1997 BMW 740I
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 3 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 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 3 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly and hoses/lines/piping/fittings.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer complained about a cooling system problem. The hose that was connected to the radiator melted from the heat that came from the engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-05
Upper nipple with hose connector on radiator is made of plastic and breaks off with fragments left in the hose. This really should not be made of plastic as intensely hot water passes through it all the time. This amounts to an expensive repair.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-30
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
There seems to be a common defect in the '1995-'01 BMW 740 series gas tank. There is a problem that occurs that creates a vaccum in the tank which then makes the tank implode. It just crush in upon itself until it pops or a seam breaks somewhere.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-28
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1997-10-30Suspension97V140000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Road grit and gravel associated with winter road conditions can penetrate the rubber of the lower front spring mounts and accumulate in the mounts causing…
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front springs and lower spring mounts.
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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…
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2010-05-28Steering10E021000 Fcp groton is recalling certain steering center drag links, p/n 32 21 1 096 057, sold from December 1, 2009 through April 9, 2010 as replacement equipment for model year 1995 through 2001 BMW 740I…
Remedy: Fcp groton will notify owners and the tie rod will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 1, 2010. Owners may contact fcp groton toll-free at…
Buy-smart checklist
1997 BMW 740I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V140000 · Suspension
- Recall 97V131000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 10E021000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 1997 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 1997 BMW 740I?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 740I have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.