1999 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
- 8
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1999
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1999: 8 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 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
3 of 8 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer hit a tree, and the airbags failed to deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-13
The vehicle hit a tree, and the air bags failed to deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-19
Service brakes
2 of 8 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Tires
1 of 8 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing sidewall.
Power train
1 of 8 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Engine
1 of 8 total reports mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
BMW E38 have a high tendency for the guides for the camshaft chain (S) to fracture and come apart.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-15
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
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
1999 BMW 740I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 10E021000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 1999 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 1999 BMW 740I?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 BMW 740I have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.