1997 BMW 740IL
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.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 19 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 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Suspension
6 of 19 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing coil springs.
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, 2014-09-28
Also filed under Steering
Engine and engine cooling
5 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly and cooling system.
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, 2008-02-19
Also filed under Electrical system
Steering
4 of 19 total reports mention: steering.
Service brakes
2 of 19 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Traction control warning light. BMW service center says that they can't communicate with my vehicle thereby can't diagnose problem(S). Vehicle stationary in shop.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-05
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and power train
Air bags
2 of 19 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving between 40-50 MPH hit a concrete post direct center of vehicle. Theere was deployment of driver's or passenger's side airbags. Also this vehicle is equipped with side airbags which did not deploy. Cause unknown.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-14
Air bag indicator light failed twice.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-07-30
Safety timeline
2 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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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
1997 BMW 740IL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V140000 · Suspension
- Recall 10E021000 · Steering
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 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 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.