Leaks are known to develop in the cooling system. It is common to see more than one part recommended for repair/replacement due to overlapping labor and the use of many plastic parts in the system.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your BMW 740iL
BMW 740iL Models:
BMW 740iL Problems
Engine Oil Leaks
Engine --
Verified
Engine oil leaks commonly develop from both valve cover gaskets, intake manifold, and PCV plate after about 60,000 miles.
Loss of Power Steering Fluid Due to Leaking Hoses
Suspension & Steering --
Verified
A fluid leak may develop from one or more power steering hose. When a leak is being repaired, it is not uncommon for multiple hoses to be replaced.
Alignment/Tire Wear Issue Due to Worn Rear Lower Ball Joints
Suspension & Steering --
Verified
The rear lower ball joints may wear causing alignment and tire wear issues as a result of the excessive play in these joints. Our technicians tell us a 4wheel alignment should be performed after ball joint replacement.
Mushy Road Feel and/or Shuddering in the Steering Over Bumbs
Suspension & Steering --
Verified
The front thrust rod bushings—also referred to as tension strut bushings—are known to fail occasionally. The oil-filled rubber mounts weaken and crack over time, causing a mushy road feel and shuddering in the steering wheel when going over bumps.
BMW 740iL Recalls (Recent)
BMW 740iL Recall 96V111000
Brakes, September 30, 1996
Summary: THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
Learn more »BMW Recalls 2000 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series Due to Brake Light Failure
Electrical & Lights, May 15, 2000
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The brake light switch may fail and stick in the "brake lamps on" or "brake lamps off" position. Inaccurate illumination of brake lights could lead to an accident. Dealers will inspect and replace the brake lamp switch with a new improved part.
BMW 740iL Recall 95V238000
Engine, January 5, 1996
Summary: FUEL SEEPAGE CAN OCCUR BETWEEN A HOSE AND THE METAL FUEL LINE ON EITHER END OF THE HOSE RESULTING IN FUEL ODOR.
Learn more »BMW 740iL Recall 97V140000
Suspension & Steering, October 30, 1997
Summary: 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.
Learn more »BMW 740iL Recall 95V192000
Suspension & Steering, January 5, 1996
Summary: THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM MOUNTING EYE ON THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE HUB CARRIER WAS PRODUCED WITH A CASTING FLAW.
Learn more »BMW 740iL Questions and Answers
eve, 1993 BMW 740iL, Pasadena, MD
My son just bought this car....the engine coolant warning came on...and I cant find where to put engine coolant...also there is an empty container ...plastic...to left of radiator...what is that fo...
eve, 1993 BMW 740iL, Pasadena, MD
Where /which is the fuse for the drivers seat ? We have no power in the seat.
WillRobWright, 1993 BMW 740iL, Los Angeles, CA
For the past year, every so often my transmission will go into safety mode. The warning light indicates TRANS PROGRAM, and essentially the car still drives just fine and can reach highway speeds, ...
please help, 1993 BMW 740iL, San Pedro, CA
I have the socket out of the car but cannot unscrew the light bulb which seems to have been burnt in, therefore I cannot unstall a new bulb
Visitor, 1993 BMW 740iL, Baldwin Park, CA
car turn off after minutes of running , push small bottom and car runs again my e-mail is mirella_duenas@yahoo.com
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BMW 740iL Reviews
i bought this 2001 BMW 740il this year i enjoyed this car. i always get a lot of attention on my beauty. i have over 130,000 miles on it and drives like a new car. i was lucky to get this one because the interior inside is practically brand new. only thing that was broke inside the car was the cup holder i will never use anyway. (too pretty inside to drink in my car)and the driver side controls to move your seat up and back. im talking about the panel is broke not the controls okay! thats minor right. im telling you it's a beauty.the engine compartment is so clean under the hood. i dont what anybody checking my car out because they might touch something wrong. the only thing is that i wanna know where should i get my oil change from. i went to that damn JIFFY LUBE and the didn't know how to open up the hood. can someone tell me where is the best place to get 1 done?
Best driving car ever BUT. You shouldn't defend a
manufacturer that can't make a reliable car. Have spent tons on starters, new radiator, lots more. Eats batteries like popcorn. Don't ever buy this car. If you want one, lease and release and then never more that 36 months. Brakes, tires all are outrageous. Go with a Japanese vehicle. NEVER buy one of these.
On a positive note..everytime you repair it you want to kill yourself. But when you drive into a tree you come out unharmed. :)
I have the 740i and absolutely love the car. Granted,I've put a good amount of money into it but I've never regretted spending one single dime. The Basket Weave Wheeels were gone 2 weeks after I bought it and replaced with 19" Style 95 spokes from a 96' 7 Series. I get compliments every where I go and a few offers to buy it on the spot. I bought it with 102,000 miles on it and fully expected to have some issues. The Radiator and expansion tank were replaced at 150K along with the alternator, water pump and drive belts. Next were the Power Steering Hoses. The timing chains (elective) were done at 164K along with the trans (slipping)- both at the same time for $6000. Front Suspension (elective) at 168K, Fuel Filter and OSV @ 170,000. I've ungraded the Nav to the MKIV (save your money on that one).
The Body integrity, exterior and interior fit and finish are flawless and it's a dream on the highway. While I don't have a car payment and average out the repair cost per year, it's about $120.00 per month to own - Tell me what new car of this quality that you can buy today for that little. Keep in mind, the car is 12 years old - I'd buy another one in a city minute.
I really like this car. I have owned it for 2 years and while it has not been trouble free, I have a good BMW mechanic and I order my own parts from ebay and the cost to maintain the car hasn't been to bad. I get 18-25 MPG, the car runs so smooth that I have had people put their hand on the running engine and swear they couldn't feel it. I have replaced all the normal wear items, Battery, plugs, tires, etc along with a power steering pump, power steering Hose, OSV (PCV VALVE) and gaskets.
Nothing I haven't done on any other used car with over 140K.
Car is a joy to drive on the open road and it is whisper quiet.
It is a 12 year old car and as long as I keep it up, I think it will run forever.
Car does have little thigs that can get on your nerves, like window regulators that go bad, and they all do. Had to replace all four. I don't use the cup holders because they are pretty fragile and I don't trust them. If you change the oil and use the recomended fluids, these cars wil go on & on without any major problems. Let BMW tell you you don't have to service your transmission and you will be replacing it.
I Love the car and recommend it to someone who wants a really nice car and who will take the time to take care if it and not think that because it is a BMW you don't need to do anything.
It will take you to the poor house if you don't stay on top of maintenance.
They look great and I always have people say how they like the style even at the dealership, they are amazed at how nice the car runs and looks for it's age. You just have to take care of the car and it will take car of you.
I own a 1997 740IL. I purchased it in 2006. The car is a great piece of machinery, but when it is time to repair.......it cost $$$! I have since changed my entire suspension (struts, mounts, rubbers, ball joints, centerlink, etc) front & rear. I've also changed my entire power steering system, (hoses & lines), replaced my radiator, replaced EWS, and a brand new ignition with a full key set. The car is running lovely!! I have 2 things left to repair. Catalytic Converters and an oil leak from my Timing Cover gasket. After these 2 things are done, the car will be practically brand new! I figure I'll change the timing chain and spark plugs, when getting the oil leak repaired. All in all, the money spent is worth it! My car will last another 10 yrs! BMW is definitely the Ultimate Driving Machine!!!!
BMW 740iL Model Years
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