2006 BMW 750Li

Above average

Owners filed 216 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

185 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles; the median is 88,046 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train55
000
Air Bags33
201
Latches/Locks/Linkages17
000
Electrical System13
000
Structure › Body12
010
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch12
000
Structure › Body › Door9
000
Service Brakes8
200
Power Train › Automatic Transmission7
000
Engine7
010

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch17V328000
Filed May 18, 201745,484 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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 [email protected].

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification13V564000
Filed Nov 12, 201376,565 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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 [email protected].

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch12V504000
Filed Oct 17, 20127,485 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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 [email protected].

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch12V502000
Filed Oct 17, 201245,500 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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 [email protected].

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Dec 31, 2025159,857 milesNY

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 750Li. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Transmission Fault - Drive Moderate" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was advised that the vehicle would need to be kept over the weekend, but the contact declined. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 159,857.

Power Train
Filed Sep 1, 2023180,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 750LI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted into park. The contact also stated that water was entering the trunk of the vehicle. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 30, 2023IL

In 2009, we bought this 2006 BMW 750Li as pre-owned and certified warranty from BMW of Tenafly, New Jersey. We have registration address maintained in New Jersey, and have not updated, even though we moved to Chicago, Illinois in summer of 2011. BMW issued 6 recalls for 7-series manufactured between 2005 and 2008. The recalls on manufacturer defects on electric and transmission in 2012 and 2013, and again in 2017. We missed all of the notices for these recalls. The vehicle was driven for less than 50,000 miles, from 2009 to 2019. The vehicle was inspected, and in good mechanical conditions, as well as body, since the vehicle has been garaged most of times. Since 2019, the vehicle has been in shops for repairs for electric and transmission and engine. It has been more than 3 years for our vehicle in the shops, and over $21,000 spent, there is no sign that the vehicle can be driven. Thus, we checked the online and found out the BMW recalls on this vehicle in 2012 and 2013. We called BMW Customer Relations & Services, multiple times. BMW denied the recalls. We checked with the attorneys, including the ones who filed class action suits against BMW with billion dollars win for the customers on BMW defects. All said BMW shall honor their recalls. Further, the recalls will never be expired. Now BMW has declined taking calls, responding email, and recently shifting the failing repair to a BMW dealer. What shall we do? We have sent letter to their legal department. A shop who tried to

Electrical System
Filed Jan 17, 2023IL

On Oct 29, 2012, BMW recalled its 7-Series luxury cars due to reports of transmission control problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in the NHTSA campaign #12V502000 (power train and electric system) has caused at least 14 crashes and possibly 5 injuries, and in the NHTSA campaign #13V564000 (air bags). The recall involved 45,500 cars with model years from 2005 to 2008 that includes 2006 BMW 750LI. Our 2006 BMW 750LI’s VIN is WBAHN83586DT34592. Our purchase was from BMW of Tenafly, 301 County Road, Tenafly, NJ 07670 on 3/19/2009. Odometer reading at the time of the purchase is 45,450 miles. Sale price is $35,777.84. Our BMW 750LI was vocationally used, and mostly garaged, from 2009-2011, in New Jersey; and completely garaged, from 2011-2014, in New Jersey. The vehicle was vocationally used, from 2014-2019, in Chicago. Since 2019, the vehicle has been repaired in shops for electric and transmission failures: 3 years by Bridgeport Transmission (930 W 31st Street, Chicago, IL 60608, Tel 312 842-1887, Richard, the owner), and now already 6 months with Field BMW Northfield (700 Frontage Road, Northfield, IL 60093, Tel: 847-441-5300 x 8396, Chris Goodrich, the service advisor). Except for the electric and transmission issues, our vehicle is in wonderful condition. The body looks new. The current odometer reading is 92,000 miles. Since 2019, we have spent $1,500 for battery (as it was first suspected of the issue) by Field BMW Northfield, $6,500 for el

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 19, 2022MD

The drivers side (soft close door) motor or components is malfunctioning and not closing. It’s making a grinding noise.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 3, 2022129,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 750LI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was oil leaking onto the ground and also onto the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 18, 202185,000 milesNE

THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY DANGEROUS, WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR IT WILL REV THE ENGINE HIGH, THEN JUMP INTO GEAR AND LUNGE FORWARD. IF STOPPED AT A LIGHT, IT WOULD DEFINITELY KILL SOMEONE, AND WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE, IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE GETTING REAR-ENDED. ON THIS DATE, THE TRANSMISSION LAUNCHING THE VEHICLE FORWARD ALMOST CAUSED A CASE OF WHIPLASH.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 2020NY

