Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1988 BMW 750 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 67% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 33% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, FRONT SEAT CENTER, FOLD-DOWN ARM REST MAY CONTACT THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RELEASE BUTTON AND PREVENTING THE BELT TONGUE FROM LATCHING WHEN BUCKLING UP.
Consequence
OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH SHORTER VERSION THAT WILL NOT CONTACT THE ARMRESTS. NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION DATE; 2/90 IS PREPARED IN DRAFT FORM.
Defect
ACCELERATOR PEDALS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR PAN DURING ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, PEDAL MAY BECOME STUCK AND NOTFULLY RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE DRIVER REMOVES HIS FOOT FROM THEPEDAL CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
COMPLETELY SEAT LUGS IN THE RECESSES OF THE FLOOR PAN TO ASSURE PROPER ATTACHMENT OF THE GAS PEDAL.
Defect
THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEATBACKS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY ATTACHED TO THE SEAT BASE RECLINING ARMS (ATTACHING BRACKETS).
Consequence
THERE MAY BE LOOSENESS OF, OR NOISE IN, THE SEATBACK;ALSO, DURING A SEVERE REAR IMPACT, SEATBACK MIGHT NOT SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT.
Remedy
MANUALLY SEAT THE SEATBACK ON THE BASE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“IGNITION COIL SHORTD OUT, CAUSING ELECTRONIC CHIP (DME) CONTROLLING ENGINE TO BURN OUT, WHICH IN TURN, RESULTED IN (EML) WHICH CONTROL FUEL FLOW TO BURN OUT. *AK”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 BMW 750. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.