Carlexica

1995 BMW 740IL: problems, recalls and reliability

4 recalls and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2010

4
recalls
12
owner complaints
1
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest 740IL years (#5 of 6 by complaints, age-adjusted)1 fire report

Common problems

Computed from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 12 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)4 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)3 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)1 complaint
Seats1 complaint
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)1 complaint
Seat Belts1 complaint
When I get into my car the steering wheel is locked and I can't get it unlocked unless I turn on and off my caution lights or move the button back and forth on the console that has an a on one end and a m on the other. As soon as I get out of the car it locks and won't move unless I do that and I haven't figured out why this is happening. It just started within the last week. I need to know if this will cause me to have an accident and if I need to let the car sit until I get it fixed? *trOwner report · Steering · Jun 2013
Radiator fan exploded while driving on freeway. Pieces of fan flew throughout engine bay (hood dented upwards 2 inches) broken pieces of fan lodged under throttle mechanism - wedged throttle wide open. Car continued to accellerate even under full braking (to limit of my strength). Had to shut engine off and steer off freeway without power steering or brakes.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2005
The engine collapsed without warning. The dealer diagnosed the problem as broke piston, which caused the engine rod and cylinder to fail. *jbOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2003
Show 5 more owner reports
The vehicle was included in recall 95v238000 for fuel hose leakage. The recall was performed in 1996 but fuel began to leak again. The consumer has replaced the hoses twice since the recall and they are leaking again *ak *nlmOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2002
Clogged vent tube and expansion tank caused excess vacuum which collapsed fuel tank. Tank creased as a result and leaking gas along crease.*akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2002
After getting out of vehicle and returning 35 minutes later, noticed window was smoky. After opening door, consumer noticed that heated seats melted. Fire department was contacted, and put fire out. *ak *yhOwner report · Seats · Feb 2002
While on road vehicle was being dried off after going through car wash, the reservoir tank bursted. Consumer has contackted dealer. Please provide any further information.*akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2001
Automatic shoulder belt has failed, and will not come back out . It is stuck in a closed position, causing loss of protection.*akOwner report · Seat Belts

When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 4 campaigns

SUSPENSION:REAR95V192000 · Oct 1995

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.

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION10E021000 · May 2010

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 SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS95V238000 · Dec 1995

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.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS97V140000 · Aug 1997

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.

Cylinders8
FuelGasoline
Body stylesSedan/Saloon

How other years compare

Check your exact 740IL by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1995 BMW 740IL reliable?

NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 BMW 740IL. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.

Does the 1995 BMW 740IL have open recalls?

4 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.