Model year guide

1992 BMW 735i

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1992 BMW 735i is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 13 on record.

1992 BMW 735i — representative photo
Representative photo

1992 BMW 735i at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints6
Combined16 mpg

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

1992 BMW 735i recalls 3

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.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #96V110000 · 01/07/1996

THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCKING TAB WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #96V111000 · 01/07/1996

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.

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.

1992 BMW 735i common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 6 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.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1992 BMW 735i MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,200
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume101 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1992 BMW 735i costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,000
Fuel only$21,000
Per mile$0.28

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.

Dimensions & weight

Length
193.3 in
Width
72.8 in
Height
55.5 in
Wheelbase
111.4 in
Curb weight
3,836 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1992 BMW 735i. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 2

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

RECALL 96V111 - THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN INVOLVES THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. *TW

Bulletin MSG1016 · Exterior Lighting · Oct 1996

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

1992 BMW 735i trims & engines on record

Engines
3.4L 6-cyl 208 hp

1992 BMW 735i vehicles on record

Other BMW 735i model years

1992 BMW 735i — frequently asked questions

Does the 1992 BMW 735i have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1992 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 1992 BMW 735i?

Across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, latches/locks/linkages, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 1992 BMW 735i get?

The 1992 BMW 735i has a U.S. EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined (14 city / 20 highway).

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