Table 1 shows one common electrical system related problems of the 2023 BMW 740.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Electrical System problems |
My 2023 BMW 740i has experienced the same serious failure twice at approximately 21,000 miles. The exact component causing the failure is currently unknown. The vehicle is available for inspection and is currently being returned to an authorized BMW dealer for diagnosis. During the first incident, while driving, multiple warnings suddenly appeared involving chassis stabilization, regenerative braking, the parking brake/roll-away system and drivetrain. The warnings escalated to “stop. Apply parking brake” and “drivetrain malfunction. You cannot continue driving. ” shortly afterward, the vehicle became completely immobilized and could not be shifted into drive, reverse or neutral. It had to be towed to an authorized BMW dealer. BMW diagnosed the first incident as a failed 12v battery and replaced the battery under warranty. Only days after receiving the vehicle back with the new battery, the same failure occurred again while I was driving. Warning messages appeared stating “drive carefully. Chassis stabilization,” “regenerative braking,” and “vehicle may roll. Brake manually. ” the vehicle then displayed “stop. Apply parking brake. Drivetrain malfunction. You cannot continue driving. ” once the final warning appeared, I had approximately 30 seconds to get out of active traffic before the vehicle became completely immobilized. I was fortunate to reach a parking area. Once stopped, the vehicle again could not be shifted into drive, reverse or neutral and required another tow. My primary safety concern is the extremely short amount of time between the warning to stop driving and complete immobilization. If this occurred on an interstate, railroad crossing, busy intersection or another location without an immediate safe place to stop, the vehicle could become disabled in active traffic. The first BMW repair did not correct the condition. The vehicle is now undergoing diagnosis for the second occurrence.
On [xxx] approx [xxx] pm, my 2023 BMW 740i (VIN [xxx], 46,093 mi, software 03/2026. 30) suddenly accelerated on its own with no accelerator input from me. I was driving under 30 mph in odessa, TX, shortly after making a left turn from [xxx] onto [xxx]. Once I felt the acceleration, I gradually braked while checking the hud, which confirmed cruise control was not engaged. I also confirmed the accelerator pedal was not obstructed - the vehicle has only factory BMW all-weather floor mats, no aftermarket mats or parts. The vehicle came under control as I braked. No collision, no damage, no injuries, and no dashboard warning lights before, during, or after. Weather was clear, no precipitation. I purchased this vehicle new in may 2023. After the turning maneuver and settling on a straight path, then the acceleration began, the petal was pressed but the speed exceeded petal demands. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).