VehicleVerdict

1999 BMW 740ila problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1999 BMW 740ila — 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other 740ila years?

740ila NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted4 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 1 complaints1995: 0 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 0 complaints2001: 4 complaints
740ila NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740ila years to avoid →

Does the 1999 BMW 740ila 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.

1999 BMW 740ila — common questions

Is the 1999 BMW 740ila reliable?

The record is thin — 0 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 740ila have recalls?

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