CarRecallDB

2000 BMW 740I recalls and problems

1 recall and 12 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2000 BMW 740I.

1
recalls
12
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2000 BMW 740I recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 00V048000 · reported February 17, 2000 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 17,700 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If this happens, the brake lamps either will not operate or will be continuously illuminated, regardless of brake pedal position.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 13, 2017 · Seats · 139,100 miles

WHEN SEAT HEATER SWITCHED ON, A BURNING SMELL RESULTED. I SWITCHED IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. INSPECTION OF SEAT AFTERWARDS RESULTED IN FINDING A SPOT WHERE THE LEATHER WAS BURNED. CLEARLY THIS COULD RESULT IN A BURN TO THE DRIVER OR A FIRE.

Jun 13, 2011 · Power train

I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN MAY 2009 AND SHORTLY AFTER IN THE SUMMER, AUGUST EARLY SEPTEMBER, THE REVERSE STARTED TO ACT UP. SOMETIMES I HAD TO WAIT A SHORT PERIOD FOR THE REVERSE TO ACTUALLY ENGAGE. IT STARTED TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY AND I HAD IT INSPECTED. THE RESULT WAS THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE ISSUE. I HAD THE…

Jun 5, 2011 · Seats · 140,000 miles · fire reported

ON SATURDAY, JUNE 4, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 2000 BMW 740I. SHE HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 4 BLOCKS AND THE PASSENGER SEAT BROKE OUT IN FLAMES. IT BEGAN WHEN THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. SHE DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON SO SHE PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WHEN SHE STEPPED BACK FROM THE CAR, SHE SAW FLAMES…

Mar 8, 2010 · Exterior lighting · 78,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT HAS A 2000 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS VEHICLE HAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 00V048000. THE RECALL STATES THAT IF THE SWITCH DOES NOT HAVE A WHITE STRIPE ON IT THEN IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT FEELS THE VEHICLE NEEDS THE REPAIR BECAUSE…

Dec 16, 2009 · Power train

I JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL GIVING ME AN UPDATE ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. I OWN A 2000 BMW 740I AND THE REVERSE ALSO WENT OUT ON THE TRANSMISSION AND I HAD TO HAVE IT REBUILT. I BELIEVE THAT BEING "A TOP OF THE LINE AUTOMOBILE" THE REVERSE SHOULD NOT BE FAILING.

740I model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 11211
2001 31521

All BMW 740I years →

Questions

Does the 2000 BMW 740I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2000 BMW 740I, the most recent reported on February 17, 2000 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 BMW 740I?
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (3 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (2).
How many 2000 BMW 740I complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 12 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 13, 2017.