The shift-by-wire system in your 2005-2008 7-Series is a smart gear shifter that uses the electronic key and the engine Start/Stop button to control the transmission. In rare cases, if you press the Start/Stop button twice or three times in a row, the system might put the transmission in Neutral instead of Park.
Risk if Unfixed
If you exit your vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake not engaged, your car could roll away. This could cause a crash or hurt someone trying to stop or get in the way of your vehicle.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will fix the issue by updating the transmission control system free of charge. You'll get a notification in November 2012, and the repair will be available starting in March 2013. You can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email them at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com to schedule the repair.
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Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
The door latches on your 2005-2008 BMW are designed to close and latch your doors securely. However, in some cases, the latches may not actually lock the doors, even if they look like they are.
Risk if Unfixed
If your door doesn't lock properly, it could open unexpectedly while driving, which could cause you to be thrown from the vehicle or make you more likely to get hurt in a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will update the door latch system to ensure your doors lock safely, and this repair is free of charge. You should schedule an appointment as soon as you receive the recall notice.
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Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
The door latch system in your 7-Series is a computer-controlled mechanism that ensures your doors stay shut while driving. But in some 2005-2007 models, the software might get it wrong, making the doors look closed when they're not.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, your door could swing open unexpectedly due to road bumps or a passenger touching it. This could lead to someone being thrown out of the vehicle or getting hurt in a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will update the software that controls your door latch system, ensuring it works correctly. This fix is free, and you'll be notified when the update is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
