2001 BMW 740I
4 recalls, 24 complaints - 11 TSBs
10E021000 May 27, 2010
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
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.
02V138000 May 16, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Consequence
IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHI... Read more
01V206000 Jun 21, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Consequence
IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 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.
01V001000 Jan 4, 2001
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Defect Description
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 TIR... Read more
Consequence
HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 SH... Read more
Complaint Statistics
24 total complaints
4 crashes 2 fires 4 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
| AIR BAGS | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT | 1 |
| STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | 1 |
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 23, 2022
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
On January 22, 20222, I was traveling down highway 400 in Sandy Springs, Georgia and my left (driver's side) // rear tire EXPLODED and I almost lost control of the vehicle. The main part of the tread completely separated from the rest of the tire, but I was able to recover it from down in the woods... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Jul 25, 2020
Incident date: Jul 23, 2020
VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND WAS PARKED WITH EMERGENCY BREAK ENGAGED. KEY WAS NOT INSERTED. DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN, ALL DOORS UNLOCKED. NO RECENT OCCUPANTS OTHER THAN THE DRIVER SEAT. PARKED AT HOME,IN DRIVEWAY, IN GAINESVILLE, GA, US. I UNLOADED SOME GROCERIES THEN CAME BA... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 25, 2020
Incident date: Jul 23, 2020
VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND WAS PARKED WITH EMERGENCY BREAK ENGAGED. KEY WAS NOT INSERTED. DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN, ALL DOORS UNLOCKED. NO RECENT OCCUPANTS OTHER THAN THE DRIVER SEAT. PARKED AT HOME,IN DRIVEWAY, IN GAINESVILLE, GA, US. I UNLOADED SOME GROCERIES THEN CAME BA... Read more
AIR BAGS
Jul 25, 2020
Incident date: Jul 23, 2020
VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND WAS PARKED WITH EMERGENCY BREAK ENGAGED. KEY WAS NOT INSERTED. DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN, ALL DOORS UNLOCKED. NO RECENT OCCUPANTS OTHER THAN THE DRIVER SEAT. PARKED AT HOME,IN DRIVEWAY, IN GAINESVILLE, GA, US. I UNLOADED SOME GROCERIES THEN CAME BA... Read more
SUSPENSION
Jun 2, 2018
Incident date: Oct 28, 2017
A CHEVY PICKUP PULLED INTO THE ONE WAY ROAD LEADING TO A HOTEL AND IMMEDIATELY WENT AROUND AN ELLIPSE AND HIT ME AS I WAS EXITING MY HOTEL AND GOT HIT IN THE DRIVERS FRONT QUARTER PANEL WHILE HE WAS PULLING AROUND IN THE ELLIPTICAL ONE WAY DRIVE. THE ENGINE WAS CHECKED AND IT NEEDS $5500 WORTH OF ME... Read more
Crash
1 injured
STEERING
Jun 2, 2018
Incident date: Oct 28, 2017
A CHEVY PICKUP PULLED INTO THE ONE WAY ROAD LEADING TO A HOTEL AND IMMEDIATELY WENT AROUND AN ELLIPSE AND HIT ME AS I WAS EXITING MY HOTEL AND GOT HIT IN THE DRIVERS FRONT QUARTER PANEL WHILE HE WAS PULLING AROUND IN THE ELLIPTICAL ONE WAY DRIVE. THE ENGINE WAS CHECKED AND IT NEEDS $5500 WORTH OF ME... Read more
Crash
1 injured
ENGINE
Jun 2, 2018
Incident date: Oct 28, 2017
A CHEVY PICKUP PULLED INTO THE ONE WAY ROAD LEADING TO A HOTEL AND IMMEDIATELY WENT AROUND AN ELLIPSE AND HIT ME AS I WAS EXITING MY HOTEL AND GOT HIT IN THE DRIVERS FRONT QUARTER PANEL WHILE HE WAS PULLING AROUND IN THE ELLIPTICAL ONE WAY DRIVE. THE ENGINE WAS CHECKED AND IT NEEDS $5500 WORTH OF ME... Read more
Crash
1 injured
ENGINE
Sep 8, 2016
Incident date: May 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740I. WHILE PULLING INTO A FUEL STATION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAN CONTROL UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V206000 (ENGINE AND ENGIN... Read more
ENGINE
Jul 10, 2014
Incident date: Jul 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE THERMOSTAT WIRES WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND ... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Feb 2, 2012
Incident date: Jan 2, 2012
THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER PURGE LINE IS BLOCKED AND IS CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO COLLAPSE. *KB
AIR BAGS
Apr 29, 2011
Incident date: Mar 8, 2011
MY DAUGHTER WITH MYSELF AND MY 4 YEAR OLD,RIDING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DRIVING ON MALLARD CREEK ROAD, ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEAR THIS LOUD 'KABOOM' NOISE THIS CAUSED (FOR SOME REASON) THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG ON THE DOOR (THE SIDE AIRBAG) TO DEPLOY. WHEN IT DEPLOYED, IT TORE AND THE DOOR FELL APART IN TH... Read more
1 injured
SEAT BELTS
Mar 31, 2010
Incident date: Mar 30, 2010
I OWN A 2001 BMW THAT I PURCHASED FROM MY FATHER. IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN A MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT AND HE WAS THE ONLY OWN. THE BACK SEAT BELTS WERE ALMOST NEVER USED UNTIL I TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. WITHIN THE PAST THREE MONTHS I HAVE NOTICE THAT WHEN MY TWIN 4 YEAR OLDS ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 29, 2009
Incident date: Jun 15, 2006
BURNED HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THERMOSTAT. FORTUNATELY THE BURNED WIRES WERE ONLY ABOUT 3 INCHES PAST THE CONNECTOR. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 29, 2009
Incident date: Jun 15, 2006
BURNED HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THERMOSTAT. FORTUNATELY THE BURNED WIRES WERE ONLY ABOUT 3 INCHES PAST THE CONNECTOR. *TR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Oct 20, 2008
Incident date: Oct 10, 2008
2001 BMW 740I - THE TRANSMISSION WITHOUT ANY WARNING JUST STOPPED GOING IN REVERSE. AFTER RESEARCH I FIND OUT THIS IS AN ISSUE RAMPANT AMONG BMW'S AND OWNERS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. PLEASE HELP - IT SEEMS AS IF BMW IS AWARE BUT REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. THEY HAVE EVEN DEVELOPED A RING FIX TO... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 10, 2008
