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BMW 740I — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every BMW 740I model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
24
Years to Avoid
2017, 2014, 2013, 2012
Best Years
2000, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1993
2026
0 complaints0 recalls8 TSBs
2025
0 complaints3 recalls65 TSBs
2024
4 complaints5 recalls130 TSBs
2023
20 complaints9 recalls99 TSBs
2022
0 complaints0 recalls72 TSBs
2021
3 complaints2 recalls157 TSBs
2020
1 complaints2 recalls238 TSBs
2019
7 complaints1 recalls232 TSBs
2018
6 complaints0 recalls231 TSBs
2017Avoid
11 complaints0 recalls355 TSBs
2016
14 complaints0 recalls26 TSBs
2015
1 complaints1 recalls206 TSBs
2014Avoid
1 complaints1 recalls254 TSBs
2013Avoid
1 complaints1 recalls300 TSBs
2012Avoid
6 complaints1 recalls287 TSBs
2001
24 complaints4 recalls8 TSBs
2000Best Year
18 complaints2 recalls8 TSBs
1999Best Year
9 complaints1 recalls5 TSBs
1998Best Year
12 complaints1 recalls11 TSBs
1997
3 complaints3 recalls15 TSBs
1996Best Year
1 complaints3 recalls9 TSBs
1995
12 complaints5 recalls7 TSBs
1994Best Year
9 complaints2 recalls3 TSBs
1993Best Year
24 complaints2 recalls3 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which BMW 740I Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2017, 2014, 2013, 2012 BMW 740I are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used BMW 740I, consider the 2000, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1993 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

24 model years analyzed