VehicleVerdict

1995 BMW 740iL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 1995 BMW 740iL — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

13

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other 740iL years?

740iL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted49 complaints1993: 10 complaints1994: 4 complaints1995: 13 complaints1996: 14 complaints1997: 27 complaints1998: 49 complaints1999: 7 complaints2000: 23 complaints2001: 33 complaints
740iL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740iL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 BMW 740iL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine431%
Visibility & Wipers323%
Seat Belts18%
Electrical System18%
Speed Control18%
Steering18%
Seats18%
Fuel System18%

Does the 1995 BMW 740iL have recalls?

4 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.

95V238000Fuel SystemDecember 11, 1995 · 18,000 units

Defect

FUEL SEEPAGE CAN OCCUR BETWEEN A HOSE AND THE METAL FUEL LINE ON EITHER END OF THE HOSE RESULTING IN FUEL ODOR.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FUEL HOSES, FOUR METAL FUEL LINES AND ASSOCIATED CLAMPS.

95V192000SuspensionOctober 11, 1995 · 3,000 units

Defect

THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM MOUNTING EYE ON THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE HUB CARRIER WAS PRODUCED WITH A CASTING FLAW.

Consequence

IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE CARRIER EYE COULD CRACK AND BREAK WHILE DRIVING CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL AND INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR A CASTING FLAW IN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE CARRIER AND IF FOUND, REPLACE THE CARRIER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“RADIATOR FAN EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. PIECES OF FAN FLEW THROUGHOUT ENGINE BAY (HOOD DENTED UPWARDS 2 INCHES) BROKEN PIECES OF FAN LODGED UNDER THROTTLE MECHANISM - WEDGED THROTTLE WIDE OPEN. CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELLERATE EVEN UNDER FULL BRAKING (TO LIMIT OF MY STRENGTH). HAD TO SHUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 19, 2005

“AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT HAS FAILED, AND WILL NOT COME BACK OUT . IT IS STUCK IN A CLOSED POSITION, CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL 95V238000 FOR FUEL HOSE LEAKAGE. THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN 1996 BUT FUEL BEGAN TO LEAK AGAIN. THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE HOSES TWICE SINCE THE RECALL AND THEY ARE LEAKING AGAIN *AK *NLM ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 1, 2002

“WHEN I GET INTO MY CAR THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND I CAN'T GET IT UNLOCKED UNLESS I TURN ON AND OFF MY CAUTION LIGHTS OR MOVE THE BUTTON BACK AND FORTH ON THE CONSOLE THAT HAS AN A ON ONE END AND A M ON THE OTHER. AS SOON AS I GET OUT OF THE CAR IT LOCKS AND WON'T MOVE UNLESS I DO THAT AND I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 10, 2013

1995 BMW 740iL — common questions

Is the 1995 BMW 740iL reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1995 740iL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints), steering (1 complaints).

Does the 1995 BMW 740iL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 BMW 740iL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 740iL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 740iL years to avoid are 1998, 2001. The cleanest record among 740iL years belongs to 1994.

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.