my vehicle and the next thing I know, it started rolling down the hillon its own. Vehicle hit another vehicle and then hit a nearby wall. Total loss.
Air Bags · at 140,000 miles · reported Aug 11, 2015
The vehicle air bag system does not work due to a defective passenger seat occupancy sensor. It is a documented issue with bmw and they are denying coverage for my particular VIN
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 BMW 745LI have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2004 BMW 745LI as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW 745LI?
Owners report power train problems most often (12 reports), followed by air bags (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 96,000 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.