MotorDeets

2000 BMW 740I: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2000 BMW 740I: 1 recall, 12 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
12owner complaints
1mention a crash
18best combined mpg
2000 BMW 740I
Photo: MrWalkr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #00V048000 · 2000 · 17,700 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If this happens, the brake lamps either will not operate or will be continuously illuminated, regardless of brake pedal position.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #10E021000 · 2010 · 150 vehicles

What's wrong: The shaft of the steering center tie rod May shear off.

Why it matters: This condition would result, without warning, in immediate and complete loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain3
Fuel system2
Seats2
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Tires1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Engine & cooling1
Equipment1

What owners describe

The 2000 BMW 740I has 12 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 22 740I model years for complaints (2.0× the average 740I year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 73,075 miles. Neighboring years: 1999 (8 complaints, 0 recalls), 2001 (15 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive152218Premium
4.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive141916Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2000 BMW 740I.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2000 BMW 740I manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2000 BMW 740I manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2000 BMW 740I manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2000 BMW 740I manual

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FAQ

Does the 2000 BMW 740I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2000 BMW 740I, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2000 BMW 740I problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (3), fuel system (2), seats (2).

What gas mileage does the 2000 BMW 740I get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2000 BMW 740I repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 740I years

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