MotorDeets

2005 BMW 745LI: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2005 BMW 745LI: 3 recalls, 25 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
25owner complaints
5mention a crash
19best combined mpg
2005 BMW 745LI
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #12V502000 · 2012 · 45,500 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.…

Why it matters: 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…

The 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.

Latches & locks Vehicle recall #12V504000 · 2012 · 7,485 vehicles

What's wrong: Due to a software problem, the doors May appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, May inadvertently open.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will update software. The recall began on December 12, 2012.

Latches & locks Vehicle recall #17V328000 · 2017 · 45,484 vehicles

What's wrong: In these vehicles, the doors May appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, May inadvertently open.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the door latch system, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2018.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain5
Airbags5
Latches & locks4
Stability control4
Engine & cooling4
Brakes (hydraulic)4
Electrical3
Seat belts3

What owners describe

The 2005 BMW 745LI has 25 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 7 745LI model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 21). Complaints peaked in 2010 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 79,750 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (33 complaints, 0 recalls), 2006 (0 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.4 L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive162419Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 BMW 745LI.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

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FAQ

Does the 2005 BMW 745LI have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2005 BMW 745LI. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2005 BMW 745LI problems?

Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (5), airbags (5), latches & locks (4).

What gas mileage does the 2005 BMW 745LI get?

EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2005 BMW 745LI repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 745LI years

2002200320042005200620072008