The 2002 BMW 7 Series has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fuel pump that can wear out internally and starve the engine of fuel when the tank drops to one-third full or below, raising the risk of an unexpected stall.
Recalls 2 and 3 describe the same brake system defect: a check valve in the brake vacuum pump can seep lubricating oil into the brake booster over time, gradually degrading power-assisted braking. In severe cases, the brake pedal can become significantly harder to press and power assist can be lost entirely, requiring much greater foot pressure to slow the vehicle. Both the fuel pump and brake issues are specific to 745i and 745Li trim configurations. There is also an engine management software defect on 745i and 745Li models where the system controlling valve timing on the two engine banks can fall out of sync, causing the engine to run roughly and unevenly.
At a glance
What can fail
A check valve in the brake vacuum pump may leak small amounts of lubricating oil. Over time, this oil can contaminate the brake booster.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the vehicle at no charge by repairing or replacing the affected brake vacuum pump component.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
A check valve in the brake vacuum pump may leak small amounts of oil. Over time, this oil can contaminate the brake booster, causing loss of brake power assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster and master cylinder if needed. The brake vacuum line and check valve will be replaced to prevent oil from reaching the booster.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the engine control unit can cause the valve timing motors on both sides of the engine to become out of sync, making the engine run roughly. The check engine light and a warning message appear. In severe cases, the engine may stall and not restart.
What the fix does
The dealer will update the software in the engine control unit to correct the synchronization error.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric fuel pump runs too slowly, causing inadequate lubrication of internal parts. Over time, this wear damages the pump, reducing fuel supply when the tank is one-third full or less. The engine may stall and fail to restart until more fuel is added, even though fuel remains.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the fuel pump control system to correct the pump's running speed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
