Model year guide

2001 BMW 740i

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2001 BMW 740i is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 40 on record.

2001 BMW 740i — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2001 BMW 740i at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints15
Combined16–18 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2001 BMW 740i recalls 4

Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection NHTSA Campaign #10E021000 · 27/05/2010

FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan NHTSA Campaign #02V138000 · 16/05/2002

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.

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). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN …

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan NHTSA Campaign #01V206000 · 21/06/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Tires:sidewall NHTSA Campaign #01V001000 · 04/01/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (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.

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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOU…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2001 BMW 740i common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

2001 BMW 740i MPG & running costs

Combined16–18 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway21 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,850
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S5) or Automatic 5-spd
Passenger volume100 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$12,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2001 BMW 740i costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$24,250
Fuel only$24,250
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
196.1 in
Width
73.2 in
Height
56.7 in
Wheelbase
115.4 in
Curb weight
4,255 lb
Front track
61.0 in
Rear track
61.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2001 BMW 740i. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 8

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

Bulletin B510819 · Electrical System, Visibility · Jan 2024

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CD…

Bulletin B160623 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2023

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additio…

Bulletin B653423 · Electrical System, Equipment · Nov 2023

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

Bulletin B662419 · Equipment · Sep 2022

Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide

Bulletin B650916 · Equipment · Nov 2018

SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.

Bulletin B122917 · Equipment · Dec 2017

BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM

Bulletin SIB-63-02-01 · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2010

BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. IN SOME CASES, EPC…

Bulletin SIB-16-02-09 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2009

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 740I. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2001 BMW 740i trims & engines on record

Engines
4.4L 8-cyl 282 hp

2001 BMW 740i vehicles on record

2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG83471DN84346 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81050DF91152 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81010DF92055 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81030DF91912 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81070DF91928 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81060DF91399 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81070DF91847 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81030DF92283 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81000DF91902 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81020DF92291 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGL41030DL87239 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81080DF91078 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81000DF91348 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81040DF91241 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGH81020DD40750 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGH83461DP27722 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAFE710409408609 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81040DF90087 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81020DF91030 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81000DF91463 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG81090DF92000 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGG810X0DF90143 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGA81050DA09813 2001 BMW 740i 2001 BMW 740iWBAGH81080DD40302

Other BMW 740i model years

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992

2001 BMW 740i — frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 BMW 740i have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2001 BMW 740i. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

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

Across all 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, suspension.

What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW 740i get?

The 2001 BMW 740i has U.S. EPA estimates of 16–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.