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BrakesPart report

2004 BMW 745I Brakes Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
17%of 24 total for the year
Median mileage
130,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 BMW 745I, 17% of the 24 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles.

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 am the owner of a 2004 Bmw 745I. I received a letter in november 2010 from Bmw stating that there was recall on brake vacuum pump. On november 11 2010 before receiving this recall letter. I had repairs done to my brake vacuum pump. When I called Bmw to get my money refunded they basically told me it was different. I was charged over 6,000 dollars for this service. I have spoken to several people and was given different numbers to try to get my money back and have been unsuccessful. I also noticed on a february 2011 st. Pete times issue Bmw was fined $3million dollars for delaying recalls. …”

NHTSA complaint #10472469, filed 2012-08

“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw 745I. The contact stated that a private mechanic advised that there was oil leaking from the vacuum pump. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was repaired previously under NHTSA campaign id number: 10v446000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was confirmed that the brake vacuum pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that replacing the hose was only a temporary repair that caused future problems to the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. …”

NHTSA complaint #10560829, filed 2014-01, 130,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw 745I. The contact was driving 45 MPH when she applied the brakes and the pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle gradually decelerated to a stop as the contact applied excessive pressure to the brakes. The vehicle was towed to her home and parked where an independent mechanic examined the vehicle and informed the contact that the brake booster needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 149,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10427185, filed 2011-09, 149,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw 745I. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH when the brakes were applied. The brake pedal had become increasingly difficult to depress and resulted in an abnormally significant increase in braking distance and time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician stated that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired three times for the same failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recall. …”

NHTSA complaint #10484562, filed 2012-11, 30,000 miles

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2005213%
2004417%
2003619%
20021324%

Other parts of the 2004 BMW 745I

Transmission and drivetrain
11 complaints
Electrical system
9 complaints
Engine
6 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints
Engine cooling
2 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 745I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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