VehicleVerdict

1988 BMW 735i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 1988 BMW 735i — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

15

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other 735i years?

735i NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted17 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 15 complaints1989: 17 complaints1990: 6 complaints1991: 3 complaints1992: 7 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 1 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints
735i NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 735i years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 BMW 735i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine533%
Seats320%
Lighting213%
Speed Control213%
Other17%
Steering17%
Suspension17%

Does the 1988 BMW 735i have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

98V178000EngineAugust 4, 1998 · 340,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.

Consequence

IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BMW 735I. WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT SMELLED ANTIFREEZE FROM THE VENTS. THE ODOR WAS VERY STRONG AND FORCED HIM TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN. INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IS A FILM BUILD-UP OF ANTIFREEZE ON THE FRONT GLASS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 30, 2008

“CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE WHEN THE BRAKE WERE APPLIED AND VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 7, 1999 · crash

“MUSTARD COLORED RELAY (TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY) 61 31 1 378 052 SOLDER POINTS FAILED (SAME AS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED LKM MOSULE)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 1, 1998

“POWER STEERING SERVO VALVE LEAKS OIL/ ENGINE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING CAR TO CRASH, CAUSING INJURY, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. *MJS ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 2, 1999 · crash

1988 BMW 735i — common questions

Is the 1988 BMW 735i reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1988 735i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), seats (3 complaints), lighting (2 complaints).

Does the 1988 BMW 735i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 BMW 735i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.