2011 BMW 740LI

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system4
2. Engine3
3. Fuel/propulsion system3
4. Power train2
5. Unknown or other2
6. Air bags1
7. Structure1

Latest complaints

• Feb 29, 2024CA57,000 mi
  Power train
  The contact owns a 2011 BMW 740LI. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into park (P) and inadvertently shifted into neutral (N). The contact applied the parking brake while the transmission was shifted to neutral (N) to turn off the vehicle. The Transmission Malfunction message…

  The contact owns a 2011 BMW 740LI. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into park (P) and inadvertently shifted into neutral (N). The contact applied the parking brake while the transmission was shifted to neutral (N) to turn off the vehicle. The Transmission Malfunction message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

• Jan 5, 2022TX
  Electrical system · Structure › Body
  Vehicle is equipped with soft closing doors. Passenger door actuator malfunctioned which prevented the passenger door from locking. That malfunction short circuited the entire vehicle locking system. It created a unsafe driving condition which locked the driver side door from the inside and outside…

  Vehicle is equipped with soft closing doors. Passenger door actuator malfunctioned which prevented the passenger door from locking. That malfunction short circuited the entire vehicle locking system. It created a unsafe driving condition which locked the driver side door from the inside and outside of the vehicle. Basically locking the driver inside the car. The only way for the driver to exit the vehicle was to climb to another door. If the driver was in a accident and needed to exit the car immediately, he wouldn't be able to do it.

• Jan 4, 2022TX
  Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
  Electric water pump failed. While driving, engine overheated and warning light illuminated. I immediately pulled over and my car was towed in for repairs. Why wasn't the N54 engine not included in the recall campaign#11V-521? Also, my fuel line was found to be leaking when this car was towed in…

  Electric water pump failed. While driving, engine overheated and warning light illuminated. I immediately pulled over and my car was towed in for repairs. Why wasn't the N54 engine not included in the recall campaign#11V-521? Also, my fuel line was found to be leaking when this car was towed in for the electric water pump repairs. I did smell fuel on days prior to this incident, but I mistakenly ignored the smells. This whole incident had the potential to be catastrophic.

• Sep 28, 2020MI110,000 mi
  Fuel/propulsion system

  The car misfire due faulty injector they didn't replace the faulty injector with the new one

• Aug 26, 2020OH135,522 mi
  Power train

  The gear shifter blinks in neutral when the car IS in park. A notification on the display says "secure vehicle with parking break when stationary.

• Jan 2, 2020CA41,287 miCrash
  Electrical system
  Walking out of the grocery store I noticed my car had moved, hit the curb and damaged my bottom front bumper. I started and turned on my car and then noticed the shifter was on neutral and not parked. Shifter would only shift to any gear except for the parking gear. I drove my car home and tried…

  Walking out of the grocery store I noticed my car had moved, hit the curb and damaged my bottom front bumper. I started and turned on my car and then noticed the shifter was on neutral and not parked. Shifter would only shift to any gear except for the parking gear. I drove my car home and tried parking my car in the garage, but had to use the emergency parking so it wouldn't roll again. Shifter won't go back to parking gear ever since that day.

• Jul 7, 2018AL50,000 mi
  Unknown or other

  Headliner sagging and looks to have been poorly installed.

• Jun 18, 2018TX45 mi
  Air bags

  Airbag went out on 740 li 2011

• Mar 22, 2018AZ110,000 miFire
  Engine
  TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 740li. While the vehicle was stationary, the water pump failed. The contact stated that the wire of the auxiliary that connected to the water pump melted. The contact purchased a new auxiliary wire for the water pump, but complained of a burning odor inside the cabin…

  TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 740li. While the vehicle was stationary, the water pump failed. The contact stated that the wire of the auxiliary that connected to the water pump melted. The contact purchased a new auxiliary wire for the water pump, but complained of a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle even after the parts were replaced by chapman BMW in phoenix, arizona. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

