>> Cars > BMW > 740iL

BMW 740iL Repair and Maintenance - Get an online auto repair estimate for your BMW 740iL

RepairPal gives you independent and unbiased repair estimates, user
ratings and reviews, plus advice you can't get anywhere else.

It's easy, accurate, and FREE!

Find out what your auto repair should cost

BMW 740iL Repair and Maintenance

Image for BMW 1990 1992 BMW 735iL Image for BMW 1993 2001 BMW 740iL

BMW 740iL Questions and Answers

cocoi, 1995 BMW 740iL, Bayside, NY

I have a beauty 740il, but starting to shake time to time also i notice doesn't have the same power, a guy told me to replace the injetors, is that help???, thanks.

bhugh9, 1995 BMW 740iL, Oceanside, CA

Hi, I recently went to open the driver's side door and my handle does not work, from the little bit I know there is a clip that connect the rods to the handles on the inner and outer door hanles. I...

issy, 2001 BMW 740iL, Issaquah, WA

The seat heater on the driver side gets extremely hot in one spot to the point of burning. The control to turn it down does nothing. I can either have it off or burn up. I've been told I have to re...

Dmorris7, 2000 BMW 740iL, San Diego, CA

Can someone walk me through the removal (and reinstallation) of the radiator clips? Is there a special way of doing this?
Thanks…

Dan Ray H, 2001 BMW 740iL, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Oil, water and electrical systems are ok. All electrical systems are working when the key is turned on but the starter will not engage witht he key. You can activate the starter with the solenoind ...

740il, 1994 BMW 740iL, Bronx, NY

Hi i have all the problems that are common to what you are calling Thrust rod bushings. I called the dealer who seems clueless on what part and location. The dealer said it can be the uper and low...

Bimmer, 1997 BMW 740iL, Barberville, FL

Display lights (LED)for outside tempature and mileage have failed

zippy, 2001 BMW 740iL, Issaquah, WA

the driver seat has a short in it causing the seat to heat up. Is the heater replaceable?

beast, 1999 BMW 740iL, Alexandria, VA

how do i change the right side light

royce, 2000 BMW 740iL, Merced, CA

Is there some shortcut tips in removing the left cylinder head without lifting the engine,removing the steering,then the exhaust manifold,etc......

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...

WAH Tech, 1998 BMW 740iL, Los Angeles, CA

Specs indicate this machine will top out at 125. Anyway to easily and inexpensively add Water Cooled Turbo Charger to this machine.

WAH Tech, 1998 BMW 740iL, Los Angeles, CA

When New Shocks are installed how long before they break in? Cornering is Currently AMAZING!! Also, is the car suppose to ride as if you have wooden wheels?

WAH Tech, 1998 BMW 740iL, Los Angeles, CA

My Cruise Control is Dangerous. At 70 MPH if go to activate CC, two things might happen;
1. the system may not activate at all
2. The system will lurch forward 10 miles over the spead quoted above...

WAH Tech, 1998 BMW 740iL, Los Angeles, CA

Thank U "hemicuda". Sounds like it would be pretty expensive to add a Turbo Charger with all the piston work that may be involved. Perhaps there's another way to reach 160MPH without Nitr...

WAH Tech, 1998 BMW 740iL, Los Angeles, CA

Pretty good with Mech Tools, call it stress relief. I'd like to do some of the work on the car myself. That being said how much of this car could I work on before I cause serious damage :-).

sndypar, 1998 BMW 740iL, Sherman Oaks, CA

what do i need to check? all fuses are ok and other functions of the radio.

eve, 1993 BMW 740iL, Pasadena, MD

Where /which is the fuse for the drivers seat ? We have no power in the seat.

nycusahawk, 2001 BMW 740iL, Brooklyn, NY

ANYONE PLESE SEND PICTURES OF DRANE HOLES ,cant find them all coverd by plastic,, can it be cleand from the top of sunroof without to remove headliner ??PLEASE HELP !!! ,,email nycusahawk@optimum.n...

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, ...

BMW 740iL Car Reviews (6)

1994 BMW 740iL, Jausan, Beverly Hills, CA, August 31, 2009 22:59

Transmission problems are common problems with these cars. "Tranmission Program" translates to about $1750 in repairs at some dealerships. There are several hoses that have to be replaced in order to resolve the colling system issues. $400 a pop is common for many repairs. This car is grossly over engineered compared to other cars that deliver the same performance that are cheaper to maintain.

Gas mileage is horrible, but perfomance when the car is functioning is much better. Eletrical issues remain a problem with this model along with the transmission whining sound. I have noticed this with many BMWs of this same model. An improvement since the 1993 version of the automobile, but not by much.

