RoadVitals

1995 BMW 740IL

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
12
Latest Jun 19, 2013
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest May 27, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 12 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1995 BMW 740IL, most frequently naming the engine, visibility and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 8 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine430.8%
  • Visibility323.1%
  • Electrical17.7%
  • Heating & air conditioning17.7%
  • Seat belts17.7%
  • Steering17.7%
  • Fuel system17.7%
  • Driver assistance17.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10E021000

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

May 27, 2010
150 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The 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.
FCP GROTON, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
97V140000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Aug 22, 1997
29,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 risk: THE VEHICLE'S RIDE HEIGHT COULD BE AFFECTED CAUSING NOISE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE'S DYNAMIC STABILITY CAN BE AFFECTED REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND LOWER SPRING MOUNTS.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov
95V238000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Dec 11, 1995
18,000 units potentially affected
The defect: FUEL SEEPAGE CAN OCCUR BETWEEN A HOSE AND THE METAL FUEL LINE ON EITHER END OF THE HOSE RESULTING IN FUEL ODOR.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FUEL HOSES, FOUR METAL FUEL LINES AND ASSOCIATED CLAMPS.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 12
Steering
Filed Jun 19, 2013

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? *TR

NHTSA ID
10520649
Incident
Jun 10, 2013
Mileage
298,765 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jun 19, 2013

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND WAS PASSING A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AND HEARD A LOUD POP. I THOUGHT MY WINDSHIELD HAD BEEN HIT BY SOMETHING UNTIL I SAW THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE, SO I KEPT DRIVING. MY CAR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT SO I SLOWED DOWN. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I LOOKED AT MY CAR AND SAW THAT THE HOOD HAD AN ALMOST HOLE IN IT SO I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND MY BELTS GONE AND DAMAGE TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE HOOD AND LINING. A FELLOW EMPLOYEE LOOKED AT IT FOR ME AND WE DISCOVERED THAT MY FAN HAD BEEN OBLITERATED AND A GREAT DEAL OF DAMAGE HAD BEEN DONE TO MY CAR. I CALLED AND HAD A TOW TRUCK TO PICK IT UP AFTER CALLING MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND WAS TOLD I COULDN'T FILE A CLAIM AS THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT THAT HAPPENED WITH THE CAR. I LATER HAD IT FIXED AT A PLACE CALLED TERRY'S CAR CARE CENTER THAT COST ME CLOSE TO $1300 TO FIX. *TR

NHTSA ID
10520639
Incident
Mar 4, 2012
Mileage
200,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 20, 2005

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.

NHTSA ID
10129484
Incident
Jul 19, 2005
Mileage
110,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 24, 2003

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 *NLM

NHTSA ID
10042172
Incident
Oct 1, 2002
Mileage
94,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 14, 2003

THE ENGINE COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS BROKE PISTON, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE ROD AND CYLINDER TO FAIL. *JB

NHTSA ID
10015780
Incident
Apr 1, 2003
Visibility
Filed Jan 23, 2003
1 injury reported

AMPUTATION OF FINGER IN BMW ELECTRIC WINDOW

NHTSA ID
10003313
Incident
Apr 12, 1999
Engine
Filed May 27, 2002

CLOGGED VENT TUBE AND EXPANSION TANK CAUSED EXCESS VACUUM WHICH COLLAPSED FUEL TANK. TANK CREASED AS A RESULT AND LEAKING GAS ALONG CREASE.*AK

NHTSA ID
762330
Incident
Apr 5, 2002
Heating & air conditioning
Filed Feb 6, 2002
Fire reported

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 *YH

NHTSA ID
8003672
Incident
Feb 4, 2002

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B650916

EQUIPMENT

Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide

B122917

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.

16 04 97

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

NEW EVAPORATIVE (CHARCOAL) CANISTER PURGE LINE. ALL E38 AND E39 MODELE INTRODUCED INTO PRODUCTION APPROXIMATELY 3/97 *DB*YC

04 01 98

SUBJECT ON TANK VENTILATION LEAK COUPLERS. *YC

34 01 98

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT MOMENTARY EVENT WHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT IMMEDIATLELY RETURN. MODELS BUILT PRIOR TO 3/97 *DB*YC

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 740IL by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2001262048.0
2000202046.7
1999610—
1998261035.9
1997192047.5
1996112050.0
1995Viewing124054.6
1994310—
1993910—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.