Does the 2003 BMW 745LI have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 BMW 745LI, the most recent reported on August 26, 2003 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 745LI?

Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (11 complaints), followed by power train (8).

How many 2003 BMW 745LI complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 50 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 BMW 745LI recalls and problems

2 recalls and 50 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 BMW 745LI.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 BMW 745LI recalls

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 03V324000 · reported August 26, 2003 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 2,400 vehicles potentially affected

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

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 03V240000 · reported July 1, 2003 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 5,470 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Air bags11
Power train8
Electrical system7
Service brakes6
Engine and engine cooling5
Vehicle speed control5
Service brakes, hydraulic4
Tires4
Engine3
Equipment3

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 20, 2022 · Service brakes · 174,500 miles
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. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the…

Oct 24, 2020 · Air bags · 115,000 miles
IT SHOWED UP ON MY DASH BOARD AND NOW ITS NOT GOING AWAY

Jul 23, 2019 · Air bags · 75,000 miles
THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND WARNING NEVER CLEARS WHEN DRIVING THE PASSGNERS AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON , SAYING BRING TO NEAREST BMW DEALER SHIP.

Oct 3, 2017 · Air bags · 181,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 745LI. AFTER PLACING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTED INDEPENDENTLY INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF STERLING LOCATED IN STERLING, VIRGINIA AND WAS INFORMED THAT HE HAD TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE…

Mar 18, 2017 · Power train
MY CAR IS HAVING SEVERE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT WERE RECALLED ON OTHER CARS OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. ALSO THE PARK LIGHTS WON'T WORK MOST OF THE TIME. THE TRACTION CONTROL AS WELL AS THE ANTILOCK BRAKES GO IN AND OUT. THE STABILITY CONTROL ON THE FEONT PASSENGER SIDE GOES OUT. IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING.

745LI model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2002	2	36	3	0
2003	2	50	1	0
2004	0	33	1	1
2005	3	25	5	0
2006	1	0	0	0

Across all years, the 2003 745LI has the most complaints (50). All BMW 745LI years →

Questions

Does the 2003 BMW 745LI have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 BMW 745LI, the most recent reported on August 26, 2003 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 745LI?: Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (11 complaints), followed by power train (8).
How many 2003 BMW 745LI complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 50 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 20, 2022.