2001 BMW 740iL Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

AIR BAGS

4 complaints

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.

Sep 09, 2018

FRONT CRASH AT 35 MPH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUFFERED MINOR HEAD INJURIES, DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.*AK

Aug 12, 2002

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

May 06, 2002

WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, AND OVERHEAD AIR BAGS FELL DOWN, BUT DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Sep 26, 2001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

LCD PIXEL FAILURE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING INDICATORS UNABLE TO SEE SAFETY AND ENGINE WARNINGS

Jun 24, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740IL. THE CONTACT STATED THE PIXELS IN THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY WERE PROGRESSIVELY FADING, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO READ THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD. ONLY THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY WAS DIFFICULT TO READ AND THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHETHER HE WAS DRIVING OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE FAILURE WAS COMMON HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Jun 21, 2010

PURCHASED PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED CAR IN APRIL 06, STARTING HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: WINDOW MOTORS, GPS SYSTEM/MONITOR, CAR KEPT DYEING WHILE STOPPED AND DRIVING, ENGINE SHUTDOWN/FAILSAFE MODE, BRAKE LIGHTS BLOWING ALL THE TIME, FUSES AND IGNITION SWITCH GOING OUT ALL THE TIME. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE ABOUT 18 TIMES IN THE LAST 26 MONTHS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS AND WE FOUND OUT THE "BUMPER TO BUMPER" WARRANTY WE BOUGHT IS NOT BUMPER TO BUMPER BUT LISTED PARTS, WHATEVER THAT MEANS; AFTER CONTACTING BMW NORTH AMERICA FOUND OUT CAR IS NOT PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED; AND AFTER HAVING OUR SERVICING DEALER PROVIDE US WITH MAINTENANCE LIST FROM VEHICLE (WAS A LEASED VEHICLE THAT STERLING SERVICED) WE HAVE FOUND THE SAME ISSUES WE ARE HAVING. THE CAR WAS A LEMON WHEN THE DEALER HAD IT BUT SINCE IT WAS LEASED THEY JUST KEPT DOING QUICK BANDAID FIXES. NOW WE ARE STUCK WITH THIS CAR THAT WE ARE PAYING FOR EVERY MONTH, HAVE SPENT OVER $5000 ON REPAIRS THAT OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY WON'T COVER AND NOW WE FIND OUT THE CAR DOESN'T QUALIFY FOR CA LEMON LAW WHICH IS CRAP BECAUSE IT IS APPARENT TO US IT WAS A LEMON IN THE BEGINNING AND STERLING KNEW IT AND SOLD US AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE SERVICING DEALER SINCE JULY 08 AND THEY JUST NOTIFIED US THEY CANNOT FIX THE CAR AND THEY ARE RETURNING IT TO US "AS IS". *TR

Aug 27, 2008

5 TIMES FAILURE TO START THE CAR AND NEEDED 5 RETURN VISITS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM,2 NEW BATTERIES,AND CONTINUE THE SAME PROBLEM.NOW MY FAITH HAS BEEN SHAKEN WITH THIS CAR,I CANNOT RELY ON IT,BOUGHT AS NEW 2001 BMW 740IL,5000 MILES ONLY,IT IS A SUBSTANTIAL IMPAIRMENT TO MY LINE OF WORK.*AK

Sep 08, 2002

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 complaints

RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2001 BMW 740IL. AFTER A MONTH OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE I STARTED NOTICING A LOUD THUMP FROM BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT. I THOUGHT IT COULD OF BEEN A TRANSMISSION ISSUE BUT LATER ON A GASOLINE ODOR STARTED TO DEVELOP IN MY GARAGE PARKING SPACE. AFTER TAKING A QUICK LOOK UNDERNEATH MY CAR, I SAW MOISTURE BUILDING UP RIGHT UNDER THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER SEAT. IT WAS A HAIRLINE CRACK AND FUEL WAS SLOWLY LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. DOING SOME SHORT RESEARCH, I'VE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MODEL BMW I OWN. HOWEVER, NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED. THIS ISN'T A BROKEN WINDOW REGULATOR OR A RADIO BUTTON THAT DOESN'T WORK. IT IS A SERIOUS, SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Nov 18, 2009

APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO I STARTED SMELLING MILD GASOLINE FUMES EMANATING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR. AT THE TIME I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE CAUSED BY SOME SPILLAGE WHEN REFUELING. OVER TIME THE ODOR HAS BECOME STRONGER. UPON INSPECTION BY THE BMW DEALERSHIP IT WAS ASCERTAINED THAT A CRACK EXISTED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK AND SIGNIFICANT RUST WAS PRESENT. THESE DEFECTS ALLOW GAS TO SEEP OUT AND DRIP TO THE GROUND. THE AUTOMOBILE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND THE DEALER VERIFIED THAT THERE WAS NO ROAD/ACCIDENT DAMAGE TO THE AREA. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS FAILURE BEFORE. THEY ALSO INDICATED THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY (7 YEARS/100,000 MILES). THE CAR HAS ABOUT 110,000 MILES. I ALSO SPOKE WITH BMW NORTH AMERICA AND THEY ALSO RETURNED THE SAME "VERDICT" MY CONTENTION IS FIRST THAT THIS IS A VALID AND SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHICH IN ALL LIKELIHOOD EXISTED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND, THAT BMW HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM BECAUSE A TYPICAL FUEL TANK SHOULD NOT STRUCTURALLY FAIL AFTER ONLY 8 YEARS IN SERVICE. TO ASSURE MY SAFELY I HAVE LIMITED USE OF THE VEHICLE AND ONLY FILL IT WITH 5 GALLONS OF FUEL AT A TIME. AT THIS MUCH LOWER LEVEL IT DOES NOT LEAK. THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING MY REQUEST. *TR

Sep 14, 2009

MY GAS TANK IS SLOWLY IMPLODING...APPARENTLY, BMW IS QUITE AWARE OF THE CONDITION AS A BULLETIN WAS PRODUCED ON 11-9-2003 BASED ON A DEFECT IN ENGINEERING DESIGN OR THE HARDWARE CHOSEN. IN THE MEANTIME, MY CAR IS A FUEL TIMEBOMB - THIS IS AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR

Oct 15, 2008

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

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.

