VehicleVerdict

1990 BMW 735i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1990 BMW 735i — 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.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other 735i years?

735i NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 735i years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 BMW 735i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine350%
Electrical System117%
Fuel System117%
Lighting117%

Does the 1990 BMW 735i have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

96V111000LightingJuly 1, 1996 · 180,000 units

Defect

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. FOLLOWING DRIVERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STOPPING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“RECALL 96V111000. BRAKE LIGHTS COMPUTER HAS A READOUT THAT SHOWS A DEFECT IN THIS SYSTEM WHICH OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER CONTACTED MANY TIMES AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. ALSO, RECALL 98V178000, COOLING SYSTEM. RADIATOR AND WATER PUMP WERE REPLACED. DEALER CONTACTED AND DID NOT REMEDY THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 1997

“RECALL 96V111000. BRAKE LIGHTS COMPUTER HAS A READOUT THAT SHOWS A DEFECT IN THIS SYSTEM WHICH OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER CONTACTED MANY TIMES AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. ALSO, RECALL 98V178000, COOLING SYSTEM. RADIATOR AND WATER PUMP WERE REPLACED. DEALER CONTACTED AND DID NOT REMEDY THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 1, 1997

“THIS MUSTARD COLORED MODULE CAUSES THE COMPUTER TO WARN THE DRIVER OF A FAILED PARKING LIGHT AND/OR TAIL LIGHT WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON. EVERY TIME THESE LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON, THIS MODULE SENDS A SIGNAL TO THE DRIVER. UPON INSPECTING THE LIGHTS WHEN THIS WARNING OCCURS, THE LIGHTS ARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 7, 1998

1990 BMW 735i — common questions

Is the 1990 BMW 735i reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1990 BMW 735i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 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.