BMW 740LI Problems by Year
NHTSA has 32 owner complaints and 9 safety recalls on file for the BMW 740LI, across 10 model years (2011–2022). The 2011 model year has the most complaints (11). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
BMW 740LI years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 740LI year: 2011. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2011 740LI: 11 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2013 740LI: 7 complaints, 1 recall
- 2012 740LI: 5 complaints, 1 recall
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2015 740LI: 1 complaint, 1 recall
- 2016 740LI: 1 complaint, 1 recall
- 2014 740LI: 3 complaints, 1 recall
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common BMW 740LI problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 7 | 2 | 1 |
| Engine | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| Power Train | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Firerelated | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All BMW 740LI model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 740LI | 4 | 1 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2021 740LI | 0 | 5 | — | — | |
| 2020 740LI | 0 | 4 | — | — | |
| 2019 740LI | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2016 740LI | 1 | 1 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2015 740LI | 1 | 1 | — | Engine | |
| 2014 740LI | 3 | 1 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2013 740LI | 7 | 1 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2012 740LI | 5 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 2011 740LI | 11 | 0 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
More from BMW: all BMW models · BMW VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 740LI years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2011 (11) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 740LI year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the BMW 740LI?
Electrical System, with 7 complaints across 2 model years.
How many recalls does the BMW 740LI have?
9 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.