Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Battery: The battery may die overnight if the key is left in the ignition on vehicles with electronic immobilizer system. (2004-06)

Electrical problem: The Cingular digital phone may malfunction (dropped calls, failure to receive incoming calls, etc.) requiring reprogramming of the telephone control unit. (2002)

Electrical problem: The instrument display may switch back and forth between US and metric requiring the computer to be recoded. (2002)

Electrical problem: Night vision display malfunctions due to wiring harness damage near headlights. (2006-07)

Electrical problem: Automatic headlights may not go off when exiting a tunnel or parking garage due to conflict between headlight module and rain sensor. (2005-06)

Engine noise: Engine may ping under light load, idle high or stumble when cold requiring software update. (2005-07)

Transmission problems: Transmission may intermittently go into fail-safe mode (and may feel strange) due to controller area network (CAN) bus system errors. (2005-06)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

2002: The fuel pump control system may have been programmed wrong, causing it to run at the wrong speed, leading to possible engine stall. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

2002-03: Due to a software error, the engine may stall and drivers may not be able to restart it. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

2003: An oil leak may occur due to a faulty oil filter drain plug. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

2003-04: Heating mat in backrest's side bolster of cars with front-seat heating could be damaged by excessive contact when entering/exiting the vehicle; overheating could melt a small hole in the seat cover and possibly burn the occupant.

2004: In certain crash conditions, driver's frontal airbag, knee airbag, head protection system, and safety belt pretensioner may not deploy.

2004: On 8 and 12 cylinder vehicles, engine stalling and a loss of power steering might occur because of faulty digital engine management control units. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

2004: On certain cars, engine stalling may occur after short period of operation; engine may be unable to restart.

2004: The driver's seat occupant detection system may be unreliable, and cause the airbags to remain inactive during a crash due to incorrect programming. Dealers will reprogram the software.

2005 745i: Incorrectly-manufactured parking pawl guide plate could cause parking lock system not to engage, after transmission is placed in "Park" position.