Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | typical | 5 | — | Few |
| 2020 | 0 | −33% | 4 | — | Few |
| 2013 | 7 | 1.3× | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 2012 | 5 | −29% | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 2011 | 11 | typical | — | Electrical | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median 740li year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW 740li problems
Latest BMW 740li recalls
Electrical system › Starter assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles. The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021.
Child seat › Tether › Connector/clip
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 740Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive, M760Li xDrive, and Alpina B7 vehicles. The top child seat tether anchor on the rear middle seat may not be readily accessible.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a top tether anchor cover at the rear middle seating position. Until vehicles are remedied, owners will be instructed to utilize the outboard rear seating positions which…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 740li should you avoid?
None of the BMW 740li years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the BMW 740li?
2020 has the fewest complaints compared with other 740li years at the same age, followed by 2012. 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 740li problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (6), engine & cooling (5) and fuel & propulsion system (5). Transmission complaints peak in the 2012 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW 740li had?
8 recalls across 2011–2021. The model year with the most is 2021. See all BMW 740li 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.