VehicleVerdict

2000 BMW 740i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2000 BMW 740i — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other 740i years?

740i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted24 complaints1993: 24 complaints1994: 9 complaints1995: 12 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 12 complaints1999: 9 complaints2000: 18 complaints2001: 24 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 1 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 1 complaints2016: 14 complaints2017: 11 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 3 complaints2023: 14 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 0 complaints
740i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 BMW 740i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission317%
Brakes211%
Seats211%
Fuel System211%
Electrical System211%
Tires & Wheels16%
Airbags16%
Visibility & Wipers16%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)16%
Engine16%
Lighting16%
Other16%

Does the 2000 BMW 740i have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10E021000SteeringMay 27, 2010 · 150 units

Defect

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.

00V048000LightingFebruary 17, 2000 · 17,700 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL GIVING ME AN UPDATE ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. I OWN A 2000 BMW 740I AND THE REVERSE ALSO WENT OUT ON THE TRANSMISSION AND I HAD TO HAVE IT REBUILT. I BELIEVE THAT BEING "A TOP OF THE LINE AUTOMOBILE" THE REVERSE SHOULD NOT BE FAILING. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 4, 2009

“ON SATURDAY, JUNE 4, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 2000 BMW 740I. SHE HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 4 BLOCKS AND THE PASSENGER SEAT BROKE OUT IN FLAMES. IT BEGAN WHEN THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. SHE DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON SO SHE PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WHEN SHE STEPPED BACK FROM THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · June 4, 2011 · fire

“WARNING LIGHTS DID NOT APPEAR UNTIL ABOUT 4TH EPISODE OF BRAKE PROBLEM. COMPUTER FOUND IT NECESSARY TO ACTIVATE ABS BECAUSE OF ROTOR FAILURE. DIFFICULT TO STOP. IMMEDIATE REPAIR ACTIVITY INSTITUTED WHEN I TOOK IT TO DEALER, BMW. GOOD DEALER RESPONSE. TOO SOON TO HAVE SUCH FAILURE ON VEHICLE. LITES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 7, 2001

“ON SATURDAY, JUNE 4, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 2000 BMW 740I. SHE HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 4 BLOCKS AND THE PASSENGER SEAT BROKE OUT IN FLAMES. IT BEGAN WHEN THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. SHE DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON SO SHE PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WHEN SHE STEPPED BACK FROM THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 4, 2011 · fire

“MY CAR WAS LEAKING GAS FROM THE TANK ON THE WAY HOME AND WHEN I GOT HOME I NOTICED THAT THE GAS TANK WAS WET WITH GAS AND IT LEAKED ON THE FLOOR MY WHOLE GARAGE IS FILLED WITH GAS VAPOR. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 31, 2004

2000 BMW 740i — common questions

Is the 2000 BMW 740i reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2000 740i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (3 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints), seats (2 complaints).

Does the 2000 BMW 740i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 BMW 740i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.