1998 BMW 740il
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 BMW 740il is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 5 on record.
1998 BMW 740il at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1998 BMW 740il recalls 1
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 740il common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1998 BMW 740il MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1998 BMW 740il 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 1998 BMW 740il. 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 2024Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
Bulletin B650916 · Equipment · Nov 2018SERVICE 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 1998Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 740IL. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
