VehicleVerdict

1997 BMW 740i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1997 BMW 740i — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other 740i years?

740i NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740i years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 BMW 740i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine267%
Fuel System133%

Does the 1997 BMW 740i have recalls?

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

10E021000SteeringMay 27, 2010 · 150 units

Defect

FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.

97V140000SuspensionAugust 22, 1997 · 29,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ROAD GRIT AND GRAVEL ASSOCIATED WITH WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS CAN PENETRATE THE RUBBER OF THE LOWER FRONT SPRING MOUNTS AND ACCUMULATE IN THE MOUNTS CAUSING NOTCHES OR PITS TO DEVELOP. THESE NOTCHES CAN DEVELOP CRACKS RESULTING IN BREAKAGE OF A BOTTOM COIL OF THE SPRING.

Consequence

THE VEHICLE'S RIDE HEIGHT COULD BE AFFECTED CAUSING NOISE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE'S DYNAMIC STABILITY CAN BE AFFECTED REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND LOWER SPRING MOUNTS.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“UPPER NIPPLE WITH HOSE CONNECTOR ON RADIATOR IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND BREAKS OFF WITH FRAGMENTS LEFT IN THE HOSE. THIS REALLY SHOULD NOT BE MADE OF PLASTIC AS INTENSELY HOT WATER PASSES THROUGH IT ALL THE TIME. THIS AMOUNTS TO AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 29, 2003

“THERE SEEMS TO BE A COMMON DEFECT IN THE '1995-'01 BMW 740 SERIES GAS TANK. THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT OCCURS THAT CREATES A VACCUM IN THE TANK WHICH THEN MAKES THE TANK IMPLODE. IT JUST CRUSH IN UPON ITSELF UNTIL IT POPS OR A SEAM BREAKS SOMEWHERE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME YESTERDAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 28, 2003

1997 BMW 740i — common questions

Is the 1997 BMW 740i reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 BMW 740i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 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.