VehicleVerdict

1998 BMW 740i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1998 BMW 740i — 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.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other 740i years?

740i NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740i years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 BMW 740i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine325%
Electrical System217%
Visibility & Wipers217%
Speed Control18%
Transmission18%
Other18%
Brakes18%
Airbags18%

Does the 1998 BMW 740i have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ENGINE FAILED ENTIRELY, WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE. DRIVER ABLE TO RETAIN ENOUGH CONTROL TO BRING CAR TO HALT SAFELY ON SHOULDER. CAR TOWED TO TECHNICIANS. UPON INSPECTION, A HOLE WAS FOUND IN A CYLINDER, CAUSING COMPLETE ENGINE FAIURE TECHNICIANS INDICATE THAT ELECTRONIC FIRING FAILED, CAUSING A HOLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 10, 2003

“ENGINE FAILED ENTIRELY, WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE. DRIVER ABLE TO RETAIN ENOUGH CONTROL TO BRING CAR TO HALT SAFELY ON SHOULDER. CAR TOWED TO TECHNICIANS. UPON INSPECTION, A HOLE WAS FOUND IN A CYLINDER, CAUSING COMPLETE ENGINE FAIURE TECHNICIANS INDICATE THAT ELECTRONIC FIRING FAILED, CAUSING A HOLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 10, 2003

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INNERLINE OF THE FOUR DOORS HAD BECOME DISCOLORED AND WAS OBSCURING HER VISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DISCOLORATION WAS CAUSED BY THE MATERIAL THEY USED TO HELP AGAINST THE WINDOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 24, 2009

“AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DESPITE DIRECT HIT TO DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AT SIGNIFICANT SPEED WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. WE WANT TO OBTAIN AN INDEPENDENT APPRAISAL OF THIS SINCE THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS (AND WE DISPUTE) THAT THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 30, 2000 · crash

“UPON STARTING VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO REVERSE GEAR, ENGINE REVVED HIGH/VEHICLE MOVED BACKWARDS, BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO STOP VEHICLE, WHEN PUT INTO NEUTRAL ENGINE REVVED TO 6000-7000 RPMS. VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF/RESTARTED, PROBLEM WAS GONE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 9, 1999

1998 BMW 740i — common questions

Is the 1998 BMW 740i reliable?

The record is thin — 12 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 1998 740i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (2 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 1998 BMW 740i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 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.