1997 BMW 740IL
2 recalls, 27 complaints - 18 TSBs
10E021000 May 27, 2010
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
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.
97V140000 Aug 22, 1997
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
Consequence
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.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND LOWER SPRING MOUNTS.
Complaint Statistics
27 total complaints
1 crashes 2 fires
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 4 |
| SUSPENSION | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 2 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS | 2 |
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
POWER TRAIN
Sep 5, 2018
Incident date: Aug 21, 2018
TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT. BMW SERVICE CENTER SAYS THAT THEY CAN'T COMMUNICATE WITH MY VEHICLE THEREBY CAN'T DIAGNOSE PROBLEM(S). VEHICLE STATIONARY IN SHOP.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Sep 5, 2018
Incident date: Aug 21, 2018
TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT. BMW SERVICE CENTER SAYS THAT THEY CAN'T COMMUNICATE WITH MY VEHICLE THEREBY CAN'T DIAGNOSE PROBLEM(S). VEHICLE STATIONARY IN SHOP.
SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 5, 2018
Incident date: Aug 21, 2018
TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT. BMW SERVICE CENTER SAYS THAT THEY CAN'T COMMUNICATE WITH MY VEHICLE THEREBY CAN'T DIAGNOSE PROBLEM(S). VEHICLE STATIONARY IN SHOP.
SUSPENSION
Sep 23, 2016
Incident date: Aug 1, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 740IL. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR POTHOLE, THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY. ADDITIONALLY THE TIE ROD FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT W... Read more
STEERING
Sep 23, 2016
Incident date: Aug 1, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 740IL. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR POTHOLE, THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY. ADDITIONALLY THE TIE ROD FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT W... Read more
SUSPENSION
Aug 12, 2016
Incident date: Aug 12, 2016
I WENT TO THE BMW DEALER AND THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NOTHING IN THE COMPUTER I THINK THAT MY SAFETY IS FIRST.THANK YOU
STEERING
Aug 12, 2016
Incident date: Aug 12, 2016
I WENT TO THE BMW DEALER AND THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NOTHING IN THE COMPUTER I THINK THAT MY SAFETY IS FIRST.THANK YOU
SUSPENSION
Sep 28, 2014
Incident date: Jul 18, 2014
STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A... Read more
STEERING
Sep 28, 2014
Incident date: Jul 18, 2014
STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A... Read more
STEERING
Sep 28, 2014
Incident date: Jul 18, 2014
STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A... Read more
SUSPENSION
Sep 28, 2014
Incident date: Jul 18, 2014
STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Apr 20, 2014
Incident date: Apr 20, 2014
MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AT A CERTIFIED USED DEALERSHIP. WE FUELED IT UP AND DROVE IT AROUND THAT NIGHT AND PARKED IT AT OUR HOME. THE NEXT MORNING IT SMELLED TERRIBLY OF GASOLINE SO I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR. THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK WAS CRUSHED IN AND IT WAS POURING GASOLINE ALL... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Aug 13, 2008
Incident date: Aug 12, 2006
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 740IL. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE, BUT THE BRAKES WERE NOT EFFECTIVE. ALSO, THE COIL SPRING MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INC... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Aug 13, 2008
Incident date: Aug 12, 2006
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 740IL. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE, BUT THE BRAKES WERE NOT EFFECTIVE. ALSO, THE COIL SPRING MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INC... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Feb 19, 2008
Incident date: Feb 15, 2007
CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF HAD A REALLY STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OPENED UP THE HOOD AND HAD A FLAME DOWN AT THE THERMOSTAT AREA. QUICKLY PUT IT OUT AND PUSHED THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK COME TOW ... Read more
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Feb 19, 2008
Incident date: Feb 15, 2007
CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF HAD A REALLY STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OPENED UP THE HOOD AND HAD A FLAME DOWN AT THE THERMOSTAT AREA. QUICKLY PUT IT OUT AND PUSHED THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK COME TOW ... Read more
Fire
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Oct 22, 2004
Incident date: Jan 8, 2002
PURCHASED A "CERTIFIED" BMW 1997 740IL IN 11/02 WITH 69,000 MILES. IN JANUARY I NOTICED A "TIN CAN" POPPING SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND A VACUUM LIKE SOUND WHEN OPENING THE GAS CAP TO FUEL. I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE GAS TANK HAD A DENT IN IT ALTHOUGH I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING. I TOOK ... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Aug 19, 2004
Incident date: Aug 19, 2004
THE CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL# 97V140000 : 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. ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jan 3, 2004
Incident date: Aug 25, 2003
THERE'S A MAJOR FLAW DESIGN IN THE BMW 740I AND 740IL FGROM YEARS 1995-200. I WAS JUST DRIVING AND IT FAILED WITHOUT HESITATION. I SPOKE WITH A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MODEL AND THEY HAD THE SAME PEOBLEM. TO SOME PEOPLE IT HAPPEND AS THEY WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY SPILLING COOLANT ALL OVER TH... Read more
