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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
- 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…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 745I
9 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeats
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