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2003
BMW 745

Starts at:
$68,500
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New 2003 BMW 745
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 745i 4dr Sdn
    Starts at
    $68,500
    18 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 745Li 4dr Sdn
    Starts at
    $72,500
    18 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745 2003 BMW 745

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Expert 2003 BMW 745 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Imagine you’re a CEO.

It’s been a long day, and you’re beat. The finance guys are up in arms and the sales department can’t get its act together. It’s a relief to be going to that dinner party tonight. You climb into your new BMW 745i to head to the party.

You start the car. But rather than inserting and turning a key, this car requires you to insert a remote and hit a starter button. The transmission lever, a short stub on the steering column, toggles until one hits the desired gear.

You tune in a new radio station someone told you about. Using a single twisting knob that toggles like a joystick, you must flip through four menus on a dashboard screen to get to the manual radio tuning mode. Then you can tune in the radio station.

Next, you try to get directions to the party by toggling in the address in the car’s navigation system. You get the directions from the car’s computerized voice, but the system tells you to turn left instead of right. You end up at the wrong house. The navigation system obviously used an old map for its data.

This is life with the BMW 745i, whose engineers have mistaken sophistication for complication. It mars an otherwise exemplary automobile experience.

Keeping in mind that most people can’t tune their VCR clock, you’ll understand why this car is so over the top.

iDrive is BMW’s system of eliminating dashboard clutter that could easily overwhelm a weary CEO. It controls seven functions: the built-in, voice activated cell phone, navigation system, audio system, climate controls and heated front seats, BMW roadside assistance, maintenance menus, vehicle settings and explanations of how all this works.

But, be sure not to do any of this while driving.

Once you figure out the system, you’ll wonder why you need to push the iDrive joystick four times to tune a radio, when a simple knob accomplishes the same thing.

But, when you shove the accelerator, all is right with the world. The superb dynamics that mark all BMWs is apparent. While not as hard-edged as a BMW 5 Series, it’s every bit as sporty. However, the 745i has a bit of refinement in its suspension settings, being just a bit softer. Cornering is almost flat; braking is instantaneous. The vehicle makes you a better driver than you really are.

Power from the all-new 4.4-liter V-8 is rated at 325 horsepower, the same as the old 750IL’s V-12 engine. Yet it returns mileage of 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway. Its power is creamy smooth, yet ferocious and it’s all fed through an excellent six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is always in the right place for your driving mood.

Operating the transmission is another story. It’s controlled through a short stub of a lever that takes some getting used to. Want to park? Push in for park. Want to drive? Press downward. Want reverse? Press up. But to hit the gears, one must look at the indicat or to see if you’re in the correct gear. You don’t feel the lever shifting into a slot.

Of course, that’s not the only electronic aid for driving. There’s a host of electronic aids to make sure you stay on track.

Active Roll Stabilization uses numerous sensors and two active anti-roll bars to keep the car flat in corners. Electronic Damping Control continuously measures road conditions and adjusts the ride accordingly. Dynamic Stability Control helps prevent unwanted skids, while Electronic Brake Proportioning helps prevent over- or under-braking, while Dynamic Brake Control makes sure that you’re braking as well as possible in emergency situations. In addition, the vehicle offers traction control, a tire monitoring system, parking distance control and anti-lock brakes.

If all that is enough to make your head spin, just get in the car and get comfy. You won’t have to slam the door, since the car has ”soft close doors.” The final inch of travel on a d or is shut by a small motor. That also goes for the trunk lid as well.

The seats are incredibly comfortable. The famous, as well as rich, will appreciate the power privacy screens that shield one from view, but allow the driver to see out.

All of this is controlled by 54 fuses and relays mounted in the trunk on the inside of the right rear fender. If you happen to get hit in the right rear fender, you might need the number of a good electrician in addition to a good repair shop.

What all this electronic decadence hides is a great sports sedan, one that used to have the simple, yet elegant, personality of its stablemates. But the engineers had too much free-rein here, and the result is overwhelming, a feeling that the engineers were trying so hard to prevent.

2003 BMW 745 review: Our expert's take
By

Imagine you’re a CEO.

It’s been a long day, and you’re beat. The finance guys are up in arms and the sales department can’t get its act together. It’s a relief to be going to that dinner party tonight. You climb into your new BMW 745i to head to the party.

You start the car. But rather than inserting and turning a key, this car requires you to insert a remote and hit a starter button. The transmission lever, a short stub on the steering column, toggles until one hits the desired gear.

You tune in a new radio station someone told you about. Using a single twisting knob that toggles like a joystick, you must flip through four menus on a dashboard screen to get to the manual radio tuning mode. Then you can tune in the radio station.

Next, you try to get directions to the party by toggling in the address in the car’s navigation system. You get the directions from the car’s computerized voice, but the system tells you to turn left instead of right. You end up at the wrong house. The navigation system obviously used an old map for its data.

This is life with the BMW 745i, whose engineers have mistaken sophistication for complication. It mars an otherwise exemplary automobile experience.

Keeping in mind that most people can’t tune their VCR clock, you’ll understand why this car is so over the top.

iDrive is BMW’s system of eliminating dashboard clutter that could easily overwhelm a weary CEO. It controls seven functions: the built-in, voice activated cell phone, navigation system, audio system, climate controls and heated front seats, BMW roadside assistance, maintenance menus, vehicle settings and explanations of how all this works.

