Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1994 BMW 740iL — 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.
4
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 75% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 25% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE CONSUMER TEST DROVE THIS VEHICLE AND NOTICED ROUGH IDLE, IN WHICH HE FELT THAT THIS WAS A SIGN OF IMPENDING FAILURE. THE ENGINE IS PRONE TO PREMATURE FAILURE BEFORE 100K MILES. THE NAKASIL ENGINE IN BMW'S ARE PRONE TO UNNATURAL CYLINDER WALL EROSION, DUE TO THE GASOLINE CONTAINING SULFUR. THE…”
The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1994 BMW 740iL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 740iL years to avoid are 1998, 2001. The cleanest record among 740iL years belongs to 1994.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.