Most common 2000 BMW 740i problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 740i complaints by model year
Best 740i years: 2020, 2021. Years to avoid: 2016. Compare all years →
2000 BMW 740i recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake lamps in these vehicles are controlled by a switch activated by the movement of the brake pedal. This switch could fail internally, causing it to remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or in the "brake lamps on" position.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.
What 2000 BMW 740i owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
About November of 2007 I began to experience a delay in engaging reverse. I went to have the car serviced for this and the problem was diagnosed as a possible valve body issue with replacement of the transmission being the best solution because they were not sure and it was the only way to be safe. March of 2008 the reverse gear completely failed and from that point until present the car will not reverse. I took the car to a different repair shop for a second opinion and I was told the same thing, "replace the transmission" to be safe. I even contacted BMW of north America about this problem.
I purchased this car in May 2009 and shortly after in the summer, August early September, the reverse started to act up. Sometimes I had to wait a short period for the reverse to actually engage. It started to occur more frequently and I had it inspected. The result was that the transmission was the issue. I had the transmission rebuilt in December which cost just over $4000. It is now running fine but ii was super irritated since this automobile was supposed to be a luxury vehicle and not a lemon. BMW should have to compensate customers for these types of issue as I believe a transmission should not fail in this type of car that is supposed to have such a great reputation.
2000 BMW 740i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 BMW 740i a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 740i rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 740i at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 BMW 740i?
The transmission & drivetrain — 3 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (2) and seats (2).
How many recalls does the 2000 BMW 740i have?
There is 1 recall for the 2000 BMW 740i, the most recent from February 17, 2000 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 740i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016. See the full BMW 740i years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 BMW 740i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.