1997 BMW 740IL: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 1995 and 1996 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 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Traction control warning light. Bmw service center says that they can't communicate with my vehicle thereby can't diagnose problem(s). Vehicle stationary in shop.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Aug 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 bmw 740il. While driving over a bump in the road or pothole, the vehicle shook abnormally. Additionally the tie rod failed without warning. There was also an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle when driving various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bottom springs were fractured. The dealer also advised the contact not to drive the vehicle because it was unsafe. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 39,000. Updated 04/19/17 lj *tr”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2016
“Steering and over all control of the vehicle is compromised for no reason feels like it is disconnecting and loose clanking noises form front suspension all the time on all surfaces also a squeaky old bed frame noise appears . Concerned about family safety the vehicle is well cared for. Feels like a sloppy messy fumbling interaction between car and steering wheel also veers randomly as if it was detached from the steering system. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Steering and over all control of the vehicle is compromised for no reason feels like it is disconnecting and loose clanking noises form front suspension all the time on all surfaces also a squeaky old bed frame noise appears . Concerned about family safety the vehicle is well cared for. Feels like a sloppy messy fumbling interaction between car and steering wheel also veers randomly as if it was detached from the steering system. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2014
“Car was running fine, was at a stop light and the car shut off had a really strong electrical smell coming from the engine compartment. Opened up the hood and had a flame down at the thermostat area. Quickly put it out and pushed the car off to the side of the road. Had to have a tow truck come tow the car and bring my family out of the freezing cold as well. The thermostat and wiring from the ecu down to the thermostat had to be replaced as well as a fuse that had blown in the main engine harness. Old part was disposed of as well as the wiring. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 bmw 740il. While driving 40 mph, the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The brake lights continued to illuminate, but the brakes were not effective. Also, the coil spring made a loud clunking noise. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 97v140000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs), which was issued in the spring of 1997. The failure and current mileages were 115,000. Update 09/10/08 *cw updated 09/19/08. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2006
“The consumer had the same problem as stated in NHTSA recall# 97v140000 : 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. The dealership and the manufacturer informed the consumer her vehicle identifications number was not included in the recall. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2004
“While using the factory jack to change a tire, the jack became unstable due to the small base that is provided and the car fell off of the jack. The jack was being operated on an asphalt surface. This was a near miss accident that could have easily trapped me under my car. The car is a 1997 740il bmw.*ak”Owner report · Equipment · Dec 2003
“There's a major flaw design in the bmw 740i and 740il fgrom years 1995-200. I was just driving and it failed without hesitation. I spoke with a lot of other owners of this model and they had the same peoblem. To some people it happend as they were driving on the highway spilling coolant all over their windshield and losing control of their vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2003
“Engine rpm will suddenly surge from 8oo to 2500 rpm with no warning. Idle will vary from 800 rpm to 400 rpm and then possibly shoot up to 12-2500 rpm. After 5 attempts dealer unable to correct. Consider this a major safety hazard. Dt”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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 1997 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
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 decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 BMW 740IL reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 BMW 740IL. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1997 BMW 740IL have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:drag:link:connection. 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.