VehicleVerdict

1998 BMW 740iL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 49 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median 740iL year — the 1998 model ranks #1 of 9 740iL years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (10), electrical system (9), and fuel system (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

49

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other 740iL years?

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

See all 740iL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 BMW 740iL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1020%
Electrical System918%
Fuel System714%
Brakes48%
Transmission48%
Suspension24%
Body & Structure24%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Latches & Locks24%
Lighting24%
Speed Control24%
Seat Belts12%
Airbags12%
Steering12%

Does the 1998 BMW 740iL 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.

“NO WARNING OTHER THAN A SLIGHT ANIT-FREEZE SMELL. UPON CHECKING OUT THE ODOR, UPPER RADIATOR NECK BETWEEN HOSE CLAMP AND RADIATOR JUST BROKE OFF SPEWING SCALDING HOT FLUID EVERYWHERE. LUCKILY HOOD WAS NOT COMPLETELY OPEN AT THE TIME. RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, NOT REPAIRABLE. OLD PART TOSSED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 28, 2005

“THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK. ALL DOORS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK. IF YOU PULL ON ANY OF THE DOORS DOOR HANDLE TWICE FROM THE INSIDE IT SHOULD OPEN. ALL OF THIS HAPPEN WHEN THE ALARM ACTIVATED WITHOUT ANY REASON. ALARM STOPPED WORKING AND DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 10, 2009

“FUEL TANK "TIN CANS" WHEN LOWER ON FUEL. FEAR DEGRADATION OF FUEL TANK. FROM OTHER SOURCES, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH BMWS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 12, 2011

“WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED A LIGHT COMES ON THE DASH WARNING ABOUT TRANSMISSION FAIL SAFE PROGRAM. WHEN THIS LIGHT COMES ON VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 9, 2003

“THIS IS ABOUT MY 1998 740IL BMW. TWO TIMES SINCE OWNING THIS VEHICLE THE ENGINE REVEVED UP WHEN I WAS PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL, NEARLY CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL. I FOUND THE PROBLEM. COMPARED TO MY PREVIOUS MERCEDES BENZ, THE ACCELARATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS ARE CLOSER TOGETHER. ALSO, THE BRAKE PEDAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 1, 2000

1998 BMW 740iL — common questions

Is the 1998 BMW 740iL reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 49 complaints put the 1998 model at #1 of 9 740iL years. It is one of the 740iL years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 740iL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints).

Does the 1998 BMW 740iL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 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.