The shift-by-wire system in your 2005-2008 BMW 7-Series uses electronic signals to shift your transmission. But in certain situations, this system can mistakenly shift into Neutral instead of Park when you turn off the engine.
Risk if Unfixed
If you get out of the vehicle while it's in Neutral and the parking brake is not on, your car could roll away. This could lead to a crash or hurt someone trying to stop the vehicle or entering it.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will update the shift-by-wire system to prevent this issue, and the repair is free. You should schedule the fix when you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
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 vehicle are the parts that keep your doors shut. In some 2005-2008 BMW models, these latches might not work properly, making it seem like your doors are closed when they're not.
Risk if Unfixed
If your door latch fails, the door might swing open unexpectedly while you're driving or stopped, which could cause you to fall out of the vehicle or increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will update your door latch system to make sure your doors close and stay closed properly. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
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 critical safety feature that ensures your doors stay closed while driving. However, in some 2005-2007 models, a software glitch can make the doors appear closed when they're not.
Risk if Unfixed
If the software problem causes your door to open unexpectedly, you or a passenger could be ejected from the vehicle, or you could be at a higher risk of injury in a crash, especially at high speeds or during sudden stops.
Free Fix
BMW will update the software in your vehicle's door latch system free of charge. Your dealer will make this fix, and you should schedule an appointment as soon as you receive the recall notice.
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.