THE DOORS FROM INSIDE DON'T OPEN UP WHEN THE CAR LOSES POWER YOU ARE LOCKED INSIDE ALSO THE ENGINE SMOKES EVEN WHEN THE GASKETS AND SEALS HAVE BEEN REPLACED.THE CAR SUSPENSION IN THE REAR IS TERRIBLE ALSO AIR BAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF EVEN WHEN THE DEALER RAN DIAGNOSIS ON THE CAR CAR IS PARKED

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 15, 2020125,370 milesOH

MY VEHICLE HAS THIS WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST AFTER IT SITS FOR LIKE A FEW MINUTES. SMOKE DOES NOT COME OUT WHEN I'M DRIVING ONLY WHEN I SIT. SO IF I'M AT A RED LIGHT LONG ENOUGH IT WILL SMOKE. THIS JUST START HAPPENING OUT OF NOWHERE AND AFTER LOOKING IT UP EVERYBODY WHO HAS THESE CARS ALMOST HAVE THE SAME ISSUE.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jun 27, 202018,367 milesCA

CAR DOORS DO NOT LATCH DOORS FLY OPEN , CAR HAS ROLLED OUT OF PARK, BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE RUFF STOPPING SEAT BELT LIGHTS ON ALL THE TIME. PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SEATS. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 24, 2020154,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 750LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WAS FIRM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXTRA EFFORT WAS NEEDED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AN UNKNOWN SOURCE THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND VACUUM PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Feb 21, 2020154,000 milesGA

ABS IS COMPLETELY MESSED UP CAR SLIDES AT EVERY TURN/MOVE! IF BRAKES ARE PRESSED A LITTLE TO FAST BRAKES BLOCK AND DOESN'T STOP THE CAR! WHICH CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER CAR!

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 13, 202085,000 milesAZ

FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR INTO THE VEHICLE CABIN, APPARENTLY EXTREMELY SIMILAR TO WHAT 5 AND 6 SERIES BMW'S WERE RECALLED FOR (BMW RECALL CAMPAIGN 16V-746)

Power Train
Filed Oct 28, 2019138,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 750LI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. HERRIN-GEAR BMW OF JACKSON (1685 HIGH ST, JACKSON, MS 39202, (601) 354-2269) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT PROPERLY DIAGNOSED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000. *BF *JS

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 20, 2019105,000 milesTX

CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND CHANGES GEARS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN. HARD TIME RESTARTING ENGINE AFTER INCIDENTS. CAR DOES NOT START ENGINE BUT WILL POWER ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. CAR SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WHILE TURNING INTO A BUSY STREET LEAVING ME IN THE MIDDLE OF INCOMING TRAFFIC, PLACING MY FAMILY IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 4, 2019165,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 750LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ALL OVER THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURES WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V502000 (POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 23, 2019105,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 750LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CAUSED BY THE DETECTION MAT SENSOR. GLOBAL IMPORTS BMW (500 INTERSTATE N PKWY, ATLANTA, GA 30339, (800) 294-1853) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE SAME AS THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Jul 9, 2019TN

MY 2006 BMW 750LI WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE ON FRIDAY 7/5/2019 AROUND 11:00 P.M. AND REMAINED THERE. ON SUNDAY MORNING 7/7/2019 AROUND 8:45 A.M. MY CAR ALARM SOUNDED AND WHEN I LOOK OUTSIDE MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE BLAZE FROM THE FIRS NOT ONLY BURNED UP MY BMW BUT ALSO MY DAMAGED MY SUV AND DAMAGED MY OTHER CAR. THE CAR WAS PARKED FOR OVER 36 HOURS BEFORE THE FIRE BEGAN.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 1, 2019FL

HEADLIGHT WIREING DRY ROOT AND CAN CAUSE FIRE

Seats
Filed Mar 26, 2019157,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 750LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR BYPASS WAS FAULTY AND THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. DAYS LATER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE MAT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CLASSIC BMW (6800 DALLAS PKWY, PLANO, TX 75024, (214) 778-2600) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE MAT SENSOR NEEDED TO REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO REPAIR FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.

20 of 216 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20212300Routine
20200400Routine
20190100Routine
20161100Routine
20152110Routine
20146100Routine
20139110Routine
201224130Routine
201125140Routine
201030120Routine
200910100Routine
200865210Routine
200777400Routine
2006 — this page216420Above average
20050100Routine

Compare every 750Li year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 18, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.