Positioning:
The 2005 BMW 745i represented the pinnacle of BMW's luxury sedan offerings, competing with flagship models from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Lexus.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221 generation started in 2005 for some markets, W220 pre-facelift), Audi A8 (D3), Lexus LS (XF30).
Luxury Features:
Advanced iDrive infotainment, sophisticated suspension, premium interior materials, potent V8 engine, advanced driver assistance features for its time.
Owner Manual Importance:
Crucial for understanding the complex systems and advanced technology integrated into the 745i, ensuring proper operation and longevity.
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle operation, features, and maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Basic troubleshooting, safety information, and warranty details
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for the era)
Primary Language:
English
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, lubrication, fuel system, exhaust system (basic information)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, gear selection, and basic information
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system (operation and warnings)
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories, basic fuse identification
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control operation and settings
Infotainment:
iDrive system basic operation, radio, CD player, navigation system (basic overview)
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, ABS, traction control, stability control (operation and warnings)
Operation:
Starting the engine, driving, parking, operating various controls
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure, tire changing (basic information)
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and indicators
Emergency:
Emergency assistance, breakdown procedures
Depth:
Owner-level operation and maintenance. Does not include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or electrical schematics.
Format Details:
Physical printed manual, typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound.
Quality:
High-quality, durable paper stock with clear, legible print and diagrams.
Binding:
Typically perfect bound or saddle-stitched for durability.
Paper:
Glossy or semi-gloss paper for readability and longevity.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not specifically rated for 2005 model year under the then-current NHTSA system, but generally considered very safe.
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Good (for the E65 generation's structural integrity)
Dynamic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC III)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR)
Anti-Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal, side-impact, and head curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
Display:
Central control display with a high-resolution screen
Controls:
Central Commander knob, shortcut buttons, steering wheel controls
Adaptive Headlights:
Optional (Adaptive Xenon Headlights)
Parking Assist:
Optional (Park Distance Control - PDC front and rear)
Cruise Control:
Standard, with optional Active Cruise Control (ACC)
Bluetooth Preparation:
Optional
Telematics:
Optional BMW Assist
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on the specific spark plug type and driving conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent approved by ZF for the 6HP26 transmission)
Common Issues E65:
Coolant leaks (valley pan, water pump, hoses), ignition coil failures, electronic gremlins (iDrive glitches, sensor faults), valve cover gasket leaks, power steering leaks, VANOS solenoid issues.
Advice For Owners:
Adhere strictly to maintenance schedules, use high-quality fluids and parts, and address any warning lights or unusual behavior promptly to prevent more significant issues.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused luxury vehicles with advanced engineering and performance.
E65 Generation:
The E65 generation (introduced in 2001) was a significant departure from previous 7 Series models, featuring a radical new design and the introduction of the iDrive infotainment system.
745I Positioning:
The 745i was the entry-level V8 model in the E65 lineup for 2005, preceding the more powerful 750i and 760i models.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
E65 Production Span:
2001-2008
General Recognition:
While specific awards for the 2005 745i might be difficult to pinpoint, the E65 generation was generally recognized for its technological advancements and luxury appointments within the automotive press.
Jd Power Reliability:
BMW's reliability ratings for this era varied, with the 7 Series often being a complex vehicle where higher maintenance costs were anticipated compared to mainstream sedans.
Emissions Certification:
Meets applicable EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for the 2005 model year.
