2012 BMW 740I
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 15 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 12 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN RESTING HIS LEFT KNEE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, HE WOULD INADVERTENTLY DEPRESS THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR BUTTONS. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD MOVE BACK AND FORTH INDEPENDENTLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131017
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN RESTING HIS LEFT KNEE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, HE WOULD INADVERTENTLY DEPRESS THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR BUTTONS. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD MOVE BACK AND FORTH INDEPENDENTLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131017
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
I PULLED IN TO MY HOME TO DISCOVER THAT MY BMW WAS LEAKING OIL AFTER TAKING IT TO A BMW SERVICE CENTER THEY DIAGNOSED AND INDEED I HAD AN OIL LEAK FROM THE GASKET HOUSING SEAL CAR WAS STILL OPERATING FINE UNTIL I TURN THE CAR ON ONE MORNING AND IT...
NHTSA ODI report, 20190306
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN THE RAIN, HE DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120405
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
I PULLED IN TO MY HOME TO DISCOVER THAT MY BMW WAS LEAKING OIL AFTER TAKING IT TO A BMW SERVICE CENTER THEY DIAGNOSED AND INDEED I HAD AN OIL LEAK FROM THE GASKET HOUSING SEAL CAR WAS STILL OPERATING FINE UNTIL I TURN THE CAR ON ONE MORNING AND IT...
NHTSA ODI report, 20190306
SAFETY TIMELINE
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, 535i Gran...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 17V067000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 BMW 740I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V067000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2012 BMW 740I reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 740I?
The most-reported component is visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:exterior, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 740I have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.