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Campaign 12V502 Posted October 17, 2012 45,500 units

2005-2008 BMW 7-Series Recall 12V502: Shift Rollaway

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 12V502 covers 45,500 2005-2008 BMW 7-Series vehicles because shutdown can leave the transmission in Neutral. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.

BMW is recalling 45,500 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, including the 760LI, 745I, 750I, 750LI, 760I, and 745LI, because Comfort Access start-stop inputs can leave the transmission in Neutral instead of Park. If the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle can roll away and lead to a crash or injury; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

On affected 2005-2008 BMW 7-Series vehicles with Comfort Access, the electronic key and shift-by-wire transmission system are supposed to work together when the engine is shut off. Shift-by-wire means the gear selector sends an electronic command to the transmission instead of moving it through a direct mechanical linkage. When the driver presses the Start/Stop button, the system is supposed to place the transmission in Park.

The problem starts when the driver presses the Start/Stop button 2 or 3 times within a short interval. In that sequence, the system can put the transmission in Neutral instead of Park. Because Comfort Access uses an electronic key, the usual ignition interlock that blocks key removal when the vehicle is not in Park does not protect the driver in the same way.

There is no warning sign before failure. After shutdown, the clue is the gear state: the vehicle has gone to Neutral instead of Park.

Who's affected?

Spans 6 BMW model variants across 2005-2008, with ignition-switch and automatic-transmission components listed.

2008 BMW 760LI electrical system
2008 BMW 760LI automatic transmission
2008 BMW 760LI automatic transmission
2005 BMW 745I electrical system
2005 BMW 745I automatic transmission
Units affected45,500

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.

What's the safety risk?

A vehicle left in Neutral without the parking brake can roll away after the driver exits. An unattended rollaway can lead to a crash or injure pedestrians or bystanders in its path. Before leaving the seat, shift to Park and set the parking brake. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2008 BMW 760LI, 745I, 750I, 750LI, 760I, or 745LI is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask whether the free Comfort Access shift-by-wire repair is open for your VIN.
  3. Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V502 when you call.
  4. Set the parking brake every time you park, and confirm the transmission display shows Park before you exit.
  5. Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.

What happens at the repair

BMW owner notification began in November 2012, and the remedy became available in March 2013. At the dealer, a BMW technician addresses the Comfort Access shift-by-wire condition that lets the transmission land in Neutral instead of Park after repeated Start/Stop presses. The dealer repair is free under the recall. The source remedy does not list a repair time, so ask the service desk how long the campaign work takes when you schedule the visit.

Timeline

October 17, 2012 NHTSA published the recall
March 20, 2013 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 12V502?

Recall 12V502 covers 45,500 2005-2008 BMW 7-Series vehicles with Comfort Access and shift-by-wire transmission controls. If the Start/Stop button is pressed 2 or 3 times quickly during shutdown, the transmission can shift to Neutral instead of Park, creating a rollaway risk.

What should I do if my 2005-2008 BMW 745I, 745LI, 750I, 750LI, 760I, or 760LI is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 12V502. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 12V502 when you ask for the recall remedy. BMW's remedy became available in March 2013.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the recall defect at no cost, and BMW provides the recall remedy through franchised BMW dealers. Ask the service desk to confirm the appointment is booked under recall 12V502.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is an unattended rollaway. If the driver leaves the vehicle while the transmission is in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle can roll away, leading to a crash or injury to pedestrians or bystanders in its path.

What if I bought this BMW 7-Series used?

The free recall remedy still applies to used vehicles. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN first, then contact a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 12V502 and ask whether the remedy has already been completed.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V502000
BMW customer service1-800-525-7417
NHTSA recall #12V502
NHTSA recall # (full)12V502000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →