Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 740iL | 26 | 1 |
| 2000 740iL | 20 | 1 |
| 1999 | 6 | 0 |
| 1998 | 26 | 0 |
| 1997 740iL | 19 | 1 |
| 1996 740iL | 11 | 1 |
| 1995 740iL | 12 | 3 |
| 1994 | 3 | 1 |
| 1993 | 9 | 1 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Engine and engine cooling31
- Electrical system19
- Fuel system, gasoline14
- Power train13
- Air bags11
- Vehicle speed control10
- Suspension9
- Steering9
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Fuel consumption by year
Official Canadian test results for 7 model years, best variant per year. Combined consumption ranges from 13.4–13.7 L/100 km.
| Year | Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 740iL · Full-size · Premium gasoline | 15.4 | 10.9 | 13.4 |
| 2000 | 740iL · Full-size · Premium gasoline | 15.4 | 10.9 | 13.4 |
| 1999 | 740il · Full-size · Premium gasoline | 15.4 | 10.9 | 13.4 |
| 1998 | 740il · Full-size · Premium gasoline | 15.5 | 10.9 | 13.4 |
| 1997 | 740il · Full-size · Premium gasoline | 15.5 | 10.9 | 13.4 |
| 1996 | 740il · Full-size · Premium gasoline | 15.5 | 10.9 | 13.4 |
| 1995 | 740il · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 16.1 | 10.9 | 13.7 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
6 campaigns cover the 740iL.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ROAD GRIT AND GRAVEL ASSOCIATED WITH WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS CAN PENETRATE THE RUBBER OF THE LOWER FRONT SPRING MOUNTS AND ACCUMULATE IN THE MOUNTS CAUSING NOTCHES OR PITS TO DEVELOP. THESE NOTCHES CAN DEVELOP CRACKS RESULTING IN BREAKAGE OF A BOTTOM COIL OF THE SPRING.
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
FUEL SEEPAGE CAN OCCUR BETWEEN A HOSE AND THE METAL FUEL LINE ON EITHER END OF THE HOSE RESULTING IN FUEL ODOR.
THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM MOUNTING EYE ON THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE HUB CARRIER WAS PRODUCED WITH A CASTING FLAW.
NHTSA recalls