1995 BMW 740I: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 9 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline; the 1996 and 1997 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Thumping noises from under rear seat of car while driving. Fuel tank imploding sucking itself inwards then cracking causing fuel to leak on to pavement while driving down the road. Driver not aware of this until parking and smelling fuel while standing near the car. After further research found a service bulletin dated february 1998 on this very issue which never became a recall.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2013
“When starting the car I smell strong odor of gas the fuel and mph meter moves up and down when turn to the left car makes loud rubbing sound and tires keep losing air brake light keep coming on. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2012
“While traveling on a highway, the engine of my 1995 bmw 740i failed due to one of the oil pump bolts falling out and into the engine. There is no safety device on these bolts to prevent them from just slipping out and causing the engine to fail. This incident, if occuring in a busy street or freeway could endanger other motorist as well as the occupants of the disabled vehicle. After researching this type of incident, I have found that this has become a common problem with bmw's and that bmw is aware of this yet they refuse to address this problem. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2003
Show 4 more owner reports
“While driving at any speed and with no warning if consumer hits a bump in the road front suspension will make a clunking loud noise. Dealer notified.*akjlg”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2002
“Consumer was traveling 65mph on highway, and while driving he started smelling smoke. Smoke was coming from the ceiling and dashboard.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2002
“I had to replace all the items mentioned, however I don't have the car anymore it was reopened on dec. 3, 2002 and I'm trying to fight the finance co. Wfs. Dt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2002
“Fuel is leaking at point where hose meets metal fuel line, causing fire hazard. Defect is same as mentioned in recall 95v238000. But, this vehicle was not included due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline
Recalls - 5 campaigns
THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM MOUNTING EYE ON THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE HUB CARRIER WAS PRODUCED WITH A CASTING FLAW.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR A CASTING FLAW IN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE CARRIER AND IF FOUND, REPLACE THE CARRIER.
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.
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.
FUEL SEEPAGE CAN OCCUR BETWEEN A HOSE AND THE METAL FUEL LINE ON EITHER END OF THE HOSE RESULTING IN FUEL ODOR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FUEL HOSES, FOUR METAL FUEL LINES AND ASSOCIATED CLAMPS.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ROAD GRIT AND GRAVEL ASSOCIATED WITH WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS CAN PENETRATE THE RUBBER OF THE LOWER FRONT SPRING MOUNTS AND ACCUMULATE IN THE MOUNTS CAUSING NOTCHES OR PITS TO DEVELOP. THESE NOTCHES CAN DEVELOP CRACKS RESULTING IN BREAKAGE OF A BOTTOM COIL OF THE SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND LOWER SPRING MOUNTS.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1995 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 1995 BMW 740I reliable?
NHTSA has 9 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 BMW 740I. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 1995 BMW 740I have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:rear. 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.