Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 26 | 1.4× | 1 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2000 | 20 | 1.5× | 1 | Wheel & Tire | Caution |
| 1999 | 6 | −48% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 1998 | 26 | 1.2× | — | Engine | Average |
| 1997 | 19 | typical | 1 | Suspension | Average |
| 1996 | 11 | −26% | 1 | Acceleration | Average |
| 1995 | 12 | −19% | 3 | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median 740il year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW 740il problems
Latest BMW 740il recalls
Tires › Sidewall
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 18-inch tires. (18-inch tires are standard equipment on the m5 and optional equipment on the 7-series models). The machine used to mount and inflate the tires on the wheels at the assembly plant May have damaged the sidewall of one or more tires.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tires and if damage from the mounting machine is found, the tire will be replaced. Owner notification began March 10, 2001.
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.
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Road grit and gravel associated with winter road conditions can penetrate the rubber of the lower front spring mounts and accumulate in the mounts causing notches or pits to develop. These notches can develop cracks resulting in breakage of a bottom coil of the spring.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front springs and lower spring mounts.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Fuel seepage can occur between a hose and the metal fuel line on either end of the hose resulting in fuel odor.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the two fuel hoses, four metal fuel lines and associated clamps.
Suspension › Rear
The lower suspension arm mounting eye on the right side rear axle hub carrier was produced with a casting flaw.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for a casting flaw in the right side rear axle carrier and if found, replace the carrier.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 740il should you avoid?
2000 and 2001 — these years have the most complaints relative to other 740il years at the same age, led by wheels & tires problems in the 2000.
What is the best year for the BMW 740il?
1999 has the fewest complaints compared with other 740il years at the same age, followed by 1996 and 1995. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW 740il problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (27), electrical system (18) and fuel & propulsion system (17). Engine complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW 740il had?
5 recalls across 1995–2001. The model year with the most is 1995. See all BMW 740il recalls by year.
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.