Model year guide

1989 BMW 735I

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1989 BMW 735I is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

1989 BMW 735I — representative photo
Representative photo

1989 BMW 735I at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints11
Combined15–16 mpg

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

1989 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.

1989 BMW 735I common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 11 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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

1989 BMW 735I MPG & running costs

Combined15–16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,283
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume101 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,417 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1989 BMW 735I costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,415
Fuel only$21,415
Per mile$0.29

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

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.

1989 BMW 735I vehicles on record

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Other BMW 735I model years

2023 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1992 1991 1990 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1981

1989 BMW 735I — frequently asked questions

Does the 1989 BMW 735I have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1989 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 1989 BMW 735I?

Across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, electrical system, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 1989 BMW 735I get?

The 1989 BMW 735I has U.S. EPA estimates of 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

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