2021 BMW 740I Engine Control Module Software Recall (24V576)

Recall 24V576 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021 BMW 740I in recall 24V576?

Please see the recall report for the complete list of models.

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

Is it safe to drive a 2021 740I with recall 24V576?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the software.

Which vehicles are included in recall 24V576?

Recall 24V576 covers 105,588 vehicles: 2021 BMW 740I; 2021 BMW 740XI.

NHTSA lists 105,588 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the 740I engine control module software recall?

Yes. Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge.

Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

When was recall 24V576 announced?

BMW of North America, LLC reported recall 24V576 to NHTSA on August 1, 2024. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as September 27, 2024.

This recall was filed 26 months ago. If your 740I was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my 740I is part of recall 24V576?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 24V576 is open on your 740I, it will be listed there.

The fastest check is NHTSA’s VIN lookup. Type in the 17 characters from your registration or insurance card. Because only some 2021 740I vehicles are included, the VIN check is the only reliable way to know. A brand-new recall may take several days to show up.

What should 740I owners do about recall 24V576?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 24V576000 applies to your 740I.
2. Call a BMW dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Write down when symptoms involving the software happen: date, mileage, speed, weather and what you felt or heard. Photos and short videos help.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the recall repair does not fix it, or the vehicle keeps going back for the same issue, talk to a lemon law attorney.

What are 740I owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 0 of them about the engine.

Too few NHTSA complaints about the engine have been filed since recall 24V576 was reported (0) to say whether the fix is holding.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 1 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 0 of them involve the engine. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2021 BMW 740I: 1 complaints in total, 0 about the engine
• 2021 BMW 740XI: 0 complaints in total, 0 about the engine

Can recall 24V576 make my 740I a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

Recall 24V576000 does not automatically make your 740I a lemon. California's Song-Beverly Act asks two questions: does a warranty defect substantially impair the vehicle's use, value or safety, and did the manufacturer fail to fix it in a reasonable number of tries (Civ. Code 1793.2(d))?

Engine defects can mean stalling, loss of power, oil consumption or overheating. When the same engine complaint brings the 2021 BMW 740I back to the dealer more than once, that history matters under California's lemon law.

A remedy is available. Many vehicles are fixed on the first try. If the problem returns after the recall repair, or the 2021 BMW 740I has needed other repairs for the same defect, those visits count toward a lemon law claim.

California law presumes a reasonable number of attempts has been made if, within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery, the same problem was repaired two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for any covered defect, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs more than 30 days in total (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Some of these require written notice to the manufacturer. A claim can still succeed outside that window.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 24V576