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2001 BMW 740IL problems

The most common problem on the 2001 BMW 740IL is airbags. Its complaint count is close to a typical 740IL model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
26
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
8
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
18mpg

The worst 2001 BMW 740IL problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    5
  • Electrical
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Transmission
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    5
  • Electrical
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Transmission
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 1

Tires: sidewallReported January 4, 2001 · 3,167 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 01V001000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2001 BMW 740IL

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 BMW 740IL 8

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

2001 BMW 740IL fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.4L 8‑cylRWD152218

What 2001 BMW 740IL owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 21, 2019 · Brakes · 142,325 miles · FL

"takata recall" my car brake lights just started to stay eliminated when I am driving. The steering wheel also adjusts on its on up and down while driving. The is when the vechile is in motion on any highway

Filed Sep 9, 2018 · Airbags · 71,000 miles · OR

I would like to report that the airbag control modules in the bmw 7 series from model year 1995 to 2001 have airbag control modules that are failing at a very high rate, leaving owners without airbags and the airbag warning light on. The new module from bmw is $1400. This is happening more frequently to cars in cold climates.

Filed Jun 24, 2017 · Electrical · CA

Lcd pixel failure dashboard instrument cluster warning indicators unable to see safety and engine warnings

Filed Sep 30, 2016 · Acceleration, Transmission · 101,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 740il. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 101,000. .. Updated 12/2216 *bf

Filed Jun 24, 2016 · Fuel system · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 740il. The contact stated that a strong fuel odor entered the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Feb 1, 2016 · 91,000 miles · CA

Navigation system fails (computer), I checked online seem a lot car owners have a similar problems which not effecting navigation only also effect the audio system and drain the battery. Mechanic advice me to replace the battery and I did, problem still the same. For a high end car with low miles seems not right. A new computer navigation system cost over $2000.00. Seems the german design those systems to fail to keep their business going.

Filed Feb 1, 2016 · Driver assistance, Steering · 84,000 miles · CA

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 suspension components and all in good condition.

Filed Jan 10, 2015 · Steering · 200,000 miles · FL

Three years ago I bought an aftermarket center steering link for my car....made in china. After three years, I detected significant play in the center link where there should be none. I order a second one and replaced it. After three months I detected play in the steering link, not as bad as after three years, but there should be zero play in this part. I replaced it today with and oem part and wanted to report the defective part which is being sold in high volume on the internet (ebay). I believe should this part fail completely, it would result in loss of steering and could result in a major accident. I will retain for a while the part I removed if someone is interested in this issue.

Filed Dec 29, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 56,900 miles · NC

Common defect: air bag warning light is on. Suspected passenger seat sensor failure. I've had 2 bmw's from this series - both with the same issue - yet no recall from bmw - why? Isn't this a safety system? I see airbag recalls on cars dating back to this era. Why none for bmw? Also - odometer ribbon cable failure causing pixels to fail. No recall - problem exists across the series from 1996-2001 and beyond. No fix - no recall - no repairs offered. Why?

Filed Feb 7, 2013 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw 740 il. The contact stated that while driving in reverse at 6 MPH, he heard a clicking noise and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.

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Questions about the 2001 BMW 740IL

Is the 2001 BMW 740IL reliable?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2001 BMW 740IL, close to a typical 740IL model year.

What is the 2001 BMW 740IL year score?

The 2001 BMW 740IL scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 740IL: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 BMW 740IL?

Airbags, with 5 complaints. Next is electrical (5).

How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 740IL have?

1 recall, covering tires.

What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW 740IL get?

Official estimates for the 2001 BMW 740IL range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.4L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 22 highway.

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