• Nov 4, 2017GA102,500 mi
  Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other

  Oil gasket leak

• May 2, 2017CA84,000 mi
  Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
  Purchased the car in january 2012 from BMW concord as a leased vehicle. Mileage was 12,000 when purchased. In april 2017, transmission failure notice came on and car would not shift into reverse. We took the car to the BMW dealership in concord. Service center said transmission had completely…

  Purchased the car in january 2012 from BMW concord as a leased vehicle. Mileage was 12,000 when purchased. In april 2017, transmission failure notice came on and car would not shift into reverse. We took the car to the BMW dealership in concord. Service center said transmission had completely failed and needed to be replaced. Service center said high pressure fuel pump had also failed and needed to be replaced. Service analyst said it was unusual for a car with this mileage to see this kind of failure but he had seen it before.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
• 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
• 10247567Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE
• 10245422Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicles equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.
• 10230717For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
• 10230716With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC.
• 10227568According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. Or 2. ACSM fault code "930A1C - Front passenger seat occupancy detection transmitting fault(moisture)" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present.
• 10218398Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's front and rear air suspension strut assemblies (item # 1 Front and # 2 Rear, shown) to: 8 years/80,000 miles, as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. Other air suspension system-related components/issues are excluded from this coverage. This component-specific limited warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks.
• 10215746Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date.
• 10215024The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
• 10214990The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map North America JOY. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.
• 10211851This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NOT mandatory Technical Campaigns or Recalls. They should be completed only based on parts availability, workshop capacity, and the customer's schedule.
• 10200487TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
• 10199287CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al
• 10198894CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al
• 10188954COLLECTION OF DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS: BMW intends to perform evaluations and analyses on these side air bags.
• 10186215INCORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION FOR THE HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP IN ISTA: The current version of ISTA states the incorrect tightening torque for the High-Pressure pump M6 mounting bolts to the cylinder head cover. The correct tightening torque is only 12 Nm for the M6 bolts.
• 10184589COLLECTION OF DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS: BMW intends to collect approximately 300 sets of driver's and passenger's side air bags for evaluation. The selected vehicles for air bag replacement must have been predominantly driven/operated in high temperature & high humidity southern areas of the United States and its territories.
• 10181214Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If theignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally.
• 10179812CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary.
• 10179009NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. Your reports help us to detect changes in your area and keep future versions of our maps as accurate as possible. Therefore, a road map error or missing data must be reported directly to the map supplier.
• 10175267Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally.
• 10174320CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. This Service Information Bulletin: Is being published because vehicles are down for an extended period of time when researching system failures with ConnectedDrive or BMW Assist. Will assist you both in identifying the issue and providing technical support. CAUSE Not enough information is available for BMW NA engineers to assist the technician in diagnosing the root cause.
• 10174032AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle is connected to the diagnostic system ISTA to perform PDI/QC1 the step to activate the navigation system (part of Delete Transport Mode) will automatically request the INITIAL NAV enabling code (VIN-specific) without pre-ordering the enabling code. This enabling code will be automatically delivered through ISTA and it then activates the navigation system.
• 10174015TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a traffic light etc. Vehicle key trunk/tailgate button may be accidentally pressed thus opening the tailgate.
• 10172479LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSIONTO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES: This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated July 2019. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on.
