Model year guide

1995 BMW 740I

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1995 BMW 740I is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 35 on record.

1995 BMW 740I — representative photo
Representative photo

1995 BMW 740I at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints10
Combined17 mpg

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

1995 BMW 740I recalls 5

Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection NHTSA Campaign #10E021000 · 27/05/2010

FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.

Fix: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs NHTSA Campaign #97V140000 · 22/08/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ROAD GRIT AND GRAVEL ASSOCIATED WITH WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS CAN PENETRATE THE RUBBER OF THE LOWER FRONT SPRING MOUNTS AND ACCUMULATE IN THE MOUNTS CAUSING NOTCHES OR PITS TO DEVELOP. THESE NOTCHES CAN DEVELOP CRACKS RESULTING IN BREAKAGE OF A BOTTOM COIL OF THE SPRING.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND LOWER SPRING MOUNTS.

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #97V131000 · 19/08/1997

THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE …

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #95V238000 · 11/12/1995

FUEL SEEPAGE CAN OCCUR BETWEEN A HOSE AND THE METAL FUEL LINE ON EITHER END OF THE HOSE RESULTING IN FUEL ODOR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FUEL HOSES, FOUR METAL FUEL LINES AND ASSOCIATED CLAMPS.

Suspension:rear NHTSA Campaign #95V192000 · 11/10/1995

THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM MOUNTING EYE ON THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE HUB CARRIER WAS PRODUCED WITH A CASTING FLAW.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR A CASTING FLAW IN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR AXLE CARRIER AND IF FOUND, REPLACE THE CARRIER.

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.

1995 BMW 740I common problems

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

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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

1995 BMW 740I MPG & running costs

Combined17 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,850
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd
Passenger volume100 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$12,250 more

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

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1995 BMW 740I costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$24,250
Fuel only$24,250
Per mile$0.32

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
196.1 in
Width
74.0 in
Height
56.7 in
Wheelbase
115.4 in
Curb weight
4,145 lb
Front track
61.0 in
Rear track
61.0 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1995 BMW 740I. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 7

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

Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide

Bulletin B650916 · Equipment · Nov 2018

SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.

Bulletin B122917 · Equipment · Dec 2017

INFORMATION ON HEAT EXCHANGER OPERATION. E38 740IA/ILA WITH M62 ENGINE PRODUCED UP TO 1/96 *DB*YC

Bulletin 12 01 98 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 1998

EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT MOMENTARY EVENT WHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT IMMEDIATLELY RETURN. MODELS BUILT PRIOR TO 3/97 *DB*YC

Bulletin 34 01 98 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 1998

CONDITION WITH BRAKE PAD WARNING STAYS ILLUMINATED AFTER BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT. *YC

Bulletin 62 01 98 · Service Brakes, Air · Feb 1998

CHILD AIRBAG LETTER, WARNING LABEL AND SAFETY REFERENCE CARD. *TW

Bulletin 72/07/96 · Equipment · Dec 1996

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 740I. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

1995 BMW 740I vehicles on record

Other BMW 740I model years

1995 BMW 740I — frequently asked questions

Does the 1995 BMW 740I have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 1995 BMW 740I. 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 1995 BMW 740I?

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

What gas mileage does the 1995 BMW 740I get?

The 1995 BMW 740I has a U.S. EPA estimate of 17 mpg combined (15 city / 22 highway).

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