2001 BMW 740IL: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 BMW 740IL: 1 recall, 26 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

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.
Tires Vehicle recall #01V001000 · 2001 · 3,167 vehicles
What's wrong: (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.
Why it matters: Handling and control would be drastically affected increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
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, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (5): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Electrical (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (3): the most common themes are leaks (2).
The 2001 BMW 740IL has 26 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 9 740IL model years for complaints (1.8× the average 740IL year). Complaints peaked in 2009 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (20 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
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 2001 BMW 740IL.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 BMW 740IL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2001 BMW 740IL, 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 2001 BMW 740IL problems?
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (5), electrical (5), engine & cooling (4).
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW 740IL get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 BMW 740IL 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.