2000 BMW 740I: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“When seat heater switched on, a burning smell resulted. I switched it off immediately. Inspection of seat afterwards resulted in finding a spot where the leather was burned. Clearly this could result in a burn to the driver or a fire.”Owner report · Seats · Sep 2017
“On saturday, june 4, my daughter was driving my 2000 bmw 740i. She had been driving for about 4 blocks and the passenger seat broke out in flames. It began when the car filled with smoke. She did not know what was going on so she pulled over and got out of the car and when she stepped back from the car, she saw flames coming from the seat of the car. The car has heated seats -- but the fire seemed to come from the panel of controls that is on the side of the seat. The fire department was called and they put out the fire in the seat of the car. The menlo park, ca fire department took a report. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2011
“Tl* the contact has a 2000 bmw 740i. The contact stated that the vehicle's brake lights stay on all the time. This vehicle has a recall campaign number 00v048000. The recall states that if the switch does not have a white stripe on it then it needs to be replaced. The contact feels the vehicle needs the repair because the vehicle does not have the white stripe. The dealer states that since the vehicle was not manufactured between september 1, 1999 and october 28, 1999, that the vehicle will not be covered. The contact feels this is a safety issue. The failure mileage was 78000 and the current mileage was 78800.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“I just received an email giving me an update on consumer complaints. I own a 2000 bmw 740i and the reverse also went out on the transmission and I had to have it rebuilt. I believe that being "a top of the line automobile" the reverse should not be failing. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2009
“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. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2009
“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. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2008
“While driving at any speed and without any warning vehicle stalled. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership, and mechanic determined that fuel pump failed. *ak *la”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2004
“My car was leaking gas from the tank on the way home and when I got home I noticed that the gas tank was wet with gas and it leaked on the floor my whole garage is filled with gas vapor. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2004
“While driving at normal speed the driver wearing the seat belt had a front collision, and neither of the air bags deployed. No air bag light warning prior to the crash. Police report and pictures available. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2003
“While driving on the highway, and without prior warning, the right rear tire blewout from the center of the tire. (pilot sport a/w) *ak *scc *jb”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
Remedy: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2000 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 740I by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2000 BMW 740I reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2000 BMW 740I. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2000 BMW 740I have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:drag:link:connection. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.