The most-reported 740i run is WBA7E2C59GG (2016 builds) with 7 complaints, 5× the typical run. Engine and engine cooling problems make up 20% of reports; 2016 is the worst model year at 2.4 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns for 740i model years 1993–2025.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The BMW 740i has 61 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 23% of every 740i complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBA7E2C59GG•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| WBAGD4323PD•••••• | 1993 | 1 | 1 | |
| WBAGG8343YD•••••• | 2000 | — | — | |
| WBAGG83431D•••••• | 2001 | — | — | |
| WBAGF6326SD•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| WBAGG83401D•••••• | 2001 | — | — | |
| WBAGD4322PD•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| WBAGG83471D•••••• | 2001 | — | — | |
| WBAGD4323RD•••••• | 1994 | — | — | |
| WBAGG8344YD•••••• | 2000 | — | 1 | |
| WBAGD432XRD•••••• | 1994 | — | — | |
| WBAGD4322RD•••••• | 1994 | — | — |
Each of the other 49 740i runs has 2 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 32 740i VINs so far, most often 2024, 2019, 2023 builds.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the BMW 740i the gap between build years is 2.4×: a 2016 car draws 2.4 complaints per run, a 1999 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 12 | 5 | — | |
| 2012 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| 2011 | 4 | 3 | — | |
| 2001 | 15 | 11 | 2 | |
| 2000 | 9 | 5 | — | |
| 1999 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| 1998 | 7 | 6 | 1 | |
| 1995 | 9 | 7 | — | |
| 1994 | 7 | 4 | — | |
| 1993 | 11 | 7 | 1 |
Heaviest year here is 2016 at 2.4 complaints per run; lightest is 1999 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 20% of everything BMW 740i owners report: Engine And Engine Cooling, 16 of 87 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 2 | |
| Electrical System | — | 3 | |
| Fuel System | — | 1 | |
| Gasoline | — | 1 | |
| Engine | 1 | — | |
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Air Bags | 3 | — | |
| Suspension | 1 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 24 recall campaigns on the BMW 740i; the 6 below cover build years 1993 to 2025. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 10E021000 | Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection | 1995–2001 |
| 97V131000 | Vehicle Speed Control | 1993–1997 |
| 26V422000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:electric:control Module | 2023–2025 |
| 24V697000 | Electronic Stability Control (esc):control Module | 2023–2025 |
| 24V104000 | Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2023–2025 |
| 17V379000 | Exterior Lighting | 2013–2015 |
How serious were they
Of the 87 reports on the BMW 740i, 6.9% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | BMW 740i | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 87 | 1,116,631 |
| Involved a crash | 6 (6.9%) | 64,221 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 4 (4.6%) | 26,977 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 7 | 58,047 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,116,631 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 299,142 production runs. The BMW 740i share of that is 87 complaints over 61 runs, 0.01% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a BMW 740i VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 87 NHTSA complaints from 61 740i runs and 24 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which 740i production run has the most complaints?
WBA7E2C59GG, a 2016 build, with 7 complaints. The typical 740i run has 1.4.
Which 740i years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2016 is heaviest at 2.4 complaints per run and 1999 lightest at 1.
How many 740i complaints involve a crash?
6.9% of 87 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 4 involved a fire.
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