1998 BMW 740I
Only 8 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 8 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 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE FAILED ENTIRELY, WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE. DRIVER ABLE TO RETAIN ENOUGH CONTROL TO BRING CAR TO HALT SAFELY ON SHOULDER. CAR TOWED TO TECHNICIANS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031128
VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING, ALL COMPONENTS FAIL INCLUDING STEERING.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980604
2 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE FAILED ENTIRELY, WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE. DRIVER ABLE TO RETAIN ENOUGH CONTROL TO BRING CAR TO HALT SAFELY ON SHOULDER. CAR TOWED TO TECHNICIANS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031128
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INNERLINE OF THE FOUR DOORS HAD BECOME DISCOLORED AND WAS OBSCURING HER VISION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110124
1 of 8 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
UPON STARTING VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO REVERSE GEAR, ENGINE REVVED HIGH/VEHICLE MOVED BACKWARDS, BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO STOP VEHICLE, WHEN PUT INTO NEUTRAL ENGINE REVVED TO 6000-7000 RPMS. VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF/RESTARTED, PROBLEM WAS GONE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990409
SAFETY TIMELINE
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, 74
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 1-877-634-0
Campaign 10E021000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 BMW 740I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10E021000 (steering) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 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 1998 BMW 740I?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 740I have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.