1990 BMW 735I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 BMW 735I: 2 recalls, 4 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #96V111000 · 1996 · 180,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
Why it matters: If this happens, the brake lights either will not operate or will be continuously on, regardless of brake pedal position. Following drivers would not be able to determine whether the vehicle is stopping, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #98V178000 · 1998 · 340,000 vehicles
What's wrong: A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
Why it matters: If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
The fix: Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Exterior lights (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 BMW 735I has 4 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 6 735I model years for complaints (1.8× the average 735I year). Neighboring years: 1991 (2 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 BMW 735I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 BMW 735I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1990 BMW 735I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 BMW 735I problems?
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (2), fuel system (1), exterior lights (1).
What gas mileage does the 1990 BMW 735I get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 BMW 735I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.