2007 BMW 750I

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

In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) for PE11-025, BMW provided ODI with 1 complaint and 46 field reports relating to either incidents of unattended vehicle rollaway or vehicle movement after the driver expected the vehicle gearshift to automatically shift to park. ODI's analysis of the data provided by BMW identified 14 crashes and 5 alleged injuries. ODI has also identified 3 additional reports in its database alleging vehicle rollaway incidents of which 2 resulted in crashes.The subject vehicles are all equipped with push-buttons (Start/Stop button) to control starting/stopping the engine and Shift-by-Wire gearshift systems controlled by a column mounted selector lever behind the steering wheel. The Start/Stop button also controls switching the ignition and the radio ready state On and Off. Shift-by-wire systems replace the traditional mechanical connection (e.g., cable or linkage) between the gearshift and automatic transmission with an electronic connection controlled by a computer module. When parking the vehicle, the driver has the capability to manually shift the vehicle to park by pressing the Park button on the end of the electronic gearshift lever. However, the instructions for engine shutoff provided in the owner's manual state that pressing the Start/Stop button serves the dual function of switching off the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In response to ODI's information request for PE11-025, BMW described several circumstances where the subject vehicles may shift to neutral when the driver may expect it to automatically shift to park. First, for Comfort Access System (CAS) vehicles, if the transmission is in neutral when the key fob is in the ignition slot and the Start/Stop button is pressed to shut-off the engine, the transmission will remain in neutral. This is referred to as the Carwash mode and is a normal operating feature of the vehicles that is described in the owner's manual. BMW also described two circumstances that are not normal operating features and are not described in the owners' manual: (1) with the transmission in drive or reverse and the engine running, if the Start/Stop button is pushed 2 or 3 times within a 0.3 second to 0.5 second interval, the engine will stop and the transmission will shift to Neutral; and 2) if the Park button on the gearshift lever is pressed at the same time that the gearshift lever is actuated (i.e., toggled up or down) to select drive, reverse or neutral; the transmission will shift to neutral or remain in neutral.Beginning in model year (MY) 2005, BMW introduced CAS as an optional feature package for the subject vehicles.The key for CAS equipped vehicles is an electronic code that is sent to the engine control module by a remote transmitter (key fob). An optional docking port (key slot) is provided for driver convenience or to put the vehicle into Car Wash mode, which allows for engine shutoff in neutral. BMW sold approximately 45,000 subject vehicles with CAS and approximately 94 percent of the CAS equipped vehicles were produced from MY 2006 through 2008. Non-CAS subject vehicles were produced from MY 2002 through 2008 and require the remote control to be in the ignition slot located next to the Start/Stop button to start the engine.The 50 incidents identified by ODI's analysis of complaints and field reports include 18 involving CAS vehicles (39.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles) and 32 involving non-CAS vehicles (42.0 incidents per 100,000 vehicles). Because the incidents are considered random events, the failure rates were also adjusted for vehicle exposure, resulting in rat

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 750I. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door failed to close correctly. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the battery was causing the failure. The battery had been replaced at least three times. The contact stated that she took the vehicle back several times and the failure was finally diagnosed as a malfunctioning door latch. The contact stated that the door handle and latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact inquired about a recall for the door and was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V328000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11515585

Incident

Dec 19, 2018

Mileage

30,000 mi

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 750I. The contact stated that while driving, the door failed to close securely. The contact stated that the door was latched but failed to remain closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not re-repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V328000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under warranty, and the VIN was not included in a recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ID

11503941

Incident

Jan 13, 2023

Mileage

56,000 mi

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 750i. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving or idling, he heard a rattling noise coming from the engine. The contact then stated that on another occasion while driving, he heard a rattling noise in the engine while making a left turn then the vehicle stalled. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000

NHTSA ID

11478661

Incident

Aug 6, 2022

Mileage

135,000 mi

My soft closing door is not closing correctly. The door is being left open. Which you could eject from car.

NHTSA ID

11419135

Incident

May 1, 2021

VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH ENGINE OFF AND SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED. ***I HAVE VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE ENTIRE ORDEAL. ***** THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ROUGHLY 4 HOURS PRIOR TO FIRE STARTING UNDERNEATH THE HOOD FO NO APPARENT REASON. REACHED OUT TO BMW AND WAS TOLD DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE DAMAGE THEIR INVESTIGATORS COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OR ORIGIN OF THE FIR AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. THE NATIONAL ENGINEERING GROUP OBSERVED THERMAL DAMAGE ISOLATED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITH GREATER CONSUMPTION TOWARDS THE FRONT. THIS OCCURRED DUE TO NO FAULT OF MY OWN AND BMW IS DENYING RESPONSIBILITY AND HELP.

NHTSA ID

11217055

Incident

Apr 16, 2019

Mileage

8,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 750I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE OR REMAIN SECURED AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE DOOR HAD ERRONEOUSLY OPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER BMW NORTHWEST(4011 20TH STS. E. FIFE, WA) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LATCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11209438

Incident

May 1, 2019

Mileage

70,000 mi

A SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR FAULT PREVENTS THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM FROM WORKING. THIS FAULT SIGNAL APPEARS WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AND CONTINUES UNTIL IT IS OFF. THE AIRBAG FAULT SIGNAL WAS CHECKED AND CONFIRMED TO BE A FAILURE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT DETECTOR. THIS IS A COMMON BMW PROBLEM. IT CAUSED NHTSA RECALL 13V564000 (11/12/13) AND IS NOW THE SUBJECT OF AN EXTENSIVE BMW WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR MANY MODELS IN LIEU OF A RECALL, BUT NOT FOR THE 2007 7 SERIES. BMW SERVICE BULLETIN SI B01 01 18 (MAY 2018) IDENTIFIES 12 MODEL TYPES GIVEN A LIFETIME WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR SPECIFIED YEARS: E53 (X5) FOR 2001-2006; E60 (5 SERIES) 2004-2008; E61 (5 SERIES WAGON) 2006-2007; E63 (6 SERIES) 2004-2008); E64 (6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE) 2004-2008; E65-E66 (7 SERIES) 2002-2006; E83 (X3) 2004-2010; E85 (Z4) 2003-2007; E86 (Z4 COUPE) 2006-2008; E90 (3 SERIES SEDAN) 2006-2007; AND E91 (3 SERIES TOURING) 2006-2007. FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE 2007 7 SERIES IS EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION. A SPECIALTY BMW REPAIR SHOP THAT USES BMW TRAINED PERSONNEL CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO MATERIAL DIFFERENCE IN THE SEAT DETECTION SYSTEM BETWEEN MODELS INCLUDED IN THE BMW WARRANTY EXTENSION AND THOSE EXCLUDED FROM IT, LIKE THE 2007 7 SERIES. THE BMWS HAVE A DESIGN SHORTCOMING THAT REQUIRES THAT A REPAIR OF A FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE, REQUIRING EXTENSIVE WORK TO REWORK THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SEAT. THAT EXPENSE IN THE RANGE OF $2,000, IS A GREAT DISINCENTIVE TO REPAIRING OLDER MODELS WITH DIMINISHED VALUE. THAT CREATES ADDITIONAL DANGER OF NO AIR BAG PROTECTION IN THESE CARS. WHEN ASKED, BMW REPRESENTATIVES MADE NO ATTEMPT TO EXPLAIN WHY THE 2007 7 SERIES IS EXCLUDED FROM THE WARRANTY EXTENSION, SAYING ONLY THAT THE CHOICE OF MODELS COVERED IS BASED ON INTERNAL DATA AND BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS NO DISCRETION TO COVER OR REDUCE COSTS FOR MODELS NOT INCLUDED.

NHTSA ID

11115628

Incident

Jul 11, 2018

Mileage

64,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 750I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.

NHTSA ID

11113904

Incident

Jul 12, 2018

Mileage

164,000 mi

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.