But, be sure not to do any of this while driving.

Once you figure out the system, you’ll wonder why you need to push the iDrive joystick four times to tune a radio, when a simple knob accomplishes the same thing.

But, when you shove the accelerator, all is right with the world. The superb dynamics that mark all BMWs is apparent. While not as hard-edged as a BMW 5 Series, it’s every bit as sporty. However, the 745i has a bit of refinement in its suspension settings, being just a bit softer. Cornering is almost flat; braking is instantaneous. The vehicle makes you a better driver than you really are.

Power from the all-new 4.4-liter V-8 is rated at 325 horsepower, the same as the old 750IL’s V-12 engine. Yet it returns mileage of 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway. Its power is creamy smooth, yet ferocious and it’s all fed through an excellent six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is always in the right place for your driving mood.

Operating the transmission is another story. It’s controlled through a short stub of a lever that takes some getting used to. Want to park? Push in for park. Want to drive? Press downward. Want reverse? Press up. But to hit the gears, one must look at the indicat or to see if you’re in the correct gear. You don’t feel the lever shifting into a slot.

Of course, that’s not the only electronic aid for driving. There’s a host of electronic aids to make sure you stay on track.

Active Roll Stabilization uses numerous sensors and two active anti-roll bars to keep the car flat in corners. Electronic Damping Control continuously measures road conditions and adjusts the ride accordingly. Dynamic Stability Control helps prevent unwanted skids, while Electronic Brake Proportioning helps prevent over- or under-braking, while Dynamic Brake Control makes sure that you’re braking as well as possible in emergency situations. In addition, the vehicle offers traction control, a tire monitoring system, parking distance control and anti-lock brakes.

If all that is enough to make your head spin, just get in the car and get comfy. You won’t have to slam the door, since the car has ”soft close doors.” The final inch of travel on a d or is shut by a small motor. That also goes for the trunk lid as well.

The seats are incredibly comfortable. The famous, as well as rich, will appreciate the power privacy screens that shield one from view, but allow the driver to see out.

All of this is controlled by 54 fuses and relays mounted in the trunk on the inside of the right rear fender. If you happen to get hit in the right rear fender, you might need the number of a good electrician in addition to a good repair shop.

What all this electronic decadence hides is a great sports sedan, one that used to have the simple, yet elegant, personality of its stablemates. But the engineers had too much free-rein here, and the result is overwhelming, a feeling that the engineers were trying so hard to prevent.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.7 / 5
Based on 18 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.9
Performance 4.7
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • It is a car that gives you what you ask for withou

    I love this car it's like in every way I recommend it for lovers of speed and comfort at the same time excellent car I've been with it for 5 years in very good condition
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • You Will Not Be Late Anymore Again

    Let’s just say I can rant off about the vehicle specs & comfortability that I believe it’s the best of its year and kind . You could compare it to how a Camaro drives but a Jr version haha .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best car I ever owned, super reliable and elegant

    Has leg room similar to a limo. No one guesses it's an '03. It still looks new and amazing. The car is an amazing car and a great value! The new owner is really going to be pleased!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most Expensive car I’ve owned

    745i is a beautiful car, but it is quite expensive to keep up the maintenance with the car. I love the way the 745i drives, but I had to replace a lot of expensive parts which made my experience kind of irritating, but overall it’s a pretty good car to drive!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Big car with BMW handling

    I wanted a sedan that drives like a sports car with enough room in the back seat to truly sit adults comfortably. The 745Li has been a great car for me. I've owned it for 14 years. I've used it as a second car for the last five years thinking it would not last that long. But, it just keeps going and drives like a new car. The styling is timeless.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • most comfortable ride I have ever owned.

    Rides like a limo. A lot of room for anyone. It is hard to go back to smaller car from owning one of these.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best car ever built even at 235,000 miles

    I have owned many luxury premium cars and the 7 Series is the best car I have had. It has over 235k miles and it is still like new.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The absolute best even at 235,000 miles

    I have owned many different luxury cars and I can honestly say it is the best car ever built. I have over 230k miles on it and is still running like new.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Loved this car

    I bought this car new and have enjoyed every minute in it. Great car for both around town and vacations. Comfortable to drive and to ride in. It was way ahead of its time then and other cars are just catching up now. Great safety features!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Absolutely the best car ever made.

    Absolutely the best car ever made. 233,000 miles and still drives like brand new. I will not buy anything other than a 7 series.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best car ever

    The BMW is a great car. The inside is like a hotel. It's so large. I have a 745Li. It's big but it can go really fast.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • great deal at s&j auto we are verry happy

    WE ARE VERRY HAPPY WITH OUR PURCHASE, WE DROVE FROM PA, AND RECEIVED A GREAT DEAL. WILL REFFER OUR FREINDS AND FAMILY TO THESE GUYS ANYTIME.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2003 BMW 745?

The 2003 BMW 745 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • 745Li (1 style)
  • 745i (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2003 BMW 745?

The 2003 BMW 745 offers up to 18 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2003 BMW 745 reliable?

The 2003 BMW 745 has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 BMW 745 owners.

Is the 2003 BMW 745 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 BMW 745. 94.4% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 18 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.9
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 4.6
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