Model year guide

2012 BMW 740I

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 BMW 740I is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2012 BMW 740I — representative photo
Representative photo

2012 BMW 740I at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints6
Combined20 mpg

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

2012 BMW 740I recalls 1

Power Train:driveline:constant Velocity Joint NHTSA Campaign #17V067000 · 02/02/2017

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and bre…

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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.

2012 BMW 740I common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

2012 BMW 740I MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,100
EPA size classLarge Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume106 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$8,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 BMW 740I costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,500
Fuel only$20,500
Per mile$0.27

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.

2012 BMW 740I vehicles on record

Other BMW 740I model years

2012 BMW 740I — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 BMW 740I have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 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 2012 BMW 740I?

Across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, seat belts, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2012 BMW 740I get?

The 2012 BMW 740I has a U.S. EPA estimate of 20 mpg combined (17 city / 25 highway).

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