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2005 BMW 7 SeriesProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2005 BMW 7 Series, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints41 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage172kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 31, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 BMW 7 Series has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags10
Electronic stability control (ESC)10
Engine10
Fuel/propulsion system10
Power train10
Service brakes, hydraulic11
Vehicle speed control10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2005 BMW 7 Series recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

2005 vs. every other 7 Series year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 7 Series median. How we score

'95'96'97'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2005 BMW 7 Series safety ratings

2005 BMW 7 Series 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2005 BMW 7 Series, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Vehicle RollawayEA12002 · closed Jan 24, 2013
    Led to recall 12V-502
  2. Vehicle RollawayPE11025 · closed Apr 23, 2012
    No recall
In owners' words

What 7 Series owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TOOK THE BMW 745LI IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SLOW TO START CRANKING AND SECOND OPINION. ALSO WANTED THE DEALERSHIP TO REVIEW AIRBAG LIGHT AND DSC. UPON REVIEW BY THE DEALERSHIP, ALL FOUR DOOR TAGS AND SZL (COMFORT ACCESS) IS CAUSING BATTERY DRAIN AND MUST BE REPLACED. ALSO WAS QUOTED THAT THE…
Complaint 10651740 · Oct 31, 2014 · 172,169 miles

Own a 2005 7 Series?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.