2001 BMW 740i recalls and problems

The 2001 BMW 740i has 3 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 1

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 BMW 740i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 BMW 740i recalls

Recall 02V-138: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported May 16, 2002 · 1,550 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

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 a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Recall 01V-206: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jun 21, 2001 · 76,469 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: 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.

Recall 01V-001: Tires

Reported Jan 4, 2001 · 3,167 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: 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.

Risk: Handling and control would be drastically affected increasing the risk of a crash.

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 should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

2001 BMW 740i problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Suspension	4
Air Bags	3
Steering	3
Electrical System	3
Engine	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Visibility	1
Power Train	1
Seat Belts	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Visibility/Wiper	1
Unknown or Other	1

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Frontal — 1
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
Suspension › Front › Control Arm — 1
Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar — 1
Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and Attachment — 1
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly — 1
Suspension › Rear — 1
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 BMW 740i complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Jan 23, 2022

On January 22, 20222, I was traveling down highway 400 in Sandy Springs, Georgia and my left (driver's side) // rear tire EXPLODED and I almost lost control of the vehicle. The main part of the tread completely separated from the rest of the tire, but I was able to recover it from down in the woods. I have not taken it to a mechanic or tire shop yet, so I still have the rim that has the remnants of the sidewall attached to it as well as the tread portion of the tire for inspection. I didn't hit a pothole and wasn't aware of any object that I ran over. It was a sunny day; the pavement was dry…

Air Bags · at 230,000 miles · reported Jul 25, 2020

Vehicle had been stationary for several minutes and was parked with emergency break engaged. Key was not inserted. Driver side door open, all doors unlocked. No recent occupants other than the driver seat. Parked at home,in driveway, in gainesville, ga, us. I unloaded some groceries then came back to close driver door. As I approached the vehicle to close drver side door the passenger side airbage suddenly deployed for no apparent reason shattering the windshield. There had been no impact prior to this. It was a hot day.

Engine · at 12,650 miles · reported Jun 2, 2018

A chevy pickup pulled into the one way road leading to a hotel and immediately went around an ellipse and hit me as I was exiting my hotel and got hit in the drivers front quarter panel while he was pulling around in the elliptical one way drive. The engine was checked and it needs $5500 worth of mechanical work in order for it "to be safe to drive.

Engine · reported Sep 8, 2016

The contact owns a 2001 bmw 740i. While pulling into a fuel station, the vehicle began to overheat. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fan control unit failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 01v206000 (Engine and engine cooling); however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Engine · at 75,000 miles · reported Jul 10, 2014

The contact owns a 2001 bmw 740i. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the engine thermostat wires were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 75,000. Updated 9/9/14 updated 1/20/2015

Other BMW 740i years

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Compare all BMW 740i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 BMW 740i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 BMW 740i: 02V-138 (engine and engine cooling), 01V-206 (engine and engine cooling), 01V-001 (tires). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 BMW 740i?

Owners report suspension problems most often (4 reports), followed by air bags (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.