Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking advanced technology, comfort, and performance in a premium sedan.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ, Porsche Panamera (though the latter came later).
Innovations:
Introduced the iDrive infotainment system, advanced electronic chassis controls, and a focus on lightweight materials (aluminum construction for parts of the body).
Design Philosophy:
'New Class' design language for BMW sedans, emphasizing a more modern and integrated aesthetic compared to previous generations.
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2002 BMW 745Li.
Secondary Coverage:
Includes information on safety systems, climate control, iDrive system, comfort features, and emergency procedures.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era).
Type:
Owner's Manual / User Guide
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid checks, basic maintenance related to the V8 engine.
Chassis:
Brake system overview, steering system basics, suspension components identification.
Electrical:
Lighting operation, power accessories, fuse box locations and identification, battery care.
Infotainment Connectivity:
iDrive system navigation, audio system operation, climate control, telephone integration (if equipped).
Safety Security:
Airbag system description, seatbelt usage, child seat installation, central locking, alarm system.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking brake operation, exterior and interior light controls, wiper controls.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic diagnostic messages via iDrive, simple solutions for common indicators.
Emergency:
Changing a flat tire, jump-starting the battery, using emergency tools, information on roadside assistance.
Depth:
Consumer-level, focusing on safe operation and regular maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Printability:
High-quality, designed for clear printing from any standard computer and printer.
Binding Type Physical Manual:
Not applicable (digital format), but original manuals were typically perfect bound or saddle-stitched.
Paper Type Physical Manual:
Not applicable (digital format), but original manuals used high-quality, glossy paper.
Engine Type:
4.4-liter naturally aspirated V8
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated
Bore X Stroke Mm:
92.0 x 82.7
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Hp:
329 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque Lb Ft:
330 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2)
Engine Control Unit:
Bosch Motronic ME7.2 with Valvetronic variable valve lift technology.
Transmission Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic
Shift Modes:
Automatic, Manual (Sequential Shift) modes.
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW recommends genuine ATF LT-5 or an equivalent fluid meeting BMW ETL-7045E specification. (Consult manual for specific part numbers).
Transmission Fluid Capacity Liters:
Approximately 8.5 - 9.5 liters (dry fill, varies by service procedure).
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger) for 2002 model year (typical for BMW luxury sedans of this era).
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good (typical for BMW, though specific rating may vary slightly)
Electronic Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is standard.
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC).
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and head protection system (HPS) airbags for front and rear occupants.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Latch Anchors:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for rear seats.
Interface:
Central Controller knob with accompanying LCD screen for navigation, climate control, audio, and vehicle settings.
Audio System:
Standard Hi-Fi sound system; optional Logic 7 premium audio by Harman Kardon.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control; optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) available on some models.
Parking Assistance:
Front and rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) were commonly available options.
Telephony:
Bluetooth preparation or integrated Bluetooth hands-free system available on many models.
Headlights:
Standard Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with automatic leveling and headlight washers.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or at the owner's discretion. (Consult manual for exact CBS parameters).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
BMW recommends long-life coolant. Intervals typically around every 4 years or 100,000 miles for the initial change, then every 2 years thereafter. (Consult manual for specific type and interval).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) approved synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30. (Always check manual for latest recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue (G48) or BMW Green (G40) antifreeze concentrate, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. (Confirm color and specification with manual).
Common Problems Era:
Vanos solenoids, ignition coils, coolant expansion tank leaks, electronic control module (LCM) issues, power seat motor failures, and early iDrive system glitches were reported in this generation.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter HU 821 x or MAHLE OX 176/1DE (always verify with VIN).
Standard Tire Size:
Common sizes include 245/50R18 or 245/45R19 depending on wheel option. (Check vehicle placard).
Recommended Tire Pressure:
Typically around 32-35 PSI (check vehicle placard for specific pressures).
Brand Focus:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long history of producing premium vehicles known for performance, luxury, and driving dynamics.
Generation Designation:
E66 represents the long-wheelbase version of the E65, the fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series.
Introduction Year:
The E65/E66 generation debuted for the 2002 model year in North America.
Production Period:
2001-2008 (E65/E66 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany (BMW Plant Dingolfing).
Performance Awards:
While specific awards for the 2002 745Li are less publicized, the 7 Series generation generally received acclaim for its technological advancements and luxury appointments.
Jd Power Initial Quality:
BMW often performed well in initial quality surveys, though the complexity of the E65/E66 might have presented some challenges for owners in the early years.