Own a BMW 740I in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the BMW 740I for model years 2011 to 2016. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help 740I owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 28 owner complaints on file for the 740I and 2 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (7), seat belts (4), electrical system (4).
Most-Reported BMW 740I Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the 740I (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 25% | |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 14% | |
| Electrical System | 4 | 14% | |
| Structure | 2 | 7% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | 7% | |
| Power Train | 2 | 7% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 7% | |
| Visibility | 1 | 3% |
Engine
7 of the 28 complaints (25%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Seat Belts
4 of the 28 complaints (14%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Electrical System
4 of the 28 complaints (14%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
BMW 740I Complaints by Model Year
The 740I model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2016, 2011, 2012. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 7 | |
| 2012 | 6 | |
| 2013 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 12 |
BMW 740I Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the 740I, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a BMW.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your 740I? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
BMW 740I Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 740I in these model years, most often involving power train, exterior lighting. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2017 recall, Power Train (campaign 17V067000): BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive,...
- 2017 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 17V379000): BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the 740I, 2 involved a crash, 3 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a BMW 740I Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a BMW will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a 740I that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for 740I owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used BMW 740I, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
BMW 740I Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix BMW 740I repair service, or choose a service below.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →BMW 740I FAQ
What are the most common problems with the BMW 740I?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the BMW 740I are engine (7), seat belts (4), electrical system (4). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which 740I model years have the most complaints?
The 740I model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2016, 2011, 2012. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the BMW 740I?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the BMW 740I. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the BMW 740I have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the BMW 740I across model years 2011 to 2016. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the BMW 740I in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains BMW vehicles including the 740I, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used BMW 740I?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my BMW 740I in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More BMW Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.