The contact owns a 1998 BMW 740il. While refueling he noticed gas was leaking form underneath the vehicle. Once he stopped pumping gas it stopped leaking. This failure recurred whenever he would refuel the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be examined for the cause of failure. Over time he began to hear a thumping noise coming from the fuel tank while driving or stopped. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where he was informed there was a split on one of the seems for the fuel tank. The vehicle was then taken to another independent repair shop where the fuel tank was repaired. The thumping failure continued to recur so the vehicle was taken back to an independent repair shop where the fuel tank was replaced. The thumping failure continues to recur. The failure mileage was 178,000 and the current mileage was 180,000.

- Memphis, TN, USA

Notice a bumping sound for rear of car when stopped and running. Fuel tank is imploding!! also, noticed that gas tank makes a whoosing/sucking sound whine the gas cap is removed. Heavy gas fumes when the car is sitting. Noticed very strong gas fumes.....gas tank is now leaking! I have taken the car to the dealer and am awaiting to here back form them. Was told that this is a normal issue with the 740il. Was told that I need to have the tank removed and replaced with a new unit. Quite costly!!! was told that BMW has a service bulletin for vent lines but they were not very helpful. Called salvage yards hoping to find a used tank and was told that 740 tanks are very hard to find because they all spring leaks. If this is happening often why not have BMW address the issue??

- Hixson, TN, USA

The consumer states approximately 4 days ago the cluster on the dash went out the turn signal stopped working on the inside of the vehicle, but they were working on the outside of the vehicle. Called dealership, they informed contact to bring in the vehicle. Monday, May 9, the vehicle started chugging, as if running out of gasoline. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealership stated there was damage to the fuel tank. The contact searched the vehicle but he did not see anything wrong with the fuel tank. The consumer for the last 4 years has been having problems with the rear lights (electrical system) of the vehicle. The consumer has changed the bulbs for the lights several times and the same problem occur. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership where they determined that it is a defect in the rear lights, such as melting plastic concepts, and the problem has not been solved. By the rear lights going out and having a defect in them this can cause a rear end accident, which the consumer is worried about.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA