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EnginePart report

2003 BMW 745I Engine Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
13%of 32 total for the year
Median mileage
91,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2003 BMW 745I, 13% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“The car smokes from exhaust system when you pull off from red light, driveways, or whenever you excel in the car. I was told its a engine valve problem that Bmw is aware of in the 7 series. This car cost to much for issues like you are a vapor from beyond when driving. Also why is it a problem with sensor on passenger side seat. I only carry a 10 lb. Purse the light stays on consist.”

NHTSA complaint #11145072, filed 2018-11, 106,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2003 Bmw 745I. While driving 70 MPH, the fan belt fractured and an unknown warning indicator illuminated, which meant that the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A week later, the hood was opened and smoke was seen coming from the computer panel as a fire started. The contact extinguished the fire with a water hose and disconnected the battery. The vehicle stopped smoking once the battery was disconnected. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.”

NHTSA complaint #11119569, filed 2018-08, 130,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2003 Bmw 745I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel intermittently. The contact dispensed coolant into the reservoir and then after driving 50 miles the malfunction recurred. In 2012, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where an engine overhaul was performed. The engine warning indicator illuminated after driving approximately 300 miles. The vehicle was in the process of being taken to the dealer for the most recent failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #10481379, filed 2012-10, 76,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200516%
2004625%
2003413%
200236%

Other parts of the 2003 BMW 745I

Transmission and drivetrain
9 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Air bags
4 complaints
Electrical system
4 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints
Engine cooling
2 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Interior lighting
1 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW 745I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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