1997 BMW 740I
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 BMW 740I is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 36 on record.
1997 BMW 740I at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1997 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.
1997 BMW 740I common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1997 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 1997 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.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 BMW 740I. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 15
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. Showing the 10 most recent of 15.
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 2017SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
Bulletin B122817 · Electrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2017REPLACEMENT HEATER CORES FOR E38 VEHICLES. *YC
Bulletin 64 01 98 · Visibility · Mar 1998INFORMATION ON EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL AND FUEL FILLER CAP / FILLER DOOR LABELS. *YC
Bulletin 16 01 98 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 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 1998INSTALLATION ON MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR CMT 5000/CPT 6000 PHONES. *AK
Bulletin 84 10 97 · Nov 1997Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 740I. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
1997 BMW 740I vehicles on record
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81050DK65562
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81020DK60688
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF810X0DK62771
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF71020DK55212
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF8325WDL52188
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81030DK61249
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81050DK64394
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81070DK64591
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81080DK65488
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81060DK66011
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81050DK63987
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81050DK64332
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF71010DK55315
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81030DK67858
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81060DK65540
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81070DK65207
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81050DK64668
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81090DK67900
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81000DK65484
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81040DK61986
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81050DK64265
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81010DK65039
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF61020DG46020
1997 BMW 740IWBAGF81040DK65987