MotorDeets

BMW 740IL problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every 740IL from 1993 to 2001: 132 owner complaints and 9 recalls across 9 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1998 (26), 2001 (26), 2000 (20). Best fuel economy: 18 mpg combined (2001).

BMW 740IL
Photo: MrWalkr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine & cooling31
Electrical19
Fuel system14
Transmission & drivetrain13
Airbags11
Speed control / throttle10
Steering9
Brakes (hydraulic)9

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
19931916
19941317
199531217
199611118
199711918
199802618
19990618
200012018
200112618

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 BMW 740IL.

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

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

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

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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
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the BMW 740IL?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1998 (26), 2001 (26), 2000 (20).

How many recalls has the BMW 740IL had?

Across 1993–2001, NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).