Incident date: Feb 1, 2008
SMOKE FROM ENGINE AND BURNING WIRES AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AT THE PLUG TO THE ENGINE COOLING THERMOSTAT SMALL FIRE EXTINGUISHED WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER. *TR
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Feb 10, 2008
Incident date: Feb 1, 2008
SMOKE FROM ENGINE AND BURNING WIRES AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AT THE PLUG TO THE ENGINE COOLING THERMOSTAT SMALL FIRE EXTINGUISHED WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER. *TR
Fire
SUSPENSION:REAR
Mar 16, 2006
Incident date: Mar 7, 2006
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, CLEAR WEATHER, AVERAGE TRAFFIC, AND DURING A LANE CHANGE THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL FEEL TO THE STEERING RESPONSE. I SLOWED AND MOVED TO THE LEFT, SHIMMIED THE CAR GENTLY SIDE-SIDE. MAYBE A TIRE LOSING PRESSURE, I THOUGHT. I TOOL THE FIRST EXIT, GOT OUT AND FOUND NO OBVIOUS PROB... Read more
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Dec 1, 2005
Incident date: Aug 22, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION. A LOUD RATTLING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION AREA. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND SWAY BAR LINKS. A MONTH LATER A SIMILAR NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE CENTER TI... Read more
STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
Dec 1, 2005
Incident date: Aug 22, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION. A LOUD RATTLING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION AREA. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND SWAY BAR LINKS. A MONTH LATER A SIMILAR NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE CENTER TI... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
Dec 1, 2005
Incident date: Aug 22, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION. A LOUD RATTLING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION AREA. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND SWAY BAR LINKS. A MONTH LATER A SIMILAR NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE CENTER TI... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
Dec 1, 2005
Incident date: Aug 22, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION. A LOUD RATTLING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION AREA. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND SWAY BAR LINKS. A MONTH LATER A SIMILAR NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE CENTER TI... Read more
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Jan 21, 2005
Incident date: Jan 18, 2005
DRIVER'S WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED/BROKE WITH WINDOW IN DOWN POSITION. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT PARTICULAR REGULATOR HAS FAILED. LAST YEAR, THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED - I WAS ABLE TO RAISE THAT WINDOW MANUALLY. IF THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW SWITCH IS ACTIVATED, THE MOTOR WILL CONTINUE TO RU... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Jul 3, 2001
Incident date: Jun 24, 2001
VEHICLE WAS HIT BROADSIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE RIGHT IN CENTER OF DRIVER'S DOOR. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Crash
EPA Fuel Economy, 2001 BMW 740I
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 15.0 | 22.0 | 18.0 | Premium | $4,300 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl, Automatic (S5) (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 14.0 | 19.0 | 16.0 | Premium | $4,800 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 2001 BMW 740I
11 manufacturer communications from 8 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 2 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| 072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 1 |
| 120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1 |
| 355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | 1 |
| 353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL | 1 |
| 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
| 070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 |
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B160623
Dec 20, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pre
B160623
Dec 20, 2023
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pre
B653423
Nov 22, 2023
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle??A?A?s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) i
B653423
Nov 22, 2023
350000 EQUIPMENT
Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle??A?A?s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) i
B662419
Sep 1, 2022
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
B650916
Nov 1, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
B122917
Dec 1, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
SIB-63-02-01
Aug 1, 2010
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM
SIB-16-02-09
Dec 1, 2009
072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WEL
BMW 740I - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW 740I across all model years (1993, 2025).
46
Total Recalls
178
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
14
Reported Crashes
7
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
BMW 740I - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 | View |
| 2023 | 8 | 14 | View |
| 2021 | 2 | 3 | View |
| 2020 | 2 | 1 | View |
| 2019 | 1 | 4 | View |
| 2018 | 0 | 6 | View |
| 2017 | 0 | 11 | View |
| 2016 | 0 | 14 | View |
| 2015 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 2014 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 2013 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 2012 | 1 | 6 | View |
| 2001 (current) | 4 | 24 | |
| 2000 | 2 | 18 | View |
| 1999 | 1 | 9 | View |
| 1998 | 1 | 12 | View |
| 1997 | 3 | 3 | View |
| 1996 | 3 | 1 | View |
| 1995 | 5 | 12 | View |
| 1994 | 2 | 9 | View |
| 1993 | 2 | 24 | View |