Bmw 740i problems
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker BMW since 1977. It is the successor to the BMW E3 "New Six" sedan and is now in its seventh generation.
The 7 Series is BMW's flagship car and is only available in a sedan bodystyle (including long wheelbase and limousine models). It traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before other models in BMW's lineup.
The first generation of the 7 Series was powered by straight-6 petrol engines, and following generations have been powered by inline-4, straight-6, V8 and V12 engines with both natural aspiration and turbocharging. Since 1995, diesel engines have been optional in the 7 Series.
Unlike the 3 Series and 5 Series sedans, BMW does not offer a full M model, but once offered an M performance variant, the BMW M760 with its 6.6L V12 (at the time the most powerful BMW ever made, not to be confused with BMW 760 6.6 V12 which does not offer the same performance). The Alpina B7 (G12) served as the high-performance variant of the 7 Series.
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Bmw 740i model years
Common Bmw 740i problems
The BMW 740i, like many other vehicles, is prone to certain suspension problems due to the complexity of its air suspension system. This system is composed of numerous components, including computers, moving parts, flexible materials, and small gaskets, all of which are susceptible to wear and damage over time.
One common issue with the BMW 740i's air suspension is leaking air springs. The air springs, which are made of flexible rubber, can develop punctures, cracks, or dry rot, leading to air leaks. These leaks can cause the air compressor to overwork, potentially leading to early failure. The rear suspension is another area where problems often arise. Some owners have reported that their rear air suspension stops working at random intervals, making the car difficult to handle and affecting its stopping distance.
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that controls the air suspension system can also develop faults, such as electrical issues, which can cause total system failure. Additionally, leaking air lines are a common problem. Road debris, gravel, or other foreign objects can scratch or puncture the hoses that deliver air to the springs, causing the compressor to overwork.
The BMW 740i's sophisticated diagnostic system can detect faults in the air suspension, but it may not notice issues until they become significant. Therefore, it's essential to be aware of early warning signs, such as compressor noise, a sagging or leaning appearance, nose diving, long stopping, and a bouncy ride. These signs can indicate a problem with the air suspension before the diagnostic system picks it up.
To check for suspension problems, a simple bounce test can be performed. Push down on each corner of the vehicle and observe how quickly it returns to its resting height. If it takes a while to get back in place or bounces up and down a few times before settling, there is likely a problem at that corner.
In summary, the BMW 740i's air suspension system is prone to various problems, including leaking air springs, faulty ECUs, and leaking air lines. Regular checks and maintenance can help prevent these issues, but it's essential to be aware of the early warning signs and seek professional help if necessary.
How reliable is the BMW 740i?
The BMW 740i (E38) is a luxury sedan car model that was produced by BMW from 1994 to 2001. It is a part of the seventh generation of the BMW 7 Series. The E38 model is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and well-built versions of the 7 Series.
What are the most common problems with the BMW 7 Series?
BMW 7 Series Common Problems and Solutions
- Engine Stutter. Problem: ...
- Low Oil Pressure. Problem: ...
- No Parking Brake. Problem: ...
- Blurry Cameras. Problem: ...
- Engine misfiring. Problem: ...
- Electric window problems. Problem: ...
- Air conditioning failure. Problem: ...
- Door locks failure. Problem:
How many miles can a BMW 740i last?
A BMW can last 150-200,000 miles with proper care and if you drive the national average of 13,500 miles per year, you can expect to drive your BMW for 10-15 years according to MotorAsk.
Is it worth buying a BMW 7 Series?
Highs Brimming with tech features, effortless performance, plush accommodations. Lows Abundance of digital tech takes time to learn, not much else. Verdict The 7-series's big power, serene road manners, opulent interior, and thoughtful tech add up to a superlative luxury experience.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 740i years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 740i cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 740i model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 740i model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 740i years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw 740i car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 740i , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Gasoline problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 740i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 740i model years
A total of 8 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 740i model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 740i model years
There were a total of 7 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 107 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 740i . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 740i vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Bmw 740i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-28
- VIN: WBA7E2C5XGG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: Blind spot warning randomly works. Passenger seatbelt phantom seatbelt warning while driving alone!
