Bmw 740li problems
The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series consists of the BMW G11 (normal version) and BMW G12 (long-wheelbase version) luxury saloons. The G11/G12 generation was produced by BMW from 2015 to 2022, and is often collectively referred to as the G11.
The G11 was unveiled on 10 June 2015 at BMW's headquarters in Munich. An official public reveal took place at the 2015 International Motor Show Germany. This generation of the 7 Series is the first car lineup of BMW to be based on the CLAR platform. The CLAR platform adopts technology first introduced in BMW i models, namely the introduction of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer as structural chassis components. Long-wheelbase cars have the letter "L" in their model name.
As part of BMW's strategy of introducing plug-in hybrid variants for all future car models, the normal and long-wheelbase models were available with hybrid powertrains as 740e and 740Le in 2016.
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Bmw 740li model years
Common Bmw 740li problems
The BMW 740Li is known for its high-end features and luxurious ride, but it also has some common problems that owners have reported. One of the most frequent issues is with the air suspension system. The air suspension in the 740Li is a complex system made up of computers, moving parts, flexible materials, and small gaskets, all of which are prone to wearing out or being damaged. This can lead to various problems, such as leaking air springs, rear suspension failure, and electrical faults in the ECU that controls the system.
Leaking air springs are a common problem, as the flexible rubber components can develop punctures, cracks, or dry rot, causing air leaks. This can cause the air compressor to overwork and potentially fail prematurely. Rear suspension failure is another issue, where the rear air suspension stops working at random intervals, making the car difficult to handle and affecting its stopping distance. The ECU, which controls the air suspension system, can also have electrical faults, leading to total system failure. Leaking air lines are another problem, as road debris, gravel, or other foreign objects can scratch or puncture the hoses that deliver air to the springs.
Early warning signs of suspension problems in the 740Li include a suspension compressor running loudly, a sagging or leaning appearance, nose diving when braking, longer stopping distances, and a bouncy ride. To check for suspension problems, owners can perform a simple bounce test, pushing down on each corner of the vehicle and observing how quickly it returns to its resting height. If the corner 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.
Another common issue in the BMW 740Li is oil filter gasket leaks, which can lead to oil spillages and prevent the oil filter from doing its job properly, causing oil contamination. This issue is more common in the 740i or 740 Li models from the fifth generation. Engine overheating is another problem, particularly in more recent BMW 7 Series models like the sixth-gen 7 Series, due to faulty cooling systems or radiator leaks. This can cause complete engine stalling, which is the most expensive repair that can be done on a 7 Series.
The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series also has issues with the digital instrument cluster, with drivers reporting blank screens without warning lights, rev limits, or speedometers, making it nearly impossible to follow traffic rules and speed limits.
The worst BMW 7 Series years to avoid are 2007 and 2009, but all model years from 2003 to 2006 and 2009 to 2011 should be approached with caution due to various cooling system leaks, jerking motion when accelerating, electrical problems, and faulty oil filter gaskets. The final model years of the fifth-gen 7 Series, from 2012 to 2015, have fewer issues, but the early production years were plagued by problems with the iDrive system and parking assist system cameras.
In summary, the BMW 740Li has several common problems, including air suspension issues, oil filter gasket leaks, and engine overheating. Owners should be aware of these issues and perform regular checks and maintenance to ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles.
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:
Is the BMW 740i reliable?
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.
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 740li years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 740li cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 740li model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 740li model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 740li years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw 740li car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 740li , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 740li vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 740li model years
A total of 2 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 740li model years
There were a total of 2 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 740li model years
There were a total of 3 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 33 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 740li . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 740li vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Bmw 740li 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-29
- VIN: WBAKB4C54BC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 BMW 740LI. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into park (P) and inadvertently shifted into neutral (N). The contact applied the parking brake while the transmission was shifted to neutral (N) to turn off the vehicle. The Transmission Malfunction message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Bmw 740li 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-18
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-23
- VIN: WBAYE4C57FD
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: While stopped at light car will shut off. You have to restart
Bmw 740li 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBAKB4C56CC
- Components: FIRERELATED
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 BMW 740LI Sedan. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph when the vehicle backfired which resulted in the vehicle exploding. The drive train malfunction warning light was illuminated. There was black smoking coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle and caught fire. The contact was able to jump out of the vehicle and sustained a sprained ankle and mental trauma. The fire marshals extinguished the fire and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a police lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact mentioned that the vehicle went through extensive damage that it was unrecognizable. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Bmw 740li 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-27
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-05
- VIN: WBAKB4C55BC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: Vehicle is equipped with soft closing doors. Passenger door actuator malfunctioned which prevented the passenger door from locking. That malfunction short circuited the entire vehicle locking system. It created a unsafe driving condition which locked the driver side door from the inside and outside of the vehicle. Basically locking the driver inside the car. The only way for the driver to exit the vehicle was to climb to another door. If the driver was in a accident and needed to exit the car immediately, he wouldn't be able to do it.
