MotorDeets

2002 BMW 745LI: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2002 BMW 745LI: 2 recalls, 36 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
36owner complaints
3mention a crash
19best combined mpg
2002 BMW 745LI
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #02V150000 · 2002 · 8,412 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the electric fuel pump runs at a rotational speed that could result in reduced lubrication of its internal components. Over an extended period of time, wear-induced internal damage to the fuel pump could result in insufficient fuel supply to the engine when the fuel tank contains one-third or less of its maximum fuel capacity.

Why it matters: If this were to occur, the engine could stall and not be restarted until more fuel was added to the fuel tank. This could occur even though the fuel gauge indicated that fuel still remained in the tank.

The fix: Dealers will reprogram the fuel pump control system. Owner notification began June 28, 2002.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #03V240000 · 2003 · 5,470 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, due to a software error, a desynchronization of the valvetronic motors for engine banks i and II May occur. If this occurs, the engine could stall.

Why it matters: In those cases, the driver May not be able to restart the engine. Depending on the level of engine roughness, or stalling, as well as traffic conditions and the driver's reactions, this could lead to a crash.

The fix: Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. Owner notification began July 8, 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical10
Airbags10
Transmission & drivetrain8
Fuel system5
Engine & cooling4
Seat belts3
Fuel & propulsion3
Tires2

What owners describe

The 2002 BMW 745LI has 36 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 7 745LI model years for complaints (1.7× the average 745LI year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 97,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (50 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive162419Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 BMW 745LI.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2002 BMW 745LI manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2002 BMW 745LI manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2002 BMW 745LI manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2002 BMW 745LI manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2002 BMW 745LI have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 BMW 745LI. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2002 BMW 745LI problems?

Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (10), airbags (10), transmission & drivetrain (8).

What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW 745LI get?

EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2002 BMW 745LI repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 745LI years

2002200320042005200620072008