2007 BMW 7 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2007 BMW 7 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2007 BMW 7 Series. Newest first.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy
Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
BMW IS recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. a check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. in extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. an unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. the safety recall began on november 24, 2010. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Owner complaints
13 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Air bag warning indicator illuminated. warning states fault in passenger restraint system affecting the airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter this warning illuminated upon starting the vehicle on 9/30/2018. there was no one sitting the in passenger seat and there have been no collisions.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Suspension
On 11-19-2017 while driving on a city roadway. My passenger car door suddenly opened and to avoid any physical damage to my passenger I abruptly turn my vehicle to a safer position. No soon after that I notice my vehicle leveling warning sign appear on the dash. With research, I found out that…
On 11-19-2017 while driving on a city roadway. My passenger car door suddenly opened and to avoid any physical damage to my passenger I abruptly turn my vehicle to a safer position. No soon after that I notice my vehicle leveling warning sign appear on the dash. With research, I found out that opening door linked up to recall on the nhtsa. I proceeded to call BMW for the fix. Not knowing the mechanics of the vehicle, I assumed this fix will fix the door lock and the leveling problem. However, I got the door fixed but the leveling problem got even worse after the lock got fixed. I picked up my vehicle on 12-23-2017. Tthe leveling IS a high safety concern. I would like to know if the issue exists with these cars and I would like a remedy for my situation. I contacted BMW, but they will not fix the issue as a recall.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
2007 BMW 7 series. Consumer writes in regards to door latch safety recall. *Ld the consumer stated the door opened while driving and the driver almost fell out. The door had to be held while driving, as to keep it from opening again. Updated 10/24/2017*js
- Seats
Received this fault - '"driver restraint system fault." belt tensioner or belt force limiter fault.' the mat seat sensor seems to have prematurely worn out. just like the passenger side mat that was recalled
- Unknown or other
I was communting to work when the door popped open. At first I heard the dash chime and qucikly noticed the sound of wind while I was driving. I looked to my left and the driver side door was cracked open while I was driving 65 miles an hour. I reacted quickly but was in complete was shock . I…
I was communting to work when the door popped open. At first I heard the dash chime and qucikly noticed the sound of wind while I was driving. I looked to my left and the driver side door was cracked open while I was driving 65 miles an hour. I reacted quickly but was in complete was shock . I attempted to quickly shut the door while driving but the lock would not catch. All I could do was hold the door close as tightly as I could until I was able to pull over. When I stopped I made three attempts to close the door completey, on the forth try it closed. I continued to drive on to work and about twenty minutes later it happened again but I was just upthe street from my job. I went to work and called my husband crying and the nearest BMW service dept. I did not call anyone while communting after the incident due to the fact that I was in fear of the door opening again and my hands were not free. I called the dealer and the rep researched for any recalls in regards in which he could not locate any on the door handle. He informed me that it was something with the door module and I needed to update the programming for the door. I was totally confused. But it cost me $700 for one door lock replacement. After the incident I recalled that a couple times prevously to the incident that the soft close would sometimes not work on the front driver side door and to this date I am unsure if the two problems correlated to my $700 fix.
- Air bags
System airbag failure light came on inside the car when I was driving and remained on. Message stated that I needed to take it to the nearest BMW dealership. I took the car to my mechanic who diagnosed the problem being the front seat occupant mat and was told by my mechanic that this has been a big problem with BMW and certain models of there cars and I should check into a possible recall in this.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seats
Drivers side front airbag seat mat sensor. Fault for driver side seat mat sensor. The passenger side seat mat sensor has been replaced under recall for the vehicle. However, the drivers side still has the error and I would like to know why the driver side seat mat sensor IS not also covered under the recall for the passenger side seat mat sensor. *tr
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
Drivers side front door failed to close or latch. The door had to be 'zip tied' to rear driver side door to get the vehicle home. I took the vehicle into the dealership for diagnosis and was told that the issue was due to a faulty door lock actuator for my vehicle which has comfort access and soft close doors. I find this to be a serious safety issue if the actuator fails that the door cannot be closed at all.
