VehicleVerdict

1994 BMW 740i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1994 BMW 740i — 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

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other 740i years?

740i NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted24 complaints1993: 24 complaints1994: 9 complaints1995: 12 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 12 complaints1999: 9 complaints2000: 18 complaints2001: 24 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 1 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 1 complaints2016: 14 complaints2017: 11 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 3 complaints2023: 14 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 0 complaints
740i NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740i years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 BMW 740i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine444%
Steering222%
Speed Control111%
Suspension111%
Transmission111%

Does the 1994 BMW 740i have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

97V131000Speed ControlAugust 19, 1997 · 410,000 units

Defect

THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.

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.

“SINCE 1999 MY 1994 740I WITH 41,367 MILES HAS INTERIM CAR SHAKES ON THE STREET AND AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. FOR TWO YEARS THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS NOTHING AND WE SHOULD REPLACE THE MOUNTS. *AK NOW IN 2004 THE ENGINE SHAKES REAL BAD, LACKS POWER, AND A LOT OF GREY SMOKE IS COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 17, 2004

“WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, IT ROLLS BACK LIKE VECHICLE IS STILL IN REVERSE. DEALER CONTACTED.*JB REPLACED BUSHINGS AND IDLER ARM AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT. LEFT VALVE COVER GASKET REPLACED. REPLACED POWER STEERING RETURN CLAMP. REPLACED FRONT CONVERTER TO WELD. TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. *TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 1, 2002

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS CRUISE CONTROL LOCKED UP AT FULL THROTTLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO OVER 100 MPH WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKES, AS WELL AS ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 21, 2008

“WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, IT ROLLS BACK LIKE VECHICLE IS STILL IN REVERSE. DEALER CONTACTED.*JB REPLACED BUSHINGS AND IDLER ARM AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT. LEFT VALVE COVER GASKET REPLACED. REPLACED POWER STEERING RETURN CLAMP. REPLACED FRONT CONVERTER TO WELD. TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. *TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 1, 2002

“WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, IT ROLLS BACK LIKE VECHICLE IS STILL IN REVERSE. DEALER CONTACTED.*JB REPLACED BUSHINGS AND IDLER ARM AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT. LEFT VALVE COVER GASKET REPLACED. REPLACED POWER STEERING RETURN CLAMP. REPLACED FRONT CONVERTER TO WELD. TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. *TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 1, 2002

1994 BMW 740i — common questions

Is the 1994 BMW 740i reliable?

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.

Does the 1994 BMW 740i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 BMW 740i. 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.