Carlexica

2000 BMW 740IL: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern tires.

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2010

2
recalls
20
owner complaints
1
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

1 fire report

Common problems

Computed from 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 20 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Tires4 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)3 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)2 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)2 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)2 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)1 complaint
I have a 2000 bmw 740il that is very hard to read from the dash board or the instrument panel. I cannot read the exact mileage on the car, outside temperature or any other information that comes to the screen behind the steering wheel. I would like to have this fix since it is a safety hazard. Any idea of what to do from this point will be of great help. *trOwner report · Electrical System · Dec 2010
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 740il. The contact was braking from approximately 45 mph when the brakes locked. The contact was able to release the brakes and proceed. Several days later, the vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the mechanic advised that without the brake warning light illuminated, he as unable to diagnose the failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who inspected the vehicle and replaced the ABS unit. The failure persisted. The vehicle was not further repaired. The manufacturer was contacted in regards to the failure. The failure mileage was 118,240 and the current mileage was approximately 119,000.Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2010
I own a 2000 bmw 740il and the reverse went out on the transmission. As I researched this issue I found that it is a common problem and known issue to bmw. I have kept the recommended maintenance and want to lodge a complaint as I believe this to be a recall issue. *trOwner report · Power Train · Nov 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
Dt*: the contact stated the sidewall at the bead has cracked. The crack is 10" long. The crack is behind the bead on the wheel which caused the tire to lose air quickly causing the left rear tire to fail. The vehicle was parked when the tire failed. The dealership offered 30% off of a new tire. The manufacturer of the tire is michelin. The tire line/size is: 25545zr18.Owner report · Tires · Feb 2006
I purchased a 2000, bmw 740il on april 5, 2005. The car had approximately 65,000 miles. Since that time, I have had to take the car back to the dealer for coolant system failure 4 times. Each time the monitoring system indicated low coolant. The first 2 time, the engin had plenty of fluid. The third time it was suggested by the dealer that the sensor may need replacing. It was replaced on may 2, 2005. On may 7, the engin monitoring system indicated another problem with the coolant level. After the car was parked, coolant began to leak onto the ground. Car is currently at the dealer for further repairs. Imogene f. ClarkeOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2005
Car is smoking when started or idling, happened after oil and transmission fluid change. Large clouds of smoke, taken to dealer 3 times, replaced many items,cost t me 1400. No change in problem. Dealer does not have any idea what's wrong. Am contacting bmw main office. *jbOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
Consumer received a recall notice(NHTSA 04c002000) for the car seat strap webbing. No parts available. Britax e920606 marathon oct 27 2003. *jbOwner report · Child Seat · Oct 2004
Michelin tire: size 2554518 a/s pilot; upon walking away from the rear of the vehicle, the consumer discovered a white substance on the rear tire. After examining closer, it was the tread belts showing through the middle of the tire. This problem is also showing on the other rear tire. Michelin has been in contact but issue not resolved. Please provide details. *nmOwner report · Tires · Sep 2004
The rear tires were worn and the consumer could see the tire belt. Please provide more information. Michelin 25545r18 please provide the dot number. *jbOwner report · Tires · Aug 2004
The dealer says us specifications for the headlights canot be adjusted for safety reasons. Consumer states' the headlights do not provide adequate lighting for the road ahead. Consumer feels its a manufactures defect. The headlights are at an angle were they are pointing downwards instead of straight ahead. Dealer wants to replace both headlight buckets with same buckets that are defected. Please provide any further information. MrOwner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2002

When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION10E021000 · May 2010

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH00V048000 · Feb 2000

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.

Engines4.4L
Cylinders8
FuelGasoline
Body stylesSedan/Saloon

How other years compare

Check your exact 740IL by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2000 BMW 740IL reliable?

NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2000 BMW 740IL. The most complained-about area is tires.

Does the 2000 BMW 740IL 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.