1994 BMW 740iL, champp, Hollister, CA, June 07, 2009 17:53

this is my bm nice car.

1998 BMW 740iL, mribaul, Zachary, LA, May 30, 2009 04:18

Several people including myself have had radiator and water pump issues. Repair costs are very expensive. My local dealership wanted $1840 for LABOR alone to install a radiator and water pump. Also has some electrical issues as well.

2000 BMW 740iL, bhegel, Blackwood, NJ, March 08, 2009 08:46

Good car and fun to drive but repairs are very expensive.

1997 BMW 740iL, Lloyd Givens, Atlanta, GA, January 07, 2009 20:22

I love this car. It requires attention, but is a pleasure to drive.

2001 BMW 740iL, daspotts, Pittsburgh, PA, November 17, 2008 16:45

Hefty repair bills

BMW 740iL Problems

Engine
  • Leaks are known to develop in the cooling system and 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.
  • Valve cover gasket, intake manifold, and PCV plate oil leaks are common after 60,000 miles.
Suspension & Steering
  • The front thrust rod bushingsalso referred to as tension strut bushingsare 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.
  • Power steering hoses are known to fail occasionally, and it is not uncommon for multiple hoses to be leaking at the same time.

BMW 740iL Recalls and TSBs

BMW 740iL Recalls (Recent)

Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT
Campaign Number: 96V111000
Dates Manufactured: 01/1990 to 03/1994
Number of Vehicles Affected: 180,000
Model Years Affected: 1993, 1994
Date Owner Notified: 09/1996

Defect 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.

Consequence Summary: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. FOLLOWING DRIVERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STOPPING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.

Recall Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKES; HYDRAULIC; SWITCH; BRAKE LIGHT. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN AUGUST 5, 1996. NOTE: 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Drive Train: TIRES:SIDEWALL
Campaign Number: 01V001000
Dates Manufactured: 06/2000 to 10/2000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 3,167
Model Years Affected: 2001
Date Owner Notified: 03/2001

Defect Summary: 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.

Consequence Summary: HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: 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.

Recall Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Electrical & Lights: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Campaign Number: 00V048000
Dates Manufactured: 09/1999 to 10/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 17,700
Model Years Affected: 2000
Date Owner Notified: 05/2000

Defect Summary: 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.

Consequence Summary: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 15, 2000.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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Engine: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Campaign Number: 95V238000
Dates Manufactured: 09/1994 to 10/1995
Number of Vehicles Affected: 18,000
Model Years Affected: 1995
Date Owner Notified: 01/1996

Defect Summary: FUEL SEEPAGE CAN OCCUR BETWEEN A HOSE AND THE METAL FUEL LINE ON EITHER END OF THE HOSE RESULTING IN FUEL ODOR.

Consequence Summary: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FUEL HOSES, FOUR METAL FUEL LINES AND ASSOCIATED CLAMPS.

Recall Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL LINES; HOSES; NON-METALLIC.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Campaign Number: 97V140000
Dates Manufactured: 09/1994 to 08/1996
Number of Vehicles Affected: 29,000
Model Years Affected: 1995, 1996, 1997
Date Owner Notified: 10/1997

Defect 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.

Consequence Summary: THE VEHICLE'S RIDE HEIGHT COULD BE AFFECTED CAUSING NOISE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE'S DYNAMIC STABILITY CAN BE AFFECTED REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND LOWER SPRING MOUNTS.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY THE END OF OCTOBER 1997.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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION:REAR
Campaign Number: 95V192000
Dates Manufactured: 03/1995 to 05/1995
Number of Vehicles Affected: 3,000
Model Years Affected: 1995
Date Owner Notified: 01/1996

Defect Summary: THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM MOUNTING EYE ON THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE HUB CARRIER WAS PRODUCED WITH A CASTING FLAW.

Consequence Summary: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE CARRIER EYE COULD CRACK AND BREAK WHILE DRIVING CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL AND INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR A CASTING FLAW IN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE CARRIER AND IF FOUND, REPLACE THE CARRIER.

Recall Notes: SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; SINGLE AXLE; REAR.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

BMW 740iL Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

Find the right shop for your 740iL
The best shops near you - with ratings and reviews
(City and State or Zip)
Get inside info about your 740iL
Common problems and Q&A
Recalls, ratings & reviews
Track your 740iL's service
Keep everything online in one place. Get service reminders

Recent BMW Repair Estimates

$429 - $768
$599 - $872
$240 - $328
$359 - $483
$385 - $449

Most Common BMW Repair Estimates