VehicleVerdict

1989 BMW 735i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 1989 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.

17

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other 735i years?

735i NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 735i years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 BMW 735i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine847%
Brakes424%
Electrical System424%
Visibility & Wipers16%

Does the 1989 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.

“ENGINE CONTINUALLY OVERHEATING AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF SEVERAL COOLING SYSTEM COMPONENTS, COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS DUE TO OVERHEATING, RECALL ON COMPONENT HOWEVER EXPERIENCED FAILURES PRIOR TO NOTICE (98V-178). MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“VEHICLE EXPERIENCES CONTINUED ELECTRICAL FAILURES, REPAIRS COMPLETED SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER CONTINUES TO FAIL CAUSING SHORTING OUT OF COMPONENTS AND VEHICLE STALLING. MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“THERMOSTAT BROKE AND BLEW A HOSE/HEATER DEVELOPED A CRACK, AND THIS FOGGED UP THE WINDOW. CONSUMER COULDN'T SEE. ALSO, ANTIFREEZE SMELL WAS IN THE CABIN, AND WATER PUMP BROKE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 2, 2000

1989 BMW 735i — common questions

Is the 1989 BMW 735i reliable?

The record is thin — 17 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 1989 735i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).

Does the 1989 BMW 735i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 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.