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2006 BMW 750I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

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There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

46 reports with mileage · 11 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

Power Train complaints

20 reports
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63,815 miles · Apr 9, 2014
Power Train

I HAD MY CAR TO THE HUNTERDON BMW DEALERSHIP 8 TIMES FOR MY CAR REFUSING TO LEAVE NEUTRAL. THEIR FACTORY BMW ENGINEERS CHECKED THE CAR TWICE AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS, THE MECHANICS COULD NEVER FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY JUST KEPT REPROGRAMMING THE COMPUTERS TILL IT RAN. I FINALLY GAVE UP SINCE BMW REFUSED TO HELP ME. I TRADED THE CAR I…

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I HAD MY CAR TO THE HUNTERDON BMW DEALERSHIP 8 TIMES FOR MY CAR REFUSING TO LEAVE NEUTRAL. THEIR FACTORY BMW ENGINEERS CHECKED THE CAR TWICE AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS, THE MECHANICS COULD NEVER FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY JUST KEPT REPROGRAMMING THE COMPUTERS TILL IT RAN. I FINALLY GAVE UP SINCE BMW REFUSED TO HELP ME. I TRADED THE CAR IN ON 4/1/13 BECAUSE I FEARED IT WOULD STOP RUNNING AGAIN, AND BOUGHT A CADILLAC. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS IS I RECEIVED PEANUTS FOR MY CAR BECAUSE OF IT HISTORY, NO DEALERS WANTED IT, THEY KNEW IT WAS A LEMON. SO BMW SOLD ME A LEMON AND I ENDED UP WITH A WORTHLESS CAR, AND A YEAR LATER THEY ADMIT IT WAS A PROBLEM. THEY KNEW ALL ALONG BY THE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM, AND IGNORED IT. THERE WERE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ON WEB PAGES COMPLAINING, AND ALL OF THEM WERE IGNORED BY BMW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578471

90,735 miles · Feb 10, 2014
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesParking Brake

CONTINUATION OF AFFECTED PARTS: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES AND PARKING BRAKE, YOUR SITE STATES RECALLS FOR 2006 BMW 750I, BUT BMW SAID THERE IS NO RECALLS FOR MY VIN. I HAVE BEEN HAVING MULTIPLE SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE LATCHES/LOCKS ON ALL FOUR DOORS, THEY REPEATEDLY GO LOCK AND UNLOCK…

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CONTINUATION OF AFFECTED PARTS: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES AND PARKING BRAKE, YOUR SITE STATES RECALLS FOR 2006 BMW 750I, BUT BMW SAID THERE IS NO RECALLS FOR MY VIN. I HAVE BEEN HAVING MULTIPLE SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE LATCHES/LOCKS ON ALL FOUR DOORS, THEY REPEATEDLY GO LOCK AND UNLOCK. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD GRANDCHILD AND HIS DOOR CAME OPEN. THE CAR ALSO ACCELERATES AND SHUTS DOWN ALMOST LIKE IS GOING TO STOP. PARKING BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF AND IT MAKES A GRINDING NOISE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10563719

108,000 miles · Dec 16, 2013
Power Train

I ENTERED AND STARTED VEHICLE AS I HAVE DONE MANY TIMES BEFORE. PUT LEVER IN REVERSE AND IT JUMPS BACK TO PARK; PUT IT IN DRIVE, IT JUMPS BACK TO PARK. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND SAME SITUATION AS DESCRIBED. VEHICLE DISPLAYS CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION FAULT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10556196

48,000 miles · Dec 6, 2013
Electrical SystemPower Train

OVER THE LAST 4-5 YEARS, HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION RELATED ISSUES. THERE HAVE BEEN 6/7 TRANSMISSION OIL LEAKS THAT HAD TO BE FIXED AND REFIXED. 2 GUIBO JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED OVER THIS TIME. OVER THE LAST YEAR AND HALF, THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE LIGHT HAS COME ON 30+ TIMES WHEN STOPPED ON THE ROAD. UPON ACCELERATING T…

