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2012 BMW 740LI problems

The most common problem on the 2012 BMW 740LI is transmission and drivetrain. Its complaint count is close to a typical 740LI model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
287
Worst area
Transmission

The worst 2012 BMW 740LI problems

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

  • Transmission
    3
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Transmission
    3
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Recalls 1

Power train: driveline: constant velocity jointReported February 2, 2017 · 8,752 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 17V067000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2012 BMW 740LI

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 BMW 740LI 287

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

See all 287 bulletins for the 2012 BMW 740LI

What 2012 BMW 740LI owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 10, 2022 · 185,000 miles · TX · fire · 1 injury

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.

Filed Oct 26, 2020 · Suspension, Transmission · MO

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.

Filed Mar 20, 2019 · Transmission · 69,000 miles · WA

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.

Filed Feb 7, 2019 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · 73,000 miles · GA

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

Filed Nov 3, 2017 · Engine · TX

Engine over heat, lost power in the middle of the road while crossing across the road. Got message saying this contact service center immediately.

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Questions about the 2012 BMW 740LI

Is the 2012 BMW 740LI reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2012 BMW 740LI, close to a typical 740LI model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 BMW 740LI?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 3 complaints. Next is driver assistance (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 740LI have?

1 recall, covering power train.

Was there a recall on the 2012 BMW 740LI transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 17V067000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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