1998 BMW 740IL
Only 26 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 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 26 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 26 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
9 of 26 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
Faulty radiators that have a design flaw that allows for the radiator neck to break off without notice and spray hot coolant everywhere.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-22
Vehicle stalled for no reason while driving approximately 70 MPH. Happened once before. Took to dealer, had entire computer system replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-10-21
Electrical system
6 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system.
Fuel system, gasoline
6 of 26 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Power train
4 of 26 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
Show complaint excerpts
When the vehicle is started a light comes on the dash warning about transmission fail safe program. When this light comes on vehicle cannot be driven. Vehicle had been to dealer four times for this problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-18
Service brakes
4 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving my BMW 740IL on 2-17-2015 when after getting onto the highway and accelerating, there was a loud boom noise and black pieces shot out onto the road in front of me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-02-25
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
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
1998 BMW 740IL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 10E021000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 1998 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 1998 BMW 740IL?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 740IL have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.