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OVER THE LAST 4-5 YEARS, HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION RELATED ISSUES. THERE HAVE BEEN 6/7 TRANSMISSION OIL LEAKS THAT HAD TO BE FIXED AND REFIXED. 2 GUIBO JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED OVER THIS TIME. OVER THE LAST YEAR AND HALF, THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE LIGHT HAS COME ON 30+ TIMES WHEN STOPPED ON THE ROAD. UPON ACCELERATING THE CAR JERKS INTO GEAR AND MOVES FORWARD. TWICE OVER THE LAST MONTH, THE CAR WAS STOPPED, ENGINE RUNNING, AND IN PARK. THE TRANSMISSION CHANGED FROM PARK TO NEUTRAL BY ITSELF JUST ABOUT CAUSING ME TO UNKNOWINGLY ROLL INTO OUR HOMES FENCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10555129

13 miles · Mar 17, 2013
EnginePower TrainSteering

WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER, SINCE THEN MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP ALMOST MONTHLY FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION AND STEERING. BMW WRITES ON THE YELLOW SHEET THAT THEY HAVE YOU SIGN WITH WHAT YOU TELL THEM BUT WHEN YOU GO BACK THE INVOICE THAT YOU ARE GIVEN IS DIFFEREN…

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WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER, SINCE THEN MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP ALMOST MONTHLY FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION AND STEERING. BMW WRITES ON THE YELLOW SHEET THAT THEY HAVE YOU SIGN WITH WHAT YOU TELL THEM BUT WHEN YOU GO BACK THE INVOICE THAT YOU ARE GIVEN IS DIFFERENT THAT WHAT YOU SIGNED FOR. I RECENTLY LEARNED THAT WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE INVOICE DOES NOT HAVE THE INFORMATION THAT WAS WRITTEN WHEN I WAS IN FRONT OF THE SERVICE ADVISOR. WHICH MEANS THAT WHEN YOU ARE ASKING FOR COPIES OF YOU REPAIR ORDER THE INFORMATION IS DIFFERENT THAN YOUR ORIGINAL COMPLAINT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10503353

85,000 miles · Jan 10, 2013
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 750I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLE, THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD INDEPENDENTLY MOVE OUT OF GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 750I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLE, THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD INDEPENDENTLY MOVE OUT OF GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 85,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10492158

50,000 miles · Jan 8, 2013
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 750I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A STRANGE BANG COULD BE FELT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 750I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A STRANGE BANG COULD BE FELT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON EACH OCCASION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10491822

135,000 miles · Jan 2, 2013
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 750I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE TRANSMISSION FAULT LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT DOWN THEN RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 750I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE TRANSMISSION FAULT LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT DOWN THEN RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135,000.

NHTSA ODI #10490721

162,000 miles · Nov 7, 2012
Power Train

I WANT TO START BY SAYING, I HAVE OWNED 7 SERIES SINCE 1991, MY FIRST PURCHASE WAS THE 735I, 745 AND NOW THE 750I. THE 750I IS BY FAR A MUCH BETTER DRIVING MACHINE, HOWEVER WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH IT, I WISH I WOULD HAVE KEPT MY 745I!!! IT'S BEEN ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER! NOW, I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR ROLLING…

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I WANT TO START BY SAYING, I HAVE OWNED 7 SERIES SINCE 1991, MY FIRST PURCHASE WAS THE 735I, 745 AND NOW THE 750I. THE 750I IS BY FAR A MUCH BETTER DRIVING MACHINE, HOWEVER WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH IT, I WISH I WOULD HAVE KEPT MY 745I!!! IT'S BEEN ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER! NOW, I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR ROLLING FORWARD OR BACKWARDS WHILE PARK!! IF YOU HIT THE START/STOP BUTTON IT WOULD GO INTO PARK (THE INDICATED "P" LIGHTS UP) BUT THEN THE CAR ROLLS FORWARD DEPENDING ON IF YOU ARE PARK ON A INCLINE/DECLINE. SINCE THAT STARTED, NOW I GET A MESSAGE STATING ?TRANSMISSION FAULT? AND IT WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR!!! THE SELF-CLOSE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TOO!!! AT THIS POINT, I WILL NOT ALLOW MY WIFE TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR FEAR THAT SHE WILL GET HURT WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR! IT ACTUALLY ROLLED INTO MY GARAGE DOOR WHILE SITTING IN THE GARAGE!!! I AM SURE THAT I?M NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM, THIS NEEDS TO BE CORRECT IMMEDIATELY! I HAVE COMPLAINT TO SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS WITHIN BMW AND NO ACTIONS SEEMS TO BE TAKEN TO HELP REMEDY THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE SPENT OVER $10K IN REPAIRS AND CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS!!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10483646

