1998 BMW 740
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 9 |
| 2001 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
3 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing control module and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer had accidentally locked herself in her car; consumer was getting out of vehicle when she droped her key, she though she drop it inside the vehicle, unaware the remote key fell between the door and door frame when she closed the door;...
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-06-13
Consumer was getting out of the car when she dropped remote control key. Thinking it dropped within the vehicle closed the door, not knowing it fell between the door and the door frame. Closed the door, thinking the key was inside the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-06-10
Visibility
1 of 9 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls.
Steering
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt: the consumer experienced problems with the steering. The steering locked up and the check engine light came on a few minutes later. The consumer went into another lane of traffic, but was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-09-02
Seats
1 of 9 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing power adjust.
Equipment
1 of 9 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift.
Show complaint excerpts
After jacking the vehicle up, the jack suddenly colasped. Consumer foot was almost injured as a result. Please provide any further information.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-07
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1998 BMW 740 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1998 BMW 740 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW 740?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 740 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.