- Structure › Body › Door
The right/passenger front door does not stay shut. It will not lock, it will not latch. It appears that the actuator IS defective this IS a safety issue and should be addressed by BMW and not a cost to the consumer. *tr
- Engine
The oil cooler adapter plate IS defective the o ring IS defective and leaks oil all over everything including wires. if your car doesn't have an external oil cooler, the plate, with the o ring seal will leak oil. The other side has two holes that can be machined for the external oil cooler, but if…
The oil cooler adapter plate IS defective the o ring IS defective and leaks oil all over everything including wires. if your car doesn't have an external oil cooler, the plate, with the o ring seal will leak oil. The other side has two holes that can be machined for the external oil cooler, but if your car does not have that feature you will have oil leaks. Common oil leak on the V8 N62 and n62tu engines that would be in the E65 7 series and the X5 E53. This IS the bearing block where the alternator mounts to. There IS a gasket that develops a bad leak because of the seal failing. The seal has no use to the engine it IS just there just in case if you get the oil cooling option and if you choose not to get the option your car will leak oil because the seal IS not substantial and the oil has no where to go, so it leaks out of the gasket. The leak can be quite substantial. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Trouble filling gas tank, very very slow fill with multiple overflow including gas spillage. gas attendant stated that this IS a real safety hazard. *tr
- Electrical system
My complaint IS with 2007 BMW 750li model. There IS an energy parasite in the vehicle's electrical system. It has been narrowed down/pointed out as the "comfort access system" by other owners. This comfort access system does not shut-down completely when parked and drains the battery. Energy drain…
My complaint IS with 2007 BMW 750li model. There IS an energy parasite in the vehicle's electrical system. It has been narrowed down/pointed out as the "comfort access system" by other owners. This comfort access system does not shut-down completely when parked and drains the battery. Energy drain also occurs during the vehicle operation and the vehicle shuts down a/c blower frequently to conserve energy. It required me to jump start the vehicle on numerous occasions. I have taken the vehicle to BMW dealers on three different occasions and besides changing the battery, nothing much has been addressed. Even after new battery, loss of energy still persists. There are many complaints on the web regarding this issue. BMW would not proactively address the issue, unless the diagnostics system directs them to a specific area/areas. My vehicle currently IS not pointing to any errors, so BMW shrugs away and asks me to live with it. In the meanwhile, it IS an unreliable and unsafe vehicle to operate. Presently, the loss of energy IS resulting in blower or other energy consuming device shutdown, and requiring a jump for vehicle start up. If this phenomenon gets worse, the vehicle can loose power completely during operation and shutdown, leading to a very unsafe condition, especially, on highways it can lead to fatal accidents. I would like this safety issue to be addressed by nhtsa. I am available anytime to provide any additional information. This issue has been reported to BMW dealers at mt. Laurel, nj and alexandria, va, and customer service and IS fully documented by them. *tr
- Power train
A huge bang/clunk which feels like another car rear ended the vehicle. very freighting that causes driver panic! this has occurred multiple time over the past years. dealer reports nothing can be found wrong. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Vehicle Rollaway
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…
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
- Vehicle Rollaway
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…
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
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The 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.
- 10247567Engine 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
- 10245422Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicles 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.
- 10244242Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.
- 10182619Discharged 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.
- 10145306NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10143564NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10052012BMW: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This IS causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 10051519BMW: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle IS prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10046859BMW: due to damaged seal ring, during assembly, engine oil IS leaking from engine oil pump volume control valve gasket seal ring. Models E70, E71, F01, F02, F04, F07, F10, F12, F13. No model years listed.
- 10045282BMW: while driving vehicle, at times would be rough running; white or blue smoke seen exiting exhaust system and the engine oil IS consumed above specifications. Updated 1/11/13.
- 10044024BMW: wipers lights and front power windows are inoperative. This situation may start and lead to a permanent fault. Also included model F07 (5 series gran turismo) model years up to march 2012.
- 10043714BMW: steering column switch center contains one or more faults: internal control, steering wheel lock range exceeded, wiper angle defective. Various check control messages appear with airbag warning lamp illuminated.
- 10043689BMW: after a few miles or several thousand miles, check control message, hybrid malfunction, may appear after programming of software for vehicle.
- 10040368BMW service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. There may be a problem with the fuel pump which could not meet emissions requirements. There may be a long crank and a service engine soon light.
- 10040046BMW: when outside temp IS below freezing the outside doors will not close or are difficult to open. A door cable has moisture intrusion and freezes.
- 10039764BMW: a noise IS heard from the engine while running. The alternator drive belt tensioner IS loose and/or shows wear.
- 10038217BMW: crankcase pressure diagnosis and information for all vehicles. Updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10037934BMW: the emergency park release cable has been removed in these models and there IS a procedure to disengage the park lock. 2011 e70/e71. Updated on 06/08/2011. Updated on 06/21/2011.
- 10037700BMW: there may be excessive cranking before the vehicle starts. The service engine soon light may also be on with a lack of engine power.
- 10037061BMW: a fault for oil wear IS stored in the memory, but it does not illuminate the warning lamp.
