1998 BMW 740I Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 21, 2012 · 8 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 740I years
Not enough data 6th of 20 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 BMW 740I. That ranks 6th out of 20 740I model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (3 complaints, 38%), typically at around 49,306 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1998 BMW 740I problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine and Engine Cooling3 · ~49,306 mi
Electrical System2 · ~49,306 mi
Visibility2 · ~75,000 mi
Air Bags1
Power Train1 · ~111 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~111 mi
Unknown or Other1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine and Engine Cooling338%49,306——
Electrical System225%49,306——
Visibility225%75,000——
Air Bags113%———
Power Train113%111——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic113%111——
Unknown or Other113%———
Vehicle Speed Control113%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 1999, with 3 complaints
1998: 1199811999: 3199932000: 1200012003: 1200312011: 1201112012: 120121

n = 8 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1998 BMW 740I recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 1998 BMW 740I.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

I bought this vehicle in 2002 at 96k miles it has been nothing but problems, since buying vehicle, i have had water pump failure twice, replaced radiator twice , hoses & rings..two battery's front bumper, catalytic convertor l. Bay, changed.. Brakes & rotors changed nov. 11...... 3 weeks later as i…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Feb 21, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10448791

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 bmw 740i. The contact stated that the innerline of the four doors had become discolored and was obscuring her vision. The vehicle was taken into the dealer and they informed the contact that the discoloration was caused by the material they used to help against the window…

Visibility · received Jan 24, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10378478

Engine failed entirely, while passing a vehicle. Driver able to retain enough control to bring car to halt safely on shoulder. Car towed to technicians. Upon inspection, a hole was found in a cylinder, causing complete engine faiure technicians indicate that electronic firing failed, causing a hole…

Electrical System · received Nov 28, 2003 · NHTSA complaint 10047708

Airbags did not deploy despite direct hit to drivers side door at significant speed when they should have deployed. We want to obtain an independent appraisal of this since the manufacturer claims (and we dispute) that they should not have deployed. *ak

Air Bags · received Jun 14, 2000 · NHTSA complaint 724019

Upon starting vehicle and shifting into reverse gear, engine revved high/vehicle moved backwards, brakes were applied to stop vehicle, when put into neutral engine revved to 6000-7000 rpms. Vehicle was shut off/restarted, problem was gone.

Vehicle Speed Control · received Apr 5, 1999 · NHTSA complaint 544807

Other BMW 740I years

← 1997 740I · 1999 740I →

See all BMW 740I problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW 740I?

Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, electrical system, visibility problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1998 BMW 740I?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 1998 BMW 740I a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 740I model years, the 1998 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.