Model year guide
1997 BMW 740
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 BMW 740 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.
1997 BMW 740 at a glance
Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints8
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1997 BMW 740 recalls 0
No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1997 BMW 740.
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.
1997 BMW 740 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.