BMW 740i Repair and Maintenance - Get an online auto repair estimate for your BMW 740i
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BMW 740i Repair and Maintenance
BMW 740i Model Years
BMW 740i Questions and Answers
I have recently been having problems with my bmw and my friend who is a mechanic (who is also fixing my car) told me that I need a crankshaft position sensor but that I need to get it from a bmw dealer and not a from auto shop because it may malfunction. Is this true?
Also I've had put a new battery, a starter, and just now a fuel pump (plus a fuel filter which he has not been put in. would that cause problems with the car starting?)
My car is a 1995 bmw 740i
the part is made by Bosch and no it does not make difference if you pick it up from the dealer or auto parts store as long as it is made by Bosch.
I take that back, there is a difference in label - one from BMW has BMW Roundel logo on it and is more expensive.
Really no difference at all but a lower price in most cases. You can buy parts made for the same manufacturer in the same assembly line and after the parts are built and piled up some go to BMW and some to other distributors. However some other part manufactures make parts for BMW but that brand or design was never used by BMW. I can't remeber right now the last time I bought directly from BMW. When is need a part only BMW has I go thru another seller that when after they get it from BMW my cost is lower than if I walked into BMW a dealerships parts department. I get customers in once in a while who tell me "dealer parts only please" Then I say from the dealer or another place? "whats the difference?" only price only price.
You are usually better to stick with dealership parts, but sometimes those parts are not always available at the dealer. Auto parts stores deliver to car dealer garages all the time. Sometimes the aftermarket parts from the parts stores are better than original because they have the bugs worked out that caused the original to fail.
A crank position sensor would keep the engine from not starting. The ones from the auto parts store are aftermarket, and lower quality than dealer ones. It's possible that it might malfunction, but you could get lucky and get one that will work for a long time.
I am a new driver that is looking for a good car. I have been looking on autotrader.com and I have come across a 1993 BMW 740i, we went to check out the car yesturday. It is a great car, clean body, clean title. The only thing that is wrong with it, it the head liner is coming off in the back, a minor power steering leak and most importantly is the computer that controls the dummy lights on the dash board. The car has not been registered since May 07. I am not sure if the car would pass smog test.
Thanks
if you need more info please email
if you want a BMW, aim for a newer one, avoid 740's, it said they were the WORST CAR TO BUY USED! Also avoid BMW 3 series, years 02 and under with automatics, cause they are known to have transmission problems that will cost about 8k to fix up. If you have your heart set on buying this 740, get it checked by a BMW dealer, and make sure you can do some maintenance on it. Another thing is look at all records on maintenance and everything, plus check reviews on the car.
carsurvey.org
edumunds.com
bmw forums
Never get fooled by shiny pretty used cars. Never get fooled by how well they drive. The 740 is not a good car all of them are plauged with many expensive repairs most of the problems can be ignored like the hydraulic fluid leak they all do that. But they are plauged with OH so many more expensive problems. The transmissions are weak and have a short life compared to all the other BMWs of that era. Expensive heater/ac problems all the time, gauges stop working, window regulators going bad and thats just the tip of the iceberg. TERRIBLE car to buy unless you have a lot of money and time you want to spend on your car.
Pass on the 7 series. Go with a used 3 series as it is much more reliable but smaller. I'm pretty sure you could get a 98 328i for the same price as a 93 740i.
DO NOT buy that car unless you plan on spending ALOT of money on parts and repairs. A friend had the same car he drove it till the car had a problem and never drove it again because it was too expensive to fix he bought a cheaper car and is driving it now (two years later0 good luck finding a new car. If your a new driver and if your money is limited try honda or chevy. Hondas run forever and are a really good buy. mid- price to fix and most models are sporty
You're kidding yourself if you think you'd be able to keep this car going for little money. The repairs/deficiencies you speak of will involve vast sums.
If you can learn to do repairs yourself definately worth getting!
Bimmerforums.com always helps me!!
