1996 BMW 740IL
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 11 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 9 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 12 |
| 1996 | 11 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 26 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 20 |
| 2001 | 26 |
Known problem areas
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
3 of 11 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The gas tank started to make popping noises and thumping sounds.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-05
Also filed under Engine
Vehicle speed control
3 of 11 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages and accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was involed in sudden acceleration while traveling on the highway with cruise control engaged at approximately 55 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-14
Also filed under Air bags and service brakes, hydraulic
Anytime you are accelerating the throttle cable will either get stuck or if you let off the gas pedal its will continue to accelerate. This can be very dangerous especially upon entering the highway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-07-24
Vehicle is experiencing sudden acceleration. As soon as the vehicle is started, the RPM's will rev up to 3500 rpms preventing the driver from putting the vehicle in gear without a possible crash.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-04
Latches/locks/linkages
2 of 11 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Service brakes
2 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 BMW 740IL. While parking the vehicle, the contact attempted to shut off the engine and exit the vehicle. As she turned the key and removed it from the ignition, the engine remained running and would not shut off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-14
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
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.
-
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
1996 BMW 740IL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Latches/locks/linkages: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V140000 · Suspension
- Recall 10E021000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 1996 BMW 740IL 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 1996 BMW 740IL?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 BMW 740IL have?
- 2 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.