1988 BMW 735I problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 1988 BMW 735I have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1988 BMW 735I. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

1988 BMW 735I at a glance

Safety recalls1

Owner complaints14

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1988 BMW 735I recalls 1

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System NHTSA Campaign #98V178000 · 04/08/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1988 BMW 735I common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling

Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Seats

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Exterior Lighting

Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

Vehicle Speed Control

Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Suspension

Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 1

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

Bulletin B510819 · Electrical System, Visibility · Jan 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 735I. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

1988 BMW 735I vehicles on record

1988 BMW 735IWBAGC410202705444

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410503153970

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410603146350

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410X03154323 1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410603154268

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410003152886

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB310602102929

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410803155082

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB310702102342

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410X03149770

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB310901627232

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410003155156

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410603156375

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410203154588

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB4310J3200104

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410703154862

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB3108J2101233

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410303158407

1988 BMW 735IWBAGB410203152114

1988 BMW 735IWBAGC410702705665

Other BMW 735I model years

1988 BMW 735I — frequently asked questions

Does the 1988 BMW 735I have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1988 BMW 735I. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1988 BMW 735I?

Across all 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, seats, exterior lighting.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.