Just be aware that the BMW and especially the 740i is the most expensive car, to maintain, in the world. They are nice cars. I know as I owned one, but the main reason I got rid of it was that every little thing that went wrong with it cost a fortune n parts. Even the batteries have to be imported from Germany as no American company makes them. The neutral safety switch went bad on mine making it unstartable. The switch was $350. The same part on a Ford would run about $30. And there is no such thing as a "minor" power steering leak. It costs the same to repair regardless of the size and if it isn't fixed you soon won't have any steering. Replacing the computer and correcting the smog problem are major cost factors. Not a good buy unless you just have a lot of money to sink into repairs.
I am a BMW fanatic and I do my on repairs. Do not let the initial price fool you, it will take a lot of your money to keep that car running.
BMW 740i Problems
| Engine |
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| Suspension & Steering |
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BMW 740i Recalls and TSBs
| Body, Interior & Misc. |
Recalls:None reported.TSBs:None reported. |
| Brakes |
TSBs:None reported. |
| Drive Train |
TSBs:None reported. |
| Electrical & Lights |
TSBs:None reported. |
| Engine |
Recalls:TSBs:None reported. |
| Exhaust & Emissions |
Recalls:None reported.TSBs:None reported. |
| Heating & Air Conditioning |
Recalls:None reported.TSBs:None reported. |
| Suspension & Steering |
TSBs:None reported. |
BMW 740i Recalls
Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT
Defect Summary: THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
Consequence Summary: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. FOLLOWING DRIVERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STOPPING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
Recall Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKES; HYDRAULIC; SWITCH; BRAKE LIGHT. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN AUGUST 5, 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Drive Train: TIRES:SIDEWALL
Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES. THE DAMAGED AREA COULD WEAKEN TO THE POINT WHERE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE COULD OCCUR.
Consequence Summary: HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Recall Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Drive Train: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Summary: THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
Consequence Summary: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY THE END OF OCTOBER 1997. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Drive Train: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Defect Summary: THE THROTTLE CABLE'S TUBE (OUTER CASING) CONTAINS A BEND THAT LEADS TO INCREASED LOADING OF THE INNER CABLE, CAUSING IT TO BREAK.
Consequence Summary: BREAKAGE OF THE INNER CABLE WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO RETURN OR REMAIN AT IDLE. LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Corrective Summary: BMW DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE.
Recall Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL; THROTTLE LINKAGES; ACCELERATOR.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS; IA AND ILA MODELS.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THEREMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT BMW SERVICE CENTER AT 1-201-573-2100. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Electrical & Lights: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
Consequence Summary: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 15, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Consequence Summary: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Recall Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Consequence Summary: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Recall Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Engine: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect Summary: FUEL SEEPAGE CAN OCCUR BETWEEN A HOSE AND THE METAL FUEL LINE ON EITHER END OF THE HOSE RESULTING IN FUEL ODOR.
Consequence Summary: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FUEL HOSES, FOUR METAL FUEL LINES AND ASSOCIATED CLAMPS.
Recall Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL LINES; HOSES; NON-METALLIC.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME,SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ROAD GRIT AND GRAVEL ASSOCIATED WITH WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS CAN PENETRATE THE RUBBER OF THE LOWER FRONT SPRING MOUNTS AND ACCUMULATE IN THE MOUNTS CAUSING NOTCHES OR PITS TO DEVELOP. THESE NOTCHES CAN DEVELOP CRACKS RESULTING IN BREAKAGE OF A BOTTOM COIL OF THE SPRING.
Consequence Summary: THE VEHICLE'S RIDE HEIGHT COULD BE AFFECTED CAUSING NOISE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE'S DYNAMIC STABILITY CAN BE AFFECTED REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND LOWER SPRING MOUNTS.
Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY THE END OF OCTOBER 1997.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION:REAR
Defect Summary: THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM MOUNTING EYE ON THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE HUB CARRIER WAS PRODUCED WITH A CASTING FLAW.
Consequence Summary: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE CARRIER EYE COULD CRACK AND BREAK WHILE DRIVING CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL AND INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR A CASTING FLAW IN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE CARRIER AND IF FOUND, REPLACE THE CARRIER.
Recall Notes: SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; SINGLE AXLE; REAR.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
BMW 740i Technical Service Bulletins
None reported.