VehicleVerdict

2000 BMW 740iL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2000 BMW 740iL — 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.

23

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other 740iL years?

740iL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted49 complaints1993: 10 complaints1994: 4 complaints1995: 13 complaints1996: 14 complaints1997: 27 complaints1998: 49 complaints1999: 7 complaints2000: 23 complaints2001: 33 complaints
740iL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740iL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 BMW 740iL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels522%
Brakes313%
Electrical System313%
Other29%
Transmission29%
Engine29%
Lighting29%
Seat Belts14%
Seats14%
Child Seat14%
Airbags14%

Does the 2000 BMW 740iL 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.

“MICHELIN TIRE: SIZE 2554518 A/S PILOT; UPON WALKING AWAY FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A WHITE SUBSTANCE ON THE REAR TIRE. AFTER EXAMINING CLOSER, IT WAS THE TREAD BELTS SHOWING THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE TIRE. THIS PROBLEM IS ALSO SHOWING ON THE OTHER REAR TIRE. MICHELIN HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 15, 2004

“I HAVE A 2000 BMW 740IL THAT IS VERY HARD TO READ FROM THE DASH BOARD OR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I CANNOT READ THE EXACT MILEAGE ON THE CAR, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT COMES TO THE SCREEN BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS FIX SINCE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. ANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 13, 2010

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 740IL. THE CONTACT WAS BRAKING FROM APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES LOCKED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RELEASE THE BRAKES AND PROCEED. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT WITHOUT THE BRAKE WARNING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 12, 2010

“CAR IS SMOKING WHEN STARTED OR IDLING, HAPPENED AFTER OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE. LARGE CLOUDS OF SMOKE, TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES, REPLACED MANY ITEMS,COST T ME 1400. NO CHANGE IN PROBLEM. DEALER DOES NOT HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT'S WRONG. AM CONTACTING BMW MAIN OFFICE. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 10, 2004

“I OWN A 2000 BMW 740IL AND THE REVERSE WENT OUT ON THE TRANSMISSION. AS I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE I FOUND THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND KNOWN ISSUE TO BMW. I HAVE KEPT THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE AND WANT TO LODGE A COMPLAINT AS I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A RECALL ISSUE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 8, 2009

2000 BMW 740iL — common questions

Is the 2000 BMW 740iL reliable?

The record is thin — 23 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 740iL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (5 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2000 BMW 740iL have recalls?

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

Which BMW 740iL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 740iL years to avoid are 1998, 2001. The cleanest record among 740iL years belongs to 1994.

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.