MotorDeets

1998 BMW 740I: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1998 BMW 740I: 0 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
8owner complaints
1mention a crash
18best combined mpg
1998 BMW 740I
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #10E021000 · 2010 · 150 vehicles

What's wrong: The shaft of the steering center tie rod May shear off.

Why it matters: This condition would result, without warning, in immediate and complete loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling3
Visibility (wipers, glass)2
Electrical2
Speed control / throttle1
Other / unknown1
Airbags1
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Transmission & drivetrain1

What owners describe

The 1998 BMW 740I has 8 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 22 740I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 6). Complaints peaked in 1999 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 75,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (3 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (8 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive152218Regular

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 1998 BMW 740I.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1998 BMW 740I manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1998 BMW 740I manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1998 BMW 740I manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1998 BMW 740I manual

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FAQ

Does the 1998 BMW 740I have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1998 BMW 740I, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 1998 BMW 740I problems?

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (3), visibility (wipers, glass) (2), electrical (2).

What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW 740I get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1998 BMW 740I 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.

Other 740I years

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