Model year guide

1999 BMW 740IL

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 BMW 740IL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

1999 BMW 740IL — representative photo
Representative photo

1999 BMW 740IL at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints7
Combined18 mpg

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

1999 BMW 740IL 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 740IL common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

1999 BMW 740IL MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,700
EPA size classLarge Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd
Passenger volume107 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 1999 BMW 740IL 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
201.6 in
Width
73.2 in
Height
56.3 in
Wheelbase
120.9 in
Curb weight
4,288 lb
Front track
61.0 in
Rear track
61.4 in

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

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 4

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

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 740IL. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

1999 BMW 740IL vehicles on record

1999 BMW 740IL 1999 BMW 740ILWBADK7102C7839451 1999 BMW 740IL 1999 BMW 740ILWBAGH81000DD38673 1999 BMW 740IL 1999 BMW 740ILWBAGH81070DD39027

Other BMW 740IL model years

2018 2016 2014 2013 2012 2009 2006 2005 2001 2000 1998 1993

1999 BMW 740IL — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 BMW 740IL have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1999 BMW 740IL. 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 740IL?

Across all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, power train, visibility.

What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW 740IL get?

The 1999 BMW 740IL 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.