70,700 miles · Dec 10, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSuspension

HAVE A 2006 BMW 750I AND WAS OUT RUNNING ERRANDS. I STOPPED AT THE DRY CLEANERS TO GET MY CLOTHING. I ONLY TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHILE I WENT INSIDE THE DRY CLEANERS. I PAID FOR MY ITEMS AND WENT TO RESTART THE ENGINE BUT WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE NO MOVEMENT HAPPENED. I SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN COMPLE…

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HAVE A 2006 BMW 750I AND WAS OUT RUNNING ERRANDS. I STOPPED AT THE DRY CLEANERS TO GET MY CLOTHING. I ONLY TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHILE I WENT INSIDE THE DRY CLEANERS. I PAID FOR MY ITEMS AND WENT TO RESTART THE ENGINE BUT WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE NO MOVEMENT HAPPENED. I SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN COMPLETELY AND RESTARTED IT. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN R FOR REVERSE AND IT SWITCHED BACK TO P FOR PARK. THE VEHICLE AGAIN WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED AND IT DID THE SAME THING NOTHING. I CALLED MY SPOUSE AND HE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE BY EDGING THE VEHICLE WHILE IN REVERSE MODE. WHILE MY SPOUSE WAS BACKING OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE JERKED. I OFTEN NOTICE THAT IF I PARK ON A HILL AND GO IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE JERKS AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE I JUST HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED RECENTLY AND ACCORDING TO THE INSPECTION THAT THE BMW SERVICE DID THE TRANSMISSION IS GOOD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10439272

Official recalls

4

17V328000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

May 18, 2017

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2005-2008 745i, 745Li, 750i, 750Li, 760i, 760Li, and B7 Alpina vehicles equipped with both the Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options. In these vehicles, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the door latch system, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

13V564000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Nov 12, 2013

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

12V502000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Oct 17, 2012

BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire) that automatically shifts the transmission to Park when the driver presses the Start/Stop button to shutdown the engine. If the driver presses the engine Start/Stop button 2 or 3 times within a short time interval, the system may shift the transmission to Neutral rather than Park. If using the electronic key (Comfort Access mode), there would be no protection from the ignition interlock that prevents key removal if the vehicle is not in Park.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or enter the vehicle or to other bystanders in the path of the vehicle.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:ignition:switch

BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire) that automatically shifts the transmission to Park when the driver presses the Start/Stop button to shutdown the engine. If the driver presses the engine Start/Stop button 2 or 3 times within a short time interval, the system may shift the transmission to Neutral rather than Park. If using the electronic key (Comfort Access mode), there would be no protection from the ignition interlock that prevents key removal if the vehicle is not in Park.

Consequence: If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or enter the vehicle or to other bystanders in the path of the vehicle.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire) that automatically shifts the transmission to Park when the driver presses the Start/Stop button to shutdown the engine. If the driver presses the engine Start/Stop button 2 or 3 times within a short time interval, the system may shift the transmission to Neutral rather than Park. If using the electronic key (Comfort Access mode), there would be no protection from the ignition interlock that prevents key removal if the vehicle is not in Park.

Consequence: If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or enter the vehicle or to other bystanders in the path of the vehicle.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire) that automatically shifts the transmission to Park when the driver presses the Start/Stop button to shutdown the engine. If the driver presses the engine Start/Stop button 2 or 3 times within a short time interval, the system may shift the transmission to Neutral rather than Park. If using the electronic key (Comfort Access mode), there would be no protection from the ignition interlock that prevents key removal if the vehicle is not in Park.

Consequence: If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or enter the vehicle or to other bystanders in the path of the vehicle.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

12V504000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Oct 17, 2012

BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 7-Series vehicles, equipped with both Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through September 3, 2007. Due to a software problem, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will update software. The recall began on December 12, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA12002 · Vehicle Rollaway

Opened Apr 10, 2012 · Closed Jan 24, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:ignition:switch; Power Train:automatic Transmission

In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V-502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V-502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770

Additional source detail variants (4)

Electrical System

In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V-502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V-502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770

Electrical System:ignition

In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V-502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V-502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770

Electrical System:ignition:switch

In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V-502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V-502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770

Power Train:automatic Transmission

In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V-502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V-502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770