Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1988 BMW 735 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
9
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 3 | 33% | new |
| Airbags | 2 | 22% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 11% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 11% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 11% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 11% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, FRONT SEAT CENTER, FOLD-DOWN ARM REST MAY CONTACT THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RELEASE BUTTON AND PREVENTING THE BELT TONGUE FROM LATCHING WHEN BUCKLING UP.
Consequence
OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH SHORTER VERSION THAT WILL NOT CONTACT THE ARMRESTS. NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION DATE; 2/90 IS PREPARED IN DRAFT FORM.
Defect
THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEATBACKS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY ATTACHED TO THE SEAT BASE RECLINING ARMS (ATTACHING BRACKETS).
Consequence
THERE MAY BE LOOSENESS OF, OR NOISE IN, THE SEATBACK;ALSO, DURING A SEVERE REAR IMPACT, SEATBACK MIGHT NOT SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT.
Remedy
MANUALLY SEAT THE SEATBACK ON THE BASE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER'S WIFE ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE WHEN IT ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE, INJURING CONSUMER'S WIFE. CONSUMER STATED THAT IT SEEMED AS IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK. *AK VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *SLC”
“CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO HIT ANOTHER ANOTHER VEHICLE. IN WHICH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BMW 735 I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD LOCK AUTOMATICALLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BECOME TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT…”
The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 BMW 735. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.