VehicleVerdict

1999 BMW 740ia problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1999 BMW 740ia — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other 740ia years?

740ia NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted2 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 0 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 2 complaints
740ia NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740ia years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 BMW 740ia problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System150%
Speed Control150%

Does the 1999 BMW 740ia have recalls?

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

99V004000Electrical SystemJanuary 4, 1999 · 1,615 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THICKNESS OF THE MAIN POSITIVE ELECTRICAL CABLE (GENERATOR TO STARTER) INSULATION IS LESS THAN SPECIFIED, MAKING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO BEING ABRADED OR CUT BY THE CLIP THAT SECURES THE CABLE TO THE GENERATOR.

Consequence

THE CABLE INSULATION CAN BE WORN AWAY, EXPOSING THE WIRE. THE WIRE COULD CONTACT THE CLIP OR A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL APPLY A THICKNESS OF INSULATING TAPE TO THE CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE CLIP, AND INSTALL A REVISED CLIP.

99V005000TransmissionJanuary 4, 1999 · 249 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5HP24 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PREMATURE WEAR OF THE RING GEAR CAN OCCUR, LEADING TO THE LOSS OF 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND REVERSE GEARS.

Consequence

IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, THE CAR MAY NO LONGER OPERATE IN REVERSE, 1ST, 2ND, OR 3RD GEARS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“LEAKING FUEL LINE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT CLOSE TO EXHAUST. LEAKING FUEL IS ALSO VAPORIZED AND FUMES GET INTO VEHICLE AND CAUSE DISCOMFORT AND NAUSEA. FUMES COULD IGNITE HARMING OCCUPANTS AND OTHERS ON THE ROADWAY. THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR OWNERS OF THE BMW E38 AND MANY OTHER MODELS. WHAT I HAVE FOUND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 20, 2009

“THE GAS PEDAL IS AT A POOR POSTION, MY WIFE PATRICIA AND MYSELF GET LEG CRAMPS FROM DRIVING OUR 740 IA AFTER A SHORT TIME.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 16, 2000

1999 BMW 740ia — common questions

Is the 1999 BMW 740ia reliable?

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

Does the 1999 BMW 740ia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 BMW 740ia. 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.