MYRModel Year Report

1997 BMW 740IL

○ Not enough data
1997 BMW 740IL
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:33:13.232Z

Only 19 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 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 740IL Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1993: 9 complaints 1993 1994: 3 complaints 1995: 12 complaints 1995 1996: 11 complaints 1997: 19 complaints 1997 1998: 26 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 20 complaints 2001: 26 complaints 2001
1997: 19 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19939
19943
199512
199611
199719
199826
19996
200020
200126

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SUSPENSION

4 of 19 total reports mention: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS .

NHTSA ODI report, 20140928

STEERING

4 of 19 total reports mention: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS .

NHTSA ODI report, 20140928

SUSPENSION

2 of 19 total reports mention: suspension.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF HAD A REALLY STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OPENED UP THE HOOD AND HAD A FLAME DOWN AT THE THERMOSTAT AREA.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080219

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19971030 — suspension

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 N

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND LOWER SPRING MOUNTS.

Campaign 97V140000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20100528 — steering

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

1997 BMW 740IL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 97V140000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 10E021000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 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 1997 BMW 740IL?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 740IL 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.