VehicleVerdict

2001 BMW 740iL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 33 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median 740iL year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 9 740iL years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (6), airbags (6), and engine (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

33

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other 740iL years?

740iL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740iL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 BMW 740iL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags618%
Electrical System618%
Engine515%
Fuel System412%
Transmission39%
Steering26%
Speed Control26%
Brakes13%
Other13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Seats13%

Does the 2001 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.

01V001000Tires & WheelsJanuary 4, 2001 · 3,167 units

Defect

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 TIRES. THE DAMAGED AREA COULD WEAKEN TO THE POINT WHERE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE COULD OCCUR.

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 SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FRONT CRASH AT 35 MPH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUFFERED MINOR HEAD INJURIES, DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 7, 2002 · crash

“START THE CAR POWER STEERING FROZE, I HAVE SHUT OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT FIX THE PROBLEM OR I HAVE TO REPEAT. SOMETIME WHILE DRIVING STEERING FREEZE. I HAD HOSES LEAK, REPLACED HOSES STILL HAVE MORE LEAKS. WHILE DRIVING CAR UNSTABLE, I CHANGED TIRES PROBLEM REMAIN THE SAME. I CHECKED ALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 18, 2015

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740IL. THE VEHICLE WAS TUNED UP ON OCTOBER 6, 2007 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2007. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING AND THE ADD ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE QUICKEST THE ADD ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT HAS EVER ILLUMINATED FOLLOWING A TUNE UP. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 28, 2007

“MY GAS TANK IS SLOWLY IMPLODING...APPARENTLY, BMW IS QUITE AWARE OF THE CONDITION AS A BULLETIN WAS PRODUCED ON 11-9-2003 BASED ON A DEFECT IN ENGINEERING DESIGN OR THE HARDWARE CHOSEN. IN THE MEANTIME, MY CAR IS A FUEL TIMEBOMB - THIS IS AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 15, 2008

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740IL. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. HE PREVIOUSLY ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEARS IN REVERSE AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED DUE TO THE HIGH MILEAGE. NO REPAIRS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 10, 2009

2001 BMW 740iL — common questions

Is the 2001 BMW 740iL reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 33 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 9 740iL years. It is one of the 740iL years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 740iL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 2001 BMW 740iL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 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.