Model year guide

1999 BMW 740I

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 BMW 740I is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 76 on record.

1999 BMW 740I — representative photo
Representative photo

1999 BMW 740I at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints8
Combined16–18 mpg

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

1999 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.

1999 BMW 740I common problems

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

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.
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.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1999 BMW 740I MPG & running costs

Combined16–18 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway21 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,950
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd
Passenger volume100 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 BMW 740I costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,750
Fuel only$19,750
Per mile$0.26

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
56.7 in
Wheelbase
115.4 in
Curb weight
4,255 lb
Front track
61.0 in
Rear track
61.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1999 BMW 740I. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 5

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

The lower radiator coolant return hose may come in contact with the secondary air system check valve flange gasket when the engine coolant is at operating temperature due to coolant system pressure and expansion of the hose.

Bulletin B170100 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2023

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

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

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

1999 BMW 740I vehicles on record

1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81000DF87218 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81050DF87781 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81050DF88672 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81090DF86701 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81050DF86114 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG810X0DF87307 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81070DF88396 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81040DF87965 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81030DF88654 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG810X0DF88473 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81020DF88337 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81050DF86856 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81000DF85419 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81060DF87028 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGH834XYDP15129 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGH81040DD38756 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGH81030DD39011 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGH81000DD38723 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81030DF85737 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81080DF86706 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81010DF87731 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81090DF88268 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81010DF86255 1999 BMW 740I 1999 BMW 740IWBAGG81050DF89093

Other BMW 740I model years

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2001 2000 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992

1999 BMW 740I — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 BMW 740I have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1999 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 1999 BMW 740I?

Across all 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW 740I get?

The 1999 BMW 740I has U.S. EPA estimates of 16–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

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