Feb 07, 2013

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740IL. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. HE PREVIOUSLY ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEARS IN REVERSE AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED DUE TO THE HIGH MILEAGE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 150,000.

Oct 21, 2009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740IL. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FAN CLUTCH WAS CAUSING THE COOLANT FAN TO SHAKE. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE COOLANT FAN COULD POSSIBLY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,600. UPDATED 01/20/12*LJ THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECAL # 01V206000. UPDATED 02/27/12

Dec 20, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740IL. THE VEHICLE WAS TUNED UP ON OCTOBER 6, 2007 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2007. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING AND THE ADD ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE QUICKEST THE ADD ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT HAS EVER ILLUMINATED FOLLOWING A TUNE UP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 102,000.

Dec 13, 2007

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

"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

Jun 21, 2019

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

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 *TR

Sep 30, 2016

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Jun 24, 2016

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

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.

Feb 01, 2016

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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.

Feb 01, 2016

STEERING

1 complaint

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. *TR

Jan 10, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

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? *TR

Dec 29, 2014

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740 IL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 2 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 24 TO 36 INCHES. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO PROCEED TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH EXTREME FORCE APPLIED TO THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,390.

Mar 16, 2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

IN APRIL 2008 LOW COOLANT WARNING CAUSED ME OPEN HOOD AND ADD COOLANT. THE COOLANT LEVEL WAS PERFECT BUT I STILL ADDED MORE. THE LIGHT FOR LOW COOLANT WAS STILL APPEARING EVERY TIME I DROVE THE CAR. EVERY PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE BY BOOK ON THIS BMW. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE AFTER THIS LOW COOLANT LIGHT BUT NOT FOR THE COOLANT RELATED SERVICE. THEY COULD HAVE CHECKED THIS AND ADVISED ME OF POTENTIAL PROBLEM. CAR HAS 65,000 MILES. PLASTIC WAS FOUND HARDENED BY HEAT AND BRITTLENESS CRACKED THE SAME. 385 OTHER BMW 740IL OWNERS HAVE FILED PETITION ON INTERNET FOR SAME CRACKED PLASTIC RADIATORS (ON BMW 740I ,AND IL MODELS BETWEEN YEARS 1995 THROUGH 2001. BMW IGNORED OUR PLEAS FOR FREE REPLACEMENT. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE NOT EXPECTED ON PREMIUM CAR LIKE THIS. *TR

Jan 12, 2009

SEATS

1 complaint

WHILE RETURNING FROM CHURCH TODAY MY LEFT BUTTOCKS GOT HOT...HAD THE A/C ON SINCE IT WAS WARM OUTSIDE. REACHED BACK AND IT WAS VERY HOT...THEN SMELLED SMOKE. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER QUICKLY AND STOP CAR. THE LEATHER SEAT WAS SMOKING AND HAD BURNED A HOLE ABOUT THE SIZE OF A NICKEL AND THROUGH TO MY PANTS. DISCOVERED THE SEAT HEATER WAS ON HIGH...HAVE NO IDEA HOW IT GOT TURNED ON. NICE HOLE IN PANTS AND LEATHER SEAT. ANY REPORTS OF THIS FROM OTHER BMW OWNERS? *TR

Nov 02, 2008

Fire: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES

1 complaint

IN MARCH 2007 LOW COOLANT WARNING CAUSED ME OPEN HOOD AND ADD COOLANT THREE TIMES BEFORE I TOOK CAR TO BMW DEALER ,WHO DIAGNOSED CRACKED PLASTIC RESERVOIR IN RADIATOR AND SEPARATE COOLANT TANK. EACH TIME ENGINE HAD OVERHEATED DUE TO A LOT OF PRESSURE UNDER RADIATOR COOLANT CAP. NEEDED MUCH TIME WAITING BEFORE OPENING TO ADD COOLANT. THIS WAS DEFECTIVE MATERIALS AND NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR BREAKDOWN. EVERY PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE BY BOOK ON THIS BMW. MANUFACTURER DISCLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY AS CAR OUT OF WARRANTY BY FEW MONTHS. CAR HAD 54,000 MILES. PLASTIC WAS FOUND HARDENED BY HEAT AND BRITTLENESS CRACKED THE SAME. 339 OTHER BMW 740IL OWNERS HAVE FILED PETITION ON INTERNET FOR SAME CRACKED PLASTIC RADIATORS (ON BMW 740I ,AND IL MODELS BETWEEN YEARS 1995 THROUGH 2001. BMW IGNORED OUR PLEAS FOR FREE REPLACEMENT. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE NOT EXPECTED ON PREMIUM CAR LIKE THIS.*AK

May 22, 2007

Injuries: 1

4.8/5.0

35 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2001 BMW 740iL, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2001 BMW 740iL for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2001 BMW 740iL 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2001 BMW 740iL VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2001 BMW 740iL Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2001 BMW 740iL dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your BMW dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2001 BMW 740iL have?

The 2001 BMW 740iL currently has 26 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2001 BMW 740iL?

The most common problems reported for the 2001 BMW 740iL are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2001 BMW 740iL problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2001 BMW 740iL comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2001 BMW 740iL?

You can report safety problems with your 2001 BMW 740iL directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2001 BMW 740iL VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2001 BMW 740iL reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2001 BMW 740iL. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.