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

Q: Does the 1998 BMW 740I have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1998 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.

Q: What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW 740I get?

The 1998 BMW 740I has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (15 city / 22 highway).

1998 BMW 740I at a glance

Safety recalls1

Owner complaints8

Combined18 mpg

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

1998 BMW 740I recalls 1

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.

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 740I common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling

Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Electrical System

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

Visibility

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

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Hydraulic

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1998 BMW 740I MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg

City15 mpg

Highway22 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$3,700

EPA size classMidsize Cars

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Passenger volume100 cu ft

Cargo volume13 cu ft

5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,500 more

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

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 BMW 740I costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,500

Fuel only$18,500

Per mile$0.25

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

73.2 in

Height

56.3 in

Wheelbase

115.4 in

Curb weight

4,255 lb

Front track

59.4 in

Rear track

60.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 BMW 740I. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 11

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 11.

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

Bulletin B510819 · Electrical System, Visibility · Jan 2024

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

Bulletin B122917 · Equipment · Dec 2017

SERVICE 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 2017

REPLACEMENT HEATER CORES FOR E38 VEHICLES. *YC

Bulletin 64 01 98 · Visibility · Mar 1998

ENGINE CRANKS, BUT WILL NOT START. *YC

Bulletin 65 02 98 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 1998

INFORMATION ON EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL AND FUEL FILLER CAP / FILLER DOOR LABELS. *YC

Bulletin 16 01 98 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 1998

SUBJECT ON TANK VENTILATION LEAK COUPLERS. *YC

Bulletin 04 01 98 · 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

NEW 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 1998

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

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

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

1998 BMW 740I vehicles on record

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF81020DK69424

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF81030DK68976

1998 BMW 740IWBAGG81080DF86026

1998 BMW 740IWBAGJ81060DL08210

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF81070DK69547

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF410X0DK35580

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF81010DK70161

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF81030DK69996

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF81050DK65612

1998 BMW 740IWBAGG833XXDN73115

1998 BMW 740IWBAGG810X0DF85847

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF81090DK69923

1998 BMW 740IWBAGG81030DF85656

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF81030DK68038

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF81090DK70196

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF71020DK55436

1998 BMW 740IWBAFF7105D7787196

1998 BMW 740IWBAGJ81010DL08924

1998 BMW 740IWBAGJ81070DL06904

1998 BMW 740IWBAGG81020DF85566

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF71060DK55505

1998 BMW 740IWBAGG81050DF85142

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF81090DK67153

1998 BMW 740IWBAGF71090DK55496

Other BMW 740I model years

1998 BMW 740I — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 BMW 740I have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1998 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 1998 BMW 740I?

Across all 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, electrical system, visibility.

What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW 740I get?

The 1998 BMW 740I has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 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.