1993 BMW 740I
Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1993
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1993: 15 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 15 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 12 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
7 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and hoses/lines/piping/fittings.
Show complaint excerpts
Gaskets in engine, oil pan, and intake manifold have failed approximately 3 times after originals had to be replaced. Engine smoked and leaked oil onto manifold.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-15
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Consumer experienced problems with the electronic operators seat, it would completely recline to a horizontal position, on one occasion while driving, the seat reclined, causing loss of control, the vehicle struck a curb, damaging the transmission...
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-10-16
Also filed under Seats
Seats
3 of 15 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing power adjust and recliner.
Electrical system
2 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle caugt fire and burned completely up with in minutes after leaving BMW dealership.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-14
Air bags
2 of 15 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
The air bag light illuminated due to faulty module.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-20
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and carburetor system.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1996-09-30Exterior lighting96V111000 The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "Brake lights off" Position or in the "Brake lights on" Position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch.
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R
1997-10-30Vehicle speed control97V131000 The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to…
Remedy: Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. The clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from…
Buy-smart checklist
1993 BMW 740I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V111000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 97V131000 · Vehicle speed control
FAQ
- Is the 1993 BMW 740I 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 1993 BMW 740I?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1993 BMW 740I have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.