Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to maintain or repair their BMW 745i, professional mechanics
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ
Vehicle Attributes:
Advanced technology, refined comfort, powerful V8 engine, sophisticated styling
Manual Value Proposition:
Official, comprehensive, and accurate repair data for cost-effective ownership
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 6HP26) operation, diagnostics, repair, fluid service
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, axle components
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, adaptive suspension components (if equipped), alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC, brake pad/rotor replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power accessories
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, locks, glass, interior trim, seat mechanisms, HVAC system
Comfort Systems:
Climate control, seat heating/ventilation, sunroof, power seats, premium sound system
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelts, SRS diagnostics
Infotainment And Electronics:
iDrive system, navigation, entertainment, vehicle electronics modules
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for all major systems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for mechanical, electrical, and body components
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, component rebuilds
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, alignment data
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical circuit diagrams for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Full factory-level service and repair information
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (for 2003 model year)
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Good (for comparable models/years tested)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) standard
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Airbags:
Front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
System Name:
iDrive (first generation)
Features:
Central controller, high-resolution display, navigation system, radio, CD player, climate control interface
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Parking Assist:
Front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Phone Integration:
Bluetooth hands-free interface (optional)
Adaptive Headlights:
Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights
Suspension Technology:
Optional Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) and Electronic Damper Control (EDC)
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-based service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (as per BMW recommendations)
Coolant Change:
BMW specifies coolant for life, but replacement is often recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles for preventative maintenance.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification. Refer to manual for exact BMW part number.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW PSF-4 (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent)
Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (valley pan, water pump, hoses), VANOS solenoids, ignition coil failure, oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket), E65 iDrive system glitches, electronic module failures.
Preventative Maintenance Focus:
Regular inspection of cooling system components, proactive replacement of seals and hoses.
Bmw Legacy:
Renowned for performance, luxury, and engineering innovation since 1916
E65 Introduction:
The E65 generation represented a significant departure in styling and technology for the BMW 7 Series, introducing the iDrive system and a more avant-garde design.
745I Positioning:
Positioned as the flagship luxury sedan, competing directly with established European rivals.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
