2001 BMW 740I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 BMW 740I: 3 recalls, 15 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #01V206000 · 2001 · 76,469 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Why it matters: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #02V138000 · 2002 · 1,550 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Why it matters: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during September 2001 (see recall campaign 01v206).
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 (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Suspension (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2001 BMW 740I has 15 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 22 740I model years for complaints (2.5× the average 740I year). Complaints peaked in 2005 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 75,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (12 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 |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | 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 740I.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 BMW 740I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2001 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 2001 BMW 740I problems?
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (3), suspension (3), electrical (3).
What gas mileage does the 2001 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 2001 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.