1996 BMW 740I
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 BMW 740I is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 19 on record.
1996 BMW 740I at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1996 BMW 740I recalls 3
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.
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.
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.
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.
1996 BMW 740I common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1996 BMW 740I MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1996 BMW 740I costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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 9
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 2024SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
Bulletin B122917 · Equipment · Dec 2017INFORMATION 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 1998SUBJECT ON TANK VENTILATION LEAK COUPLERS. *YC
Bulletin 04 01 98 · Feb 1998EXPERIENCING 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 1998NEW EVAPORATIVE (CHARCOAL) CANISTER PURGE LINE. ALL E38 AND E39 MODELE INTRODUCED INTO PRODUCTION APPROXIMATELY 3/97 *DB*YC
Bulletin 16 04 97 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 1998CONDITION WITH BRAKE PAD WARNING STAYS ILLUMINATED AFTER BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT. *YC
Bulletin 62 01 98 · Service Brakes, Air · Feb 1998CHILD AIRBAG LETTER, WARNING LABEL AND SAFETY REFERENCE CARD. *TW
Bulletin 72/07/96 · Equipment · Dec 1996IMPROVED SOFTWARE FOR MOTOROLA CMT3000VR PHONES. *TW
Bulletin 84/07/96 · Equipment · Nov 1996Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 740I. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
1996 BMW 740I vehicles on record
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF61040DG46746
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF610X0DG40563
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF51060DG01236
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF61020DG42243
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF61020DG44753
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF81000DK62701
1996 BMW 740IWBAGJ81070DL06109
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF81030DK62529
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF61040DG40011
1996 BMW 740IWBAGJ61020DH19515
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF610X0DG37047
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF61000DG43214
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF61060DG45954
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF81060DK61407
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF81050DK61091
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF81080DK61960
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF81050DK61057
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF61000DG45691
1996 BMW 740IWBAGF61010DG45604