- 10037050BMW: operating description of the passenger airbag status light.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10036911BMW: voluntary emissions recall campaign 10e-a01: program control units (dme retrofit). An error in dme (digital motor electronics) software, it may not be possible to read out the dme data using a non BMW tester (i.e., scan tool, etc.). As a result, affected vehicles may not be able to pass a state emission inspection where the testing procedure consists of scanning obd readiness codes.
- 10035246BMW vehicles: replaced seat occupancy sensor mat will not enable. After replacing a cis (capacitive sensing passenger occupancy mat), the new mat will not enable when using ista/p. However, ista/p shows that the acsm (active crash safety module) was coded correctly. The following faults are stored in the acsm control module:9309ed, 9309f4 and 930a23. Adsm coding
- 10035244BMW vehicle: adaptive headlights. A check control (cc) message IS displayed for the adaptive headlights. The headlamps no longer turn with steering wheel movement. Fault code 800fc6 IS entered in the footwell module (FRM3). A second turn signal request IS made at the exact moment when the steering wheel IS automatically cancelling from a previous turn signal request. F07 (5 series), F01, F02, F07 (7 series).
- 10035010BMW vehicle: transmission warning light IS illuminated and the transmission enters failsafe mode. Fault code 4F81 (ratio monitoring, clutch a), in some cases combined with the subsequent faults 507b/507c (parking gear sensor implausible signal) or 507D (parking gear incorrectly disengaged), are stored in the egs control module. E60, E51, E65, E66, E70, E90, E91, E92, E93. No model years listed.
- 10035009BMW vehicle: teileclearing for diagnostic module tank leakage (dmtl) system. Teileclearing process has been developed to help identify the root causes of customer complaints relating to the dmtl system (e.g., evaporative system leaks, check filler cap message, etc.). This process can help expedite the defect eradication process, once the root cause been determined. No model years listed. Updated 8/3/11. Updated 8/10/11. Updated 4/24/12.
- 10034574BMW: check control message displayed; turn signals flash fast. Intermittently or permanently, a bulb out check control message IS displayed, together with the turn signal flashing fast. Updated on 11/8/2013.
- 10033132BMW vehicles: N63 turbocharger auxiliary water pump faults. The service engine soon lamp IS illuminated with the following fault codes stored in the dme control module. Turbocharger coolant pump, control line, electric, 0x1016-line interruption. An internal component fault of the auxiliary water pump will cause it to not power up intermittently. Improved pumps went into production on 6/3/09. Models E70, E71, E72, F01, F02, F04, F07, F10. Updated 2/7/11. No model years listed.
- 10033130BMW vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it IS necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet assembly) do not need to be replaced as well. In some cases, epc does not show that the repair kit IS available separately in the illustration, but it IS available in the parts description. All models. No model years listed.
- 10033085BMW: complaint of a delayed engagement and a harsh jolt when accelerating from a stop. The situation occurs only during the engine warm up phase (cold engine), and cannot be reproduced in the sport mode. Egs software-unfavorable nic calibration. Updated 9/28/11.
- 10032988BMW: tire warning light illuminated due to low ambient temperature. Model E90, E91(3 series);e92, E92 (3 series); E60 (5 series); E60 (M5); E63, E64 (6 series); E63, E64 (M6); E65, E66 (7 series); E70 (X5); E83 (X3); and E85, E86 (Z4).
- 10032646BMW vehicles: edk throttle potentiometer faults-diagnosis. Models E60, E63, E64, E65, E66, and E70. The service engine soon and dsc/dtc warning lamps are illuminated. The engine enters the power reduction (fail safe) mode.
- 10029964BMW: the safety belts for the front seats have an electric motor-driven reel (ema) which will retract/pretension the seat belt a specified amount when certain hazardous driving situations are present.
- 10029684BMW: service engine soon lamp or the check gas cap warnings are illuminated while driving. When diagnosed, the dme has stored faults for small leak, micro leak, super fine leak, or large leak in relation to the tank ventilation or evaporative system updated 10/27/09.
- 10029604BMW: vehicle may intermittently exhibit any of the following: hard to start or may not start; engine runs rough and lacks or loses power; engine power reduced. Vapor lock in the fuel system could occur under certain engine operating conditions, which then would cause a drop in the low side fuel pressure. Updated 7/22/09. Models F01 and F02.
- 10029348BMW: sporadically, the following conditions may occur-wipers are running on a dry window; speedometer and tachometer are inoperative; check control message emf dropped out (drive control system emergency mode).
Every BMW 7 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.