1991 BMW 735IL: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 BMW 735IL: 2 recalls, 1 owner complaint and up to 16 mpg combined.
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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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #96V110000 · 1996 · 75,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
Why it matters: If this happens, the contact ring wiring could eventually break. The air bag readiness indicator lamp (SRS or airbag) in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the air bag would not deploy in the event of a frontal impact vehicle collision.
The fix: Dealers will replace the locking tab with one of a different design.
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
- Exterior lights (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1991 BMW 735IL has 1 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 3 735IL model years for complaints (1.5× the average 735IL year). Neighboring years: 1990 (1 complaints, 1 recalls), 1992 (0 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 17 | 14 | 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 1991 BMW 735IL.
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.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1991 BMW 735IL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1991 BMW 735IL. 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 1991 BMW 735IL problems?
Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (1).
What gas mileage does the 1991 BMW 735IL 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 1991 BMW 735IL 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.