2001 BMW 740IL: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
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 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“"takata recall" my car brake lights just started to stay eliminated when I am driving. The steering wheel also adjusts on its on up and down while driving. The is when the vechile is in motion on any highway”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2019
“I would like to report that the airbag control modules in the bmw 7 series from model year 1995 to 2001 have airbag control modules that are failing at a very high rate, leaving owners without airbags and the airbag warning light on. The new module from bmw is $1400. This is happening more frequently to cars in cold climates.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 740il. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle accelerated without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 101,000. .. Updated 12/2216 *bf *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 740il. The contact stated that a strong fuel odor entered the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2016
“Navigation system fails (computer), I checked online seem a lot car owners have a similar problems which not effecting navigation only also effect the audio system and drain the battery. Mechanic advice me to replace the battery and I did, problem still the same. For a high end car with low miles seems not right. A new computer navigation system cost over $2000.00. Seems the german design those systems to fail to keep their business going.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2015
“Start the car power steering froze, I have shut off the car and restart it fix the problem or I have to repeat. Sometime while driving steering freeze. I had hoses leak, replaced hoses still have more leaks. While driving car unstable, I changed tires problem remain the same. I checked all suspension components and all in good condition.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jul 2015
“Common defect: air bag warning light is on. Suspected passenger seat sensor failure. I've had 2 bmw's from this series - both with the same issue - yet no recall from bmw - why? Isn't this a safety system? I see airbag recalls on cars dating back to this era. Why none for bmw? Also - odometer ribbon cable failure causing pixels to fail. No recall - problem exists across the series from 1996-2001 and beyond. No fix - no recall - no repairs offered. Why? *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 740 il. The contact stated that while driving in reverse at 6 mph, he heard a clicking noise and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 740il. While stopped at a traffic stop, the contact heard a rattling noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics where the mechanic advised that the fan clutch was causing the coolant fan to shake. The mechanic also stated that the coolant fan could possibly detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 107,600. Updated 01/20/12*lj the consumer referenced recal # 01v206000. Updated 02/27/12”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 740 il. The contact was driving 2 mph into a parking space. When the brakes were engaged the vehicle surged forward approximately 24 to 36 inches. The vehicle was able to proceed to a complete stop with extreme force applied to the brakes. The failure mileage was 110,000. The current mileage was 110,390.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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 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. THE DAMAGED AREA COULD WEAKEN TO THE POINT WHERE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE COULD OCCUR.
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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2001 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
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 decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 BMW 740IL reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 BMW 740IL. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2001 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.