1998 BMW 740 problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

1998 BMW 740 at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints10

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

1998 BMW 740 recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1998 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.

1998 BMW 740 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Steering

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

Equipment

Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.

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.

Visibility

Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

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 740. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

1998 BMW 740 vehicles on record

1998 BMW 740WBAGF81050DK69367

1998 BMW 740WBAGJ810X0DL07495

1998 BMW 740WBAGG81010DF85591 1998 BMW 740WBAFE3105B7375742

1998 BMW 740WBAGF81020DK69049

1998 BMW 740WBAGG81080DF86043

1998 BMW 740WBAGF81080DK65300

1998 BMW 740WBAGF81000DK65551

1998 BMW 740WBAGG81000DF85727

1998 BMW 740WBAGF71040DK55194 1998 BMW 740WBAGF81010DK64618

1998 BMW 740WBAGJ8322WDM20574

Other BMW 740 model years

1998 BMW 740 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 BMW 740 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1998 BMW 740. 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 1998 BMW 740?

Across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, steering, equipment.

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