2004 BMW 745LI Problems
- Complaints
- 33filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 95,500miles, 30 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 4.4L 8-cyl RWD · 16 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 BMW 745LI (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2004 BMW 745LI. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 11 complaints (33% of the total), followed by air bags (9) and engine (6). 30 of the complaints include a mileage, and 7% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 95,500 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 24 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags9 27%
- Engine6 18%
- Brakes3 9.1%
- Seat belts3 9.1%
- Seats3 9.1%
- Electrical system2 6.1%
- Body and structure2 6.1%
- Vehicle speed control2 6.1%
- Wheels2 6.1%
Also reported: Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “I purchased a 2004 Bmw 745 li from lexus dealership in md, I drove to fayetteville, nc because im in the military. 1 week after being home at ft bragg I started the car in the morning and then the transfail safe light came on when I arrived at work. 4/12/2011 while driving to work in full heavy traffic the coolant light came on with a yellow indicator and told me to drive moderately. While trying to drive to a gas station the red indicator came on and told me to stop safely and this is while in traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10395588, filed 2011-04, 109,115 milesAir bags: “On the dash board the loud warning light comes on: driver restraint system fault and passenger restraint system fault. I know that several 2002-2008 Bmw 7-series got recalled regarding the same issue and manufacture offered 10 year warranty from in service date regarding this issue. Mine is a 2004 745LI and should be one of the recalled one. Called the manufacture and they sad the VIN number that my car has never have been recalled with this problem. The problem is on and I think the manufacture should take care of it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10499391, filed 2013-02, 76,000 milesEngine: “Coolant transfer pipe seal is made of improper material that is not compatble with high engine temperatures. Seal fails causing loss of engine coolant. Seal fails at 40,000 to 110,000 miles. Repair is approximately $6,000 because engine must be taken apart to replace the seal. My seal failed at 104,000 miles. Loss of power steering and vehicle stability control due to coolant leak onto serpentine belt.”
NHTSA complaint #10871762, filed 2016-06, 104,000 milesBrakes: “The contact owns a 2004 Bmw 745LI. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle with much hesitation from the engine. The power steering light then illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. In addition, the brake power assist warning signal also illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10457690, filed 2012-05, 105,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
7% of the 30 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 73,245 and 129,860 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 BMW 745LI version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 745li RWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 BMW 745LI in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 24 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024Electrical system. The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers…
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine cooling, Fuel system. Engine 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 DME: 032B43 - Low fuel…
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Equipment, Electrical system. Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation…
- 10225126Sep 1, 2022Equipment. Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased…
- 10145306Jun 1, 2018Equipment. NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for…
- 10143564May 1, 2018Equipment. NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for…
- 10146779Nov 1, 2016Electrical system. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015.. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016Engine, Equipment, Electrical system, Steering. This 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 being serviced are not…
Other model years of the BMW 745LI
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 25 | 79,750 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 33 | 95,500 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 50 | 100,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 36 | 97,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All BMW 745LI model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 BMW 745LI have?
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2004 BMW 745LI as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 BMW 745LI is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 11 complaints (33% of the total), followed by air bags with 9.
Has the 2004 BMW 745LI been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 BMW 745LI get?
The EPA rates the 2004 BMW 745LI (745li, 4.4L 8-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 BMW 745LI reported?
Among the 30 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 95,500 miles and the middle half falls between 73,245 and 129,860 miles; 7% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.