1993 BMW 740I
2 recalls, 24 complaints - 4 TSBs
97V131000 Aug 19, 1997
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Description
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEP... Read more
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
96V111000 Jul 1, 1996
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Defect Description
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
Complaint Statistics
24 total complaints
2 crashes 3 fires 2 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS | 4 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 2 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM | 1 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER | 1 |
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Sep 1, 2010
Incident date: Jul 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 BMW 740I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED GAS LEAKING OUT OF THE GAS TANK ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. A DAY LATER, THE FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY PUT... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
May 13, 2008
Incident date: May 8, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 BMW 740I. WHILE DRIVING 73 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. HE HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PREVENT A CRASH FROM OCCURRING. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILAGES WERE 120,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 29, 2005
Incident date: Feb 11, 2005
THE ENGINE COMPLETELY FAILED ON MY 1994 BMW 740I. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS MODEL YEAR HAS A KNOWN PROBLEM RELATED TO THE SULPHUR CONTENT IN AMERICA GASOLINE. PLEASE INFORM ME OR ANY RECALL OR RECOURSE I MAY BE ABLE TO TAKE REGARDING THIS MATTER. DEMETRIUS BRANDON (505) 265-1130
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 28, 2004
Incident date: Jun 28, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE TEMPERATURE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT DUPLICATED. CONS... Read more
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
May 21, 2003
Incident date: May 5, 2003
DRIVER'S SEAT ON MY 1993 BMW 740I RECLINED WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION. SEAT BACK WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN AND WILL NOT MOVE. THIS MADE ME LOSE PARTIAL CONTROL OF CAR, LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITH OUT CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Mar 23, 2003
Incident date: Oct 1, 1996
VEHICLE IS A 1993 BMW 740 WHICH WAS SUBJECT TO AN ENGINE RECALL IN SEPTEMBER OF 1996 AT 67,000 MILES. IMMEDIATELY AND SINCE THAT TIME, THE CAR HAS EXPERIENCED DOCUMENTED OIL LEAKS ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: 10/1996, 12/1996, 5/1999, 6/1999, 3/2000, 6/2001, 10/2001, 1/2002, 5/2002, 7/2002, 2/2003. TH... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Feb 20, 2003
Incident date: Feb 20, 2003
THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON IN MY VEHICLE AND I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE AIRBAG MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND WAS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AT A SIGNIFICANT COST. I ASKED THEM IF THE MANUFACTURER COVERED THIS SINCE AN AIRBAG MODULE WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT HAD MOV... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Feb 20, 2003
Incident date: Feb 20, 2003
THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO FAULTY MODULE.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Oct 15, 2002
Incident date: Jul 20, 1999
GASKETS IN ENGINE, OIL PAN, AND INTAKE MANIFOLD HAVE FAILED APPROXIMATELY 3 TIMES AFTER ORIGINALS HAD TO BE REPLACED. ENGINE SMOKED AND LEAKED OIL ONTO MANIFOLD. MR
Fire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Oct 15, 2002
Incident date: Jul 20, 1999
GASKETS IN ENGINE, OIL PAN, AND INTAKE MANIFOLD HAVE FAILED APPROXIMATELY 3 TIMES AFTER ORIGINALS HAD TO BE REPLACED. ENGINE SMOKED AND LEAKED OIL ONTO MANIFOLD. MR
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
May 14, 2002
Incident date: Feb 29, 1996
VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE HOSE CLAMP WAS LEAKING WHICH WAS THEN REPLACED.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
May 14, 2002
VEHICLE CAUGT FIRE AND BURNED COMPLETELY UP WITH IN MINUTES AFTER LEAVING BMW DEALERSHIP.*AK
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 14, 2002
Incident date: Jun 18, 1996
CONSUMER STATES THE DASH ELECTRONICS IN THE CLUSTER ARE INOPERATIVE.*JB
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
May 14, 2002
Incident date: Feb 29, 1996
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WOULD ADJUST AND DROP TO THE FULL RECLINE POSITION, WITH THE LOWER PART MOVING TO THE EXTREME FOWARD POSITON, CONSUMER STATES ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING, THE SEAT COMPLETELY, FULLY RECLINED WHICH COULD NOT BE STOPPED OR ADJUSTED WITH THE CONTROLS WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE,... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Apr 23, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING SMOKE WAS COMING FROM REAR TIRE, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
Dec 18, 2001
Incident date: Feb 29, 1996
VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE HOSE CLAMP WAS LEAKING WHICH WAS THEN REPLACED.*JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 18, 2001
Incident date: Jun 18, 1996
CONSUMER STATES THE DASH ELECTRONICS IN THE CLUSTER ARE INOPERATIVE.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
Oct 16, 2001
Incident date: Feb 29, 1996
VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE HOSE CLAMP WAS LEAKING WHICH WAS THEN REPLACED.*JB ENGINE WAS REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE WATER PUMP, ENGINE PAN, AND VALVE COVERS. *SLC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 16, 2001
Incident date: Jun 18, 1996
CONSUMER STATES THE DASH ELECTRONICS IN THE CLUSTER ARE INOPERATIVE.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 16, 2001
Incident date: Feb 29, 1996
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRONIC OPERATORS SEAT, IT WOULD COMPLETELY RECLINE TO A HORIZONTAL POSITION, ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING, THE SEAT RECLINED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CURB, DAMAGING THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES AND LATER RESULTING IN COMPLETE FAILURE... Read more
Crash
1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Oct 16, 2001
Incident date: Feb 29, 1996
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRONIC OPERATORS SEAT, IT WOULD COMPLETELY RECLINE TO A HORIZONTAL POSITION, ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING, THE SEAT RECLINED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CURB, DAMAGING THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES AND LATER RESULTING IN COMPLETE FAILURE... Read more
Crash
1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Mar 28, 2000
Incident date: Mar 24, 2000
WHILE DRIVING POWER SEAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE KEPT MOVING FORWARD, PINNING THE DRIVER AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALER REMOVED THE CONTROL UNIT BECAUSE OF THE HIGH COST OF REPLACEMENT, NOW SEAT CANNOT BE MOVED MANUALLY OR AUTOMATICALLY. *AK *ML
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Nov 24, 1999
Incident date: Sep 10, 1999
WHILE DRIVNG AND APPLYING THE GAS, THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER IN THE ENGINE, AND VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. ENGINE STAYS ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
Jul 2, 1998
Incident date: May 22, 1998
WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED SMOKE, MORE SMOKE FURTHER DOWN ROAD. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD & LIFTED HOOD. NOTICED COOLANT HAD LEAKED OUT. ALSO, HOSE TO RADIATOR WAS DISCONNECTED. CLAMP STILL ON HOSE & WAS CRACKED. *AK
EPA Fuel Economy, 1993 BMW 740I
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 14.0 | 20.0 | 16.0 | Premium | $4,750 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1993 BMW 740I
4 manufacturer communications from 3 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS | 1 |
| 355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | 1 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
| 133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 1 |
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B122917
Dec 1, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
72/07/96
Dec 1, 1996
355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CHILD AIRBAG LETTER, WARNING LABEL AND SAFETY REFERENCE CARD. *TW
BMW 740I - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW 740I across all model years (1993, 2025).
49
Total Recalls
186
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
14
Reported Crashes
7
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
BMW 740I - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 0 | View |
| 2024 | 5 | 4 | View |
| 2023 | 9 | 19 | View |
| 2021 | 2 | 3 | View |
| 2020 | 2 | 1 | View |
| 2019 | 1 | 7 | View |
| 2018 | 0 | 6 | View |
| 2017 | 0 | 11 | View |
| 2016 | 0 | 14 | View |
| 2015 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 2014 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 2013 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 2012 | 1 | 6 | View |
| 2001 | 4 | 24 | View |
| 2000 | 2 | 18 | View |
| 1999 | 1 | 9 | View |
| 1998 | 1 | 12 | View |
| 1997 | 3 | 3 | View |
| 1996 | 3 | 1 | View |
| 1995 | 5 | 12 | View |
| 1994 | 2 | 9 | View |
| 1993 (current) | 2 | 24 |