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT
Jan 3, 2004
Incident date: Dec 14, 2003
WHILE USING THE FACTORY JACK TO CHANGE A TIRE, THE JACK BECAME UNSTABLE DUE TO THE SMALL BASE THAT IS PROVIDED AND THE CAR FELL OFF OF THE JACK. THE JACK WAS BEING OPERATED ON AN ASPHALT SURFACE. THIS WAS A NEAR MISS ACCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE EASILY TRAPPED ME UNDER MY CAR. THE CAR IS A 1997 740IL B... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
May 24, 2003
Incident date: May 14, 2003
I HAVE HAD THREE SEPARATE FAILURES OF PLASTIC RADIATOR COMPONENTS IN MY 1997 BMW 740IL IN THE SPACE OF 5 MONTHS. AT FIRST INSPECTION, THESE APPEAR TO ME TO BE THERMAL FATIGUE FAILURES INDICATING SOME MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE PLASTIC. BMW DENIES ANY SUCH ISSUE AND REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FAILED C... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 11, 2002
Incident date: Dec 4, 2002
ENGINE RPM WILL SUDDENLY SURGE FROM 8OO TO 2500 RPM WITH NO WARNING. IDLE WILL VARY FROM 800 RPM TO 400 RPM AND THEN POSSIBLY SHOOT UP TO 12-2500 RPM. AFTER 5 ATTEMPTS DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT. CONSIDER THIS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. DT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jul 24, 2002
Incident date: Jan 31, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 60MPH WATER PUMP FAILED, CAUSING STEAM TO COME UP FROM HOOD, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.*AK CONSUMER STATED THE RADIATOR HOSE BLEW OFF AND THE SERPENTINE BELT FAILED WHEN THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Feb 19, 2002
THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A GAS LEAK. HAD VEHICLE SERVICED A YEAR LATER AND GAS LEAK CONTINUES.*AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Jul 30, 1999
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT FAILED TWICE. *YC
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Sep 17, 1998
Incident date: Jul 2, 1998
PASSENGER UNABLE TO UNLOCK POWER LOCKS MANUALLY, LEAVING PASSENGER TRAPPED IN VEHICLE W/WINDOWS UP IN 95 DEGREE HEAT. QCAW
AIR BAGS
May 14, 1998
WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-50 MPH HIT A CONCRETE POST DIRECT CENTER OF VEHICLE. THEERE WAS DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS. ALSO THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS WHICH DID NOT DEPLOY. CAUSE UNKNOWN.
Crash
EPA Fuel Economy, 1997 BMW 740IL
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 15.0 | 22.0 | 18.0 | Premium | $4,300 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Large Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 BMW 740IL
18 manufacturer communications from 16 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 |
| 126200 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH | 2 |
| 353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. | 1 |
| 045200 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS | 1 |
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
| 030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
| 138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM | 1 |
| 070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 |
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B650916
Nov 1, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
B122817
Dec 1, 2017
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
B122817
Dec 1, 2017
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
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.
16 01 98
Mar 1, 1998
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
INFORMATION ON EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL AND FUEL FILLER CAP / FILLER DOOR LABELS. *YC
64 01 98
Mar 1, 1998
138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
REPLACEMENT HEATER CORES FOR E38 VEHICLES. *YC
34 01 98
Feb 1, 1998
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT MOMENTARY EVENT WHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT IMMEDIATLELY RETURN. MODELS BUILT PRIOR TO 3/97 *DB*YC
16 04 97
Feb 1, 1998
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
NEW EVAPORATIVE (CHARCOAL) CANISTER PURGE LINE. ALL E38 AND E39 MODELE INTRODUCED INTO PRODUCTION APPROXIMATELY 3/97 *DB*YC
62 01 98
Feb 1, 1998
045200 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS
CONDITION WITH BRAKE PAD WARNING STAYS ILLUMINATED AFTER BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT. *YC
04 01 98
Feb 1, 1998
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUBJECT ON TANK VENTILATION LEAK COUPLERS. *YC
84 01 97
Dec 1, 1997
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
BMW NAVIGATION SYSTEM CD V 05 OPERATING SOFTWARE FOR MARK I SYSTEM.
51 10 97
Nov 1, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING MISSING DAMPER PADS FOR BREAK RESISTANT GLASS. *YC
84 10 97
Nov 1, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INSTALLATION ON MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR CMT 5000/CPT 6000 PHONES. *AK
MSG0350
Oct 10, 1996
126200 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE ILLUMINATION FOR THE BUTTONS ON THE MULTI FUNCTION STEERING WHEEL FLICKERS. *TW
MSG0149
Oct 4, 1996
126200 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
VEHICLES MAY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE DIMMER CIRCUIT - VEHICLES RELEASED FROM THE VPCS STARTING 10-04-96 HAVE DISABLED DIMMER SWITCHES. *TW
00/11/96R
Oct 1, 1996
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NEW VEHICLE PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS. *TW
BMW 740IL - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW 740IL across all model years (1993, 2001).
16
Total Recalls
191
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
8
Reported Crashes
5
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths