BMW 740i years to avoid and best years
Newer BMW 740i years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones. 2016 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (12 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2013 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2015 at 0 (from 1 complaint). The BMW 740i 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2016 BMW 740i, 2 of 12 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
2014
2013
2015
2025–26
BMW 740i reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market BMW 740i. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 27.5 |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 27.5 |
| 2024 → | 0 | 0 | 5 | — | 27.5 |
| 2023 → | 0 | 0 | 9 | — | 27 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 24 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 23.5 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 23.5 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 23.5 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 23 |
| 2016 → Most | 2 | 12 | 0 | Electrical system | 24 |
| 2015 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 1 | Engine | 22 |
| 2014 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | 22 |
| 2013 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 1 | Air bags | 22 |
| 2012 → | 1 | 6 | 1 | Electrical system | 20 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- SAE 0W-30 (2012–2018 N55); SAE 0W-20 (2019–2022 B58); SAE 0W-12 (2023+; confirm under-hood label)
- Tire size
- 245/45R18–245/40R20 (2012–2022), 255/45R20–255/40R21 (2023+; trim-dependent) front / 245/45R18–275/35R20 (2012–2022), 255/45R20–255/40R21 (2023+; trim-dependent; staggered) rear
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA complaints and recalls for BMW 740i vehicles in the tracked years include air-bag, braking (vacuum pump lubrication campaigns such as 13V-454 on related N20 engines), lighting, and electrical themes shared across BMW 3/4/5/7/M lines. Confirm each campaign by VIN; many unit totals span multiple BMW models.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 740i years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2013 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2015 at 0 (from 1 complaint).
Which BMW 740i year has the most owner complaints?
2016 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (12 complaints). On the 2016 BMW 740i, 2 of 12 complaints name Electrical system.
How do BMW 740i owner complaints compare by year?
Newer BMW 740i years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones.
Which BMW 740i years are too early to compare?
The BMW 740i 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a US BMW 740i use?
SAE 0W-30 (2012–2018 N55); SAE 0W-20 (2019–2022 B58); SAE 0W-12 (2023+; confirm under-hood label)
What tire sizes fit a US BMW 740i?
Published US specs commonly list front 245/45R18–245/40R20 (2012–2022), 255/45R20–255/40R21 (2023+; trim-dependent) and rear 245/45R18–275/35R20 (2012–2022), 255/45R20–255/40R21 (2023+; trim-dependent; staggered); confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.
What NHTSA recalls affect the US BMW 740i?
NHTSA complaints and recalls for BMW 740i vehicles in the tracked years include air-bag, braking (vacuum pump lubrication campaigns such as 13V-454 on related N20 engines), lighting, and electrical themes shared across BMW 3/4/5/7/M lines. Confirm each campaign by VIN; many unit totals span multiple BMW models.