Bmw 740li 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-26
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-04
- VIN: WBAKB4C55BC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Electric water pump failed. While driving, engine overheated and warning light illuminated. I immediately pulled over and my car was towed in for repairs. Why wasn't the N54 engine not included in the recall campaign#11V-521? Also, my fuel line was found to be leaking when this car was towed in for the electric water pump repairs. I did smell fuel on days prior to this incident, but I mistakenly ignored the smells. This whole incident had the potential to be catastrophic.
Bmw 740li 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-21
- Date Complaint: 2021-01-27
- VIN: WBAYE4C57DD
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: II WAS ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE LATE NIGHT AROUND 10.30PM WITH MY WIFE GOING SOUTH AND ALL OF SUDDEN WE HEAR LOUD NOISE FROM OUR CAR AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHUT OFF BY ITSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY . I WAS GOING ON 70 MILES PER HOUR AND WAS VERY LUCKY THAT THERE WAS ONLY FEW CARS ON THE ROAD I WAS ABLE TO STEER IT TO THE SHOULDER . AFTER COMING OUT OF THE CAR I SEE LOT OF SMOKE AND LOTS OF OIL COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE . AND I SAW THERE WAS A TRAIL OF OIL BEHIND THE CAR. WE WERE STUCK ON TPK FOR 4 HOUR IN COLD BEFORE ANY HELP COULD ARRIVE . FHP TROOPER STOP BY AND SAID THAT WE HAD A BROKEN ENGINE. WE HAD TO TOW OUR 145 MILES TO OUR HOUSE . I AM SO EMBRASSED TO GOT A BMW THAT HAS SUCH PROBLEM
Bmw 740li 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2020-10-26
- VIN: WBAKC6C55CD
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 55 MPH, A WARNING SOUNDS (DINGS) AS MY CAR READS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION AND IT REDUCES SPEED. IT ALSO SAYS (READS) DRIVING COMFORT RESTRICTED AND IT STOPS AUTOMATICALLY AS I'M DRIVING.
Bmw 740li 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-09-28
- VIN: WBAKB4C58BC
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CAR MISFIRE DUE FAULTY INJECTOR THEY DIDN'T REPLACE THE FAULTY INJECTOR WITH THE NEW ONE
Bmw 740li 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2020-08-26
- VIN: WBAKB4C56BC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE GEAR SHIFTER BLINKS IN NEUTRAL WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK. A NOTIFICATION ON THE DISPLAY SAYS "SECURE VEHICLE WITH PARKING BREAK WHEN STATIONARY.
Bmw 740li 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-13
- Date Complaint: 2020-01-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBAKB4C56BC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WALKING OUT OF THE GROCERY STORE I NOTICED MY CAR HAD MOVED, HIT THE CURB AND DAMAGED MY BOTTOM FRONT BUMPER. I STARTED AND TURNED ON MY CAR AND THEN NOTICED THE SHIFTER WAS ON NEUTRAL AND NOT PARKED. SHIFTER WOULD ONLY SHIFT TO ANY GEAR EXCEPT FOR THE PARKING GEAR. I DROVE MY CAR HOME AND TRIED PARKING MY CAR IN THE GARAGE, BUT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY PARKING SO IT WOULDN'T ROLL AGAIN. SHIFTER WON'T GO BACK TO PARKING GEAR EVER SINCE THAT DAY.
Bmw 740li 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-16
- Date Complaint: 2019-07-22
- VIN: WBAYF4C52DD
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 740LI. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR AND VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON WHILE THE DRIVESHAFT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000.
Bmw 740li 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 740li 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-06
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-20
- VIN: WBAKB4C50CC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 740LI. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THEN LUNGED FORWARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED OFTEN. DURING THE FAILURE, THE "POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTIONING" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Bmw 740li 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-10
- Date Complaint: 2019-02-07
- VIN: WBAKB4C53CC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVETRAIN SIGNAL CAME ON LIGHT IN CAR STARTED TO TURN ON AND OFF GEARSHIFT BECAME REAL COLD STARTED TO SLOW DOWN ONLY ALLOW TO GO 50 MPH
Bmw 740li 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-08
- Date Complaint: 2018-07-07
- VIN: WBAKB4C53BC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: HEADLINER SAGGING AND LOOKS TO HAVE BEEN POORLY INSTALLED.
Latest 5 recalls Bmw 740li
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Bmw 740li.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw 740li 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 740li 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 740li 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 740li 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.
- Model: Bmw 740li 2016
- Report Received Date: 2016-03-25
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 740Li, 750Li, and 750Lxi vehicles manufactured July 1, 2015, to December 11, 2015. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may randomly reset due to an electrical short circuit as a result of residual metallic particles from the manufacturing process.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash while the air bag module is resetting, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began on July 11, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Are you having problems with your Bmw 740li?
