2002 BMW 745I Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 9%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 BMW 745I, 9% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchase a new 745I and after 10months of constant aggravation and fustration by the numerous failures of this car, I would like for Bmw to do something about this. My car constantly keep having engine failure, recently Bmw had to replace the cylinder heads (for a new car this is unacceptable). I would to return this car to Bmw for a fair exchange.”
NHTSA complaint #10003550, filed 2003-01, 10,000 miles“My vehicle just shut off while I was driving this has happened a total of four times while driving and three times total while idle. Just recently when the vehicle shut off I almost got rear ended. The vehicle also would not start after it had shut itself off. I tried to start it but it wouldn't turn over. Then a message on the the display read transmission drive fail safe malfunction only gears p,n,r, d3 and d5 can be engaged without pressing the parking brake. And it also displayed something about battery discharged and will be disconnected soon. …”
NHTSA complaint #10511472, filed 2013-05, 139,345 miles“I leased this vehicle june/2002 and have had constant aggravation and frustration by the numerous failures of this car, this car has been at the Bmw service center 6 times in the year I have had it -- 3 times for the engine failing to start,leaving me stranded at night in unfamillar and dangerous areas-- 2 times this vehicle had to be towed to dealer at night, each time waiting more than 3 hours for Bmw assist to have a tow truck come and get car -most recently I waited more then 4 hours -- I do not feel safe driving this car as I don't know when it will brake down and not start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10040971, filed 2003-09, 7,620 miles“Consumer parked the vehicle in the garage and about three hours later smoke was coming from the garage. Vehicle caught on fire, and damaged another vehicle and the garage. Fire department extinguished the fire ,and determined that fire came from the back of the engine. Consumer experienced other failures with the vehicle including: failure to start, 3 recalls pertaining to fuel system and computer, computer crashed and accessories didn't operate, and head rest moved on it's own.”
NHTSA complaint #10032039, filed 2003-09, 16,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V240000Jul 1, 2003On 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…Covers: BMW 745I 2002–2003, 745LI 2002–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the…
- 10147598Jan 1, 2015"SUBJECT N62TU: ISTA Service Function for DME ""RAM Backup"". The ISTA Service Function test plan should be performed to clear stored values in the DME RAM memory after repairs…
- 10022023Mar 1, 2009Crankcase ventilation system - cold climate conditions. *kb updated on 10/17/07. *nj updated 6/15/09.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 BMW 745I
17 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW 745I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology