BMW 740e Charging Cable

Quick recommendation

The BMW 740e takes a Type 2 to Type 2 cable, and the 16A version is the one we recommend. This is a plug-in hybrid with a 9.2 kWh battery, so the pack is small and there is nothing for a bigger cable to do. Save the money and put it towards a second cable for the boot.

Two plug-in 7 Series were sold in the UK. The 740e, 740Le and 740Le xDrive iPerformance ran from 2016 to 2019 with a 9.2 kWh battery. The 745e, 745Le and 745Le xDrive replaced them from 2019 to 2022 and carry 12 kWh. Both use the same Type 2 inlet, so one cable covers either car and the badge only changes how long a full charge takes.

BMW never published an AC charge rate for these cars, so we will not quote one. What we can tell you is what the pack does in practice. The 12 kWh 745e refills in roughly 3 hours 20 minutes on a 7 kW wallbox, and the smaller 9.2 kWh 740e finishes overnight on any wallbox you plug it into. That 745e figure is the useful clue: it works out well below what a 32A cable can carry, which means the car, not the cable, is setting the pace. A dearer cable will not shorten it.

So skip the 32A single phase cable and skip the three phase one too. A UK home is single phase and stops at 7.4 kW anyway, and neither car can use even that. The 16A cable at 3.7 kW is matched to the job, and it is lighter and easier to coil into a 7 Series boot.

A Type 2 to 3 Pin cable is a sensible second buy here rather than a first one. At 2.3 kW it puts the 9.2 kWh pack back in about four and a half hours and the 12 kWh pack in about six, which is fine for an occasional overnight fill at a friend's house or a hotel with no charge point.

For length, five metres works next to a wallbox and ten metres is the safer pick if you park nose out or use public posts. Type 2 to Type 2 cables are IP55 rated, Type 2 to 3 Pin cables are IP67, and every cable ships with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty and same-day dispatch on working-day orders placed before 2pm.

BMW 740e Charging Times

740e, 740Le and 740Le xDrive iPerformance, 2016 to 2019, 9.2 kWh battery

745e, 745Le and 745Le xDrive, 2019 to 2022, 12 kWh battery

BMW 740e Charging Cable FAQs

What cable does a BMW 740e use?

A Type 2 to Type 2 cable, and 16A is plenty. The 740e carries a 9.2 kWh battery and the later 745e carries 12 kWh, both small enough that a 3.7 kW cable empties the job overnight. The same cable fits every 7 Series plug-in hybrid built from 2016 to 2022.

Will a 32A cable charge my 740e faster?

No. The 745e refills in roughly 3 hours 20 minutes on a 7 kW wallbox, which is far less than a 32A cable can carry, so the onboard charger is the limit rather than the lead. Paying for 32A buys you a heavier cable and the same finish time on both cars.

How long does a BMW 745e take to charge?

About 3 hours 20 minutes from empty on a 7 kW wallbox for the 12 kWh pack. On a Type 2 to 3 Pin cable at 2.3 kW it stretches to around 6 hours. The earlier 9.2 kWh 740e needs about 4 hours 30 minutes on 3 pin and finishes overnight on any wallbox.

What is the difference between the 740e and 745e?

Model years and battery size. The 740e, 740Le and 740Le xDrive iPerformance ran from 2016 to 2019 with 9.2 kWh. The 745e, 745Le and 745Le xDrive took over from 2019 to 2022 with 12 kWh. Both use a Type 2 inlet, so one cable serves both and only the charge time changes.

Does a BMW 740i or 740d need a charging cable?

No. The 730d, 740d, 740i and 750i have no battery pack and no charging port, so nothing on this page fits them. Only the 740e and 745e badges plug in. If you are after the all electric 7 Series, that is the i7 and it has its own page on our site.

Is 5m or 10m better for a 7 Series?

Five metres is enough when the wallbox is on the same side as the car and within a couple of paces. Ten metres suits a long driveway, a car parked nose out, or public posts where you cannot choose your bay. A 7 Series boot swallows either length without complaint.