Bmw 740i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-07
- Date Complaint: 2022-11-09
- VIN: WBA7E2C57GG
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 BMW 740I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front air suspension failed to perform as designed, causing the front end of the vehicle to remain lowered, making the front driver’s and passenger’s side tires touching the inner wheel well. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the front driver’s and passenger’s side air suspension was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were both notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Bmw 740i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-09
- Date Complaint: 2022-09-08
- VIN: WBA7E2C54GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Active Air Flap fault, Upper and Lower Actuator is not working and that is why engine is overheating. BMW has extended this warranty to 10 years/120K miles for 750 and 550 series manufactured up to Aug 2019. But they have not done that on 740 series. My vehicle has the same problem and should be covered under the same in order to avoid engine damage. Please advice the next step. The fault code are: P05A0, P05AE, P05A2, P059F.
Bmw 740i 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-31
- Date Complaint: 2022-09-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBAYA6C52ED
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The car had been running properly for months/years without any complaints. Last week while driving on a surface street, after a turn, the car that was going at about 40 MPH, suddenly started accelerating by itself to may be 70 or 80 MPH, this confused and shocked the driver and to avoid hitting the cars in front, the driver crashed the car into a tree. The car was totaled, fortunately the driver did not have any serious injuries. Talked to a private mechanic if there is a way to find out what happened. He said that based on the amount of damage and the fact that the car most probably cannot be started, he would not really be able to find what happened. Are there other BMW's that have had such issues.
Bmw 740i 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-22
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-23
- VIN: WBAGG83401D
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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. I have not taken it to a mechanic or tire shop yet, so I still have the rim that has the remnants of the sidewall attached to it as well as the tread portion of the tire for inspection. I didn't hit a pothole and wasn't aware of any object that I ran over. It was a sunny day; the pavement was dry and it was about 45 degrees. The tires were filled with nitrogen. I inspected all tires before I started driving and I didn't see anything unusual or previous damage. There were no warning lamps or messages before my tire EXPLODED. The car did sustain damage to the driver's side rear bumper cover and possibly suspension components. All four tires were purchased from Costco in September 2020 when the vehicle had 113,429 miles. The vehicle currently has 114,668 miles on the odometer and approx. had 114,648 miles on it at the time of the incident. All four tires are Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. The front has 235/50ZR 18 and the rear has // had 255/45ZR 18.
Bmw 740i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-05
- Date Complaint: 2020-11-08
- VIN: WBA7E2C56GG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: NOT REALLY SURE IF THIS WOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY COMPLAINT, BUT IT COULD LEAD TO PROBLEMS IF NOT CORRECTED. THE UPPER RADIATOR SHUTTLE WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THIS CAN CAUSE RESTRICTED CLIMATE CONTROL IN THE VEHICLE INTERIOR, REDUCTION OF ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND POSSIBLY ENGINE OVERHEATING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MODEL YEARS 2016+. I NOTICED THIS WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE SHUTTER. THE LINK BELOW IS FOR ANOTHER MODEL OF BMW, BUT SHOWS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2019/MC-10160279-9999.PDF
Bmw 740i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-30
- Date Complaint: 2020-08-03
- VIN: WBA7E2C56GG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ON JULY 30, I WAS DRIVING AT 35MPH ON A MAJOR ROAD IN PINETOP/LAKESIDE, ARIZONA WHEN THE SUNROOF, THAT WAS IN THE VENT POSITION, EXPLODED INWARD SHOWERING ME AND A PASSENGER IN SHATTERED GLASS. IT WAS NOT STRUCK BY ANY OBJECT PRIOR TO THE EXPLOSION. DUE TO EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE SUNROOF CASSETTE, THE REPAIR IS ABOUT $7,000.
Bmw 740i 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-23
- Date Complaint: 2020-07-25
- VIN: WBAGH834X1D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 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 BACK TO CLOSE DRIVER DOOR. AS I APPROACHED THE VEHICLE TO CLOSE DRVER SIDE DOOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGE SUDDENLY DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD. THERE HAD BEEN NO IMPACT PRIOR TO THIS. IT WAS A HOT DAY.
Bmw 740i 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-16
- Date Complaint: 2019-04-16
- VIN: WBAKB8C53CD
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: LOW ENGINE OIL COMES ON EVERY FEW MONTHS AND I HAVE TO ADD OIL AT THAT TIME. I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE OIL IS GOING BUT LEVEL IS DOWN TO MINIMUM. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR.
Bmw 740i 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-14
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-06
- VIN: WBAKA4C5XCD
- Components: SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
- Summary: I PULLED IN TO MY HOME TO DISCOVER THAT MY BMW WAS LEAKING OIL AFTER TAKING IT TO A BMW SERVICE CENTER THEY DIAGNOSED AND INDEED I HAD AN OIL LEAK FROM THE GASKET HOUSING SEAL CAR WAS STILL OPERATING FINE UNTIL I TURN THE CAR ON ONE MORNING AND IT JUST KEEP STALLING BEING STUCK AND CONSTANT IDLE THE OIL IS SMUDGE ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND I CAN'T DRIVE WITHOUT VAPORS AND FUMES BEING PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE
Bmw 740i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-11
- Date Complaint: 2018-09-26
- VIN: WBA7E2C59GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I GOT ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS ON MY BMW; ON EACH OCCASION THE CAR WAS SENT TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR TO FIND THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER RADIATOR BLINDS ARE AT FAULT AND THIS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE 2016 BMW 740I IS EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT GRILLE WHERE THE VENTS ARE COVERED BY BLINDS THAT OPEN WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AND CLOSED WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF ALLOWED SOME TIME FOR WARM AIR TO COME OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Bmw 740i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-08
- Date Complaint: 2018-09-26
- VIN: WBA7E2C59GG
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ON TWO OCCASIONS A FALSE FASTEN SEAT BELT FROM PASSENGER SIDE HAS COME UP WHEN THE SEAT WAS NOT OCCUPIED. THE CAR WAS SENT FOR REPAIR. ON THE FIRST OCCASION IT WAS INDICATED THE WIRING IS LOOSE FOR THE SEAT BELT HARNESS SO IT WAS TIGHTENED. ON THE SECOND OCCASION THE CAR WAS SENT TO DEALERSHIP IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HARNESS WIRING TRACK COULD COME LOOSE AND THEREFORE HAD TO BE REROUTED.
Bmw 740i 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-28
- Date Complaint: 2018-06-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBAGH83411D
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE
- Summary: 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 MECHANICAL WORK IN ORDER FOR IT "TO BE SAFE TO DRIVE.
Bmw 740i 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-13
- Date Complaint: 2017-09-13
- VIN: WBAGG8344YD
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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.
Bmw 740i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-23
- Date Complaint: 2017-04-15
- VIN: WBA7E2C59GG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ACTIVE PDC FAILS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WAS RELEASED IN MARCH 2017 BY BMW AND NEW SOFTWARE WAS DOWNLOADED. DESPITE THE NEW SOFTWARE DOWNLOADED TO VEHICLE THERE CONTINUES TO BE INCIDENTS POST THAT WHEN THE ACTIVE PDC FAILS TO ACTIVATE. BMW CONTINUES TO CLAIM THE FEATURE WORKS AS DESIGNED BUT THERE IS NEVER ANY EXPLANATION BY THE DEALER WHY IT IS BY DESIGN. FOREMAN AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP WHERE HE WITNESSED MULTIPLE FAILURES OF IT ARGUED THAT I CAN SEE THE CAR IS GOING TO HIT ANOTHER CAR OR AN OBJECT SO WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE IT ACTIVATE? THIS ARGUMENT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE, BECAUSE THE FEATURE SHOULD WORK, AND IF YOU KNOW CAR IS GOING TO HIT ANOTHER CAR OR OBJECT THEN YOU SHOULD EXPECT FEATURE TO ACTIVATE OTHERWISE WHY IS THE FEATURE. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT ACCEPT TO DOCUMENT THE FAILURES IN THE SERVICE ORDER OR THE ARGUMENTS FOREMAN MADE.
Latest 5 recalls Bmw 740i
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 28 recalls for different components of the Bmw 740i.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw 740i 2019
- Report Received Date: 2018-07-11
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
- Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw 740i 2013
- Report Received Date: 2017-06-14
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw 740i 2014
- Report Received Date: 2017-06-14
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw 740i 2015
- Report Received Date: 2017-06-14
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw 740i 2012
- Report Received Date: 2017-02-02
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
- Consequence: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Are you having problems with your Bmw 740i?
