1993 BMW 740I: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1997
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 bmw 740i. While driving 73 mph, the contact attempted to decelerate, but was unsuccessful. He had to slam on the brake pedal to prevent a crash from occurring. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current milages were 120,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2008
“The engine completely failed on my 1994 bmw 740i. I understand that this model year has a known problem related to the sulphur content in america gasoline. Please inform me or any recall or recourse I may be able to take regarding this matter. Demetrius brandon (505) 265-1130”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2005
“While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to restart vehicle, but was unable to do so. The temperature light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic informed the consumer that the problem could not duplicated. Consumer told the mechanic that wires, and other parts to the vehicle had been replaced, but the problem still had not been resolved. Ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driver's seat on my 1993 bmw 740i reclined while car was in motion. Seat back went all the way down and will not move. This made me lose partial control of car, lucky I was able to pull over with out causing a serious accident. *jb”Owner report · Seats · May 2003
“The srs light came on in my vehicle and I took the vehicle into the dealer to have it inspected. They told me that the airbag module was defective and was in need of replacement at a significant cost. I asked them if the manufacturer covered this since an airbag module was not something that had moving parts nor was it a part that an owner has access to. They told me only if there was a recall on that part. They said that there were no current recalls on that part but I could file a complaint with NHTSA.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2003
“While driving power seat on the driver's side kept moving forward, pinning the driver against the steering wheel. Vehicle was taken to the dealership. Dealer removed the control unit because of the high cost of replacement, now seat cannot be moved manually or automatically. *ak *ml”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2000
“While drivng and applying the gas, there is a loss of power in the engine, and vehicle will not accelerate. Engine stays on when this happens. Dealer has not seen vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 1999
“Gaskets in engine, oil pan, and intake manifold have failed approximately 3 times after originals had to be replaced. Engine smoked and leaked oil onto manifold. Mr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1999
“While traveling noticed smoke, more smoke further down road. Pulled to side of road & lifted hood. Noticed coolant had leaked out. Also, hose to radiator was disconnected. Clamp still on hose & was cracked. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1998
“Vehicle was experiencing an engine coolant leak, the dealer found that the hose clamp was leaking which was then replaced.*jb engine was replaced, along with the water pump, engine pan, and valve covers. *slc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 1996
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1993 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 740I by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1993 BMW 740I reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 BMW 740I. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1993 BMW 740I have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:brake lights:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.