Model year guide

1999 BMW 750IL

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 BMW 750IL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

1999 BMW 750IL — representative photo
Representative photo

1999 BMW 750IL at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints3
Combined14 mpg

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

1999 BMW 750IL 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 750IL common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1999 BMW 750IL MPG & running costs

Combined14 mpg
City12 mpg
Highway18 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,800
EPA size classLarge Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd
Passenger volume107 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$12,000 more

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

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 BMW 750IL costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$24,000
Fuel only$24,000
Per mile$0.32

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
4,597 lb
Front track
61.0 in
Rear track
61.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1999 BMW 750IL. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 6

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

SUBJECT PERTAINING TO STANDARD CELLULAR TELEPHONE INSTALLATION. *TT

Bulletin 840100 · Equipment · Mar 2000

A VOLUNTARY EMISSION RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN INITIATED REQUIRING INSTALLATION OF TWO CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVES ON THE ENGINE OF CERTAIN VEHICLES. *TT

Bulletin 99EA03 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2000

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 750IL. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the BMW 750IL

The BMW E38 is the third generation of the BMW 7 Series luxury cars and was produced from 1994 until 2001. The E38 replaced the E32 7 Series and was produced with petrol and turbo-diesel straight-six and V8 engines, along with a petrol V12 flagship model. Three wheelbase lengths were available — short (i), long (iL) and Limousine (L7).

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1999 BMW 750IL vehicles on record

Other BMW 750IL model years

1999 BMW 750IL — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 BMW 750IL have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1999 BMW 750IL. 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 750IL?

Across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are visibility, power train.

What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW 750IL get?

The 1999 BMW 750IL has a U.S. EPA estimate of 14 mpg combined (12 city / 18 highway).

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