• 10165266SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR CONNECTEDDRIVE. Security patches for non-safety critical vulnerabilities in BMW head units Entry Nav Entry Media NBT and NBT EVO.
• 10163995DIAGNOSTIC HINT: CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSPECTION AFTER LOSS OF CRANKSHAFT SIGNAL. In certain situations when the crankshaft position signal is lost while driving the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and an engine malfunction check control message (CCM #29) may be displayed. The engine may run roughly or with reduced power.
• 10163994The crankcase ventilation hoses may become brittle and break when they come in contact with hot engine components. One or more of the crankcase ventilation hoses are not FPM (fluoroelastomer) rubber material. The FPM rubber material is engine heat resistant. Or The plastic corrugated hoses are not fitted with the self-locking spacers. The self-locking spacers maintain an air gap between the hoses and the hot engine components.
• 10163026N63 ENGINE: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR PROCEDURES. While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational use of the vehicle.
• 10162458Headunit High: Vehicle Position Is Incorrect on the Navigation Map. The vehicle position on the navigation map is incorrect. With route guidance active, the vehicle is displayed: * In an incorrect location Or * Outside the planned route. The navigation system integrated in the Headunit High (HU-H) is not calibrated correctly.
• 10162457Radio and Air Conditioning Functions Inoperative, When Vehicle is Moving. All audio and heating/air conditioning functions cannot be controlled when the vehicle is moving. After the vehicle is turned off and has entered sleep mode (after approximately 30 minutes), the system operates normally. CAUSE: Software error in the audio and air conditioning control panel.
• 10162435Lane Change Warning Lamps on Side View Mirrors Are Too Dark. The lane change warning lamps (small and triangle-shaped) on the exterior door mirrors are too dark. This may occur when driving from light to dark conditions, such as: * Entering a tunnel * At twilight CAUSE: RLSS (Rain Light Solar Sensor) hardware error.
• 10162416"Power Reduction, FC 2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC 2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Faults are Stored in DME. The ""Service Engine Soon"" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally. The following faults are stored in the DME: * 2A82 VANOS intake - stiff; jammed mechanically * 2A87 VANOS exhaust - stiff; jammed mechanically * 130108 VANOS intake: control fault, position not reached * 130308 VANOS exhaust: control fault, position not reached For the N54 engine, the following secondary faults may also be stored: * 120408 Charge-air pressure control, cut-out: Boost pressure accumulation blocked * 3100 Boost-pressure control, deactivation - boost-pressure buildup prohibited CAUSE The VANOS faults can be caused by an insufficient oil pressure supply to the inlet VANOS adjustment unit. To effectively move the camshafts to the target positions in the specified time and under all engine conditions, sufficient oil pressure supply to the VANOS control pistons must always be available. If engine operation requires the VANOS system to quickly advance or retard the intake or exhaust camshaft, faults may be stored if the camshaft is ""late"", or does not reach the target position. In this situation, engine power may be reduced and a check control message is displayed. The consequential fault 3100 or 120408 can also be set in the DME fault memory as well."
• 10162402Rattling/Creaking Noise from Front Passenger's Side Instrument Panel. A rattling or clattering noise may be heard from the front passenger's side instrument panel, when driving on rough roads. CAUSE The front passenger's defroster air duct makes contact with the windshield.
• 10162401Rattling Noise from the Front Passenger's Side Glove Compartment Area. A rattling or clattering noise may be heard from the front glove compartment area when driving on rough roads. CAUSE The upper storage compartment, or (multimedia changer MMC, if equipped) holder makes contact with the glove compartment housing.
• 10162400Rattling Noise from Underneath the Instrument Panel. A rattling or clattering noise may be heard from the driver's or passenger foot well area while driving. CAUSE Tolerance excessive between the footwell air duct and the securing hooks.
• 10161555Service Information May 2019 Engine Electrical Systems B12 19 19 Technical Service. On the affected vehicles a DME software error prevents the Check Control Message (CCM) "Low Engine Oil Level" to be displayed in instrument cluster (Kombi) when the engine oil level drops below the minimum level.
• 10160286On the affected vehicles the CBS engine oil service interval has been reduced to 1 year/10000 miles to make these vehicles consistent with all other N63x engine equipped vehicles.
• 10160243On the affected vehicles the CBS engine oil service interval has been reduced to 1 year/10000 miles to make these vehicles consistent with all other N63x engine equipped vehicles.

Every BMW 740LI model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.