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 PER YEAR
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 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 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.
3 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20011016
2 of 15 total reports mention: seats.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20011016
2 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow 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. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021015
2 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAUGT FIRE AND BURNED COMPLETELY UP WITH IN MINUTES AFTER LEAVING BMW DEALERSHIP.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020514
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 96V111000 — check if this car was fixed
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 ENVI
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 TH
Campaign 97V131000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1993 BMW 740I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V111000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V131000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
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 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 BMW 740I have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.