2020 BMW 740I: common problems
The maker issued 238 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 238
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: RWD, AWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 98 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 83 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Air bags | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually…
The manual starting of electronic engine oil level measurement from inside the vehicle, usually afterperforming an engine oil service task, is inoperative or it may lock up at between a 15% to 30% completionrate.
- The NVLD modules limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15…
The NVLD modules limited warranty for defects in materials and/or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the vehicles original in-service / first delivery date.
- Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote…
Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a BMW Data Services trigger for Remote Services(remote engine start, lock/unlock/climate conditioning) will not be able to reactivate the TCB2. Due to this issue…
- The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been…
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
- THE FRONT AND REAR AIR SUSPENSION STRUT ASSEMBLIES LIMITED WARRANTY FOR DEFECTS IN MATERIALS OR…
THE FRONT AND REAR AIR SUSPENSION STRUT ASSEMBLIES LIMITED WARRANTY FOR DEFECTS IN MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 8 YEARS /80,000 MILES AS DETERMINED FROM THE ORIGINAL IN-SERVICE DATE.
- It was found that a radio IHKA control panel without a CD slide compartment has been installed due to a…
It was found that a radio IHKA control panel without a CD slide compartment has been installed due to a logistics error in production. A CD cannot be inserted and the radio IHKA control panel should therefore be…
- Service Action
Starter MotorHigh impact energy may cause the circlip for the starter motor pinion positioning to break which may cause the pinion to move in the direction of the starter jaw, causing damage of the starter motor. Also…
- One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored
- There is a jerking or shuddering during either or both of the following
Cornering or accelerating from low speeds Driving with low to medium loads There are no warning lights or Check Control messages.
- Bearing Shell Return
- A check control message is displayed, indicating that the parking assistance systems have…
A check control message is displayed, indicating that the parking assistance systems have limitedfunctionality due to errors detected within PDC sensors. The warning indicates parking assistance featureshave limited…
- SITUATION BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Recall (effective April 23, 2021) on a certain Model…
SITUATION BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Recall (effective April 23, 2021) on a certain Model Year 2020 - 2021 BMW vehicles that were produced between August 13, 2019 and December 11, 2020. Do not deliver…
NHTSA lists 238 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2020 BMW 740I?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 238 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2020 BMW 740I?
NHTSA lists 238 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2020 BMW 740I from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2020 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.