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BMW 735Years to avoid, problems & recalls

NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on record for the BMW 735.

Years to avoidNoneBased on weighted complaintsBest years—Fewest complaints for their ageOwner complaints24Top: SteeringSafety recalls61985–1998 model years

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports. Updated daily. How we score years.

Best & worst years

BMW 735 years to avoid

Complaints by model year, colored by the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 735 median. Tap a year for its full report.

'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'97'98
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1998Not rated–/1001 complaint · 0 recalls1997Not rated–/1001 complaint · 0 recalls1993Not rated–/1000 complaints · 1 recall1992Not rated–/1002 complaints · 1 recall1991Not rated–/1005 complaints · 2 recalls1990Not rated–/1003 complaints · 2 recalls1989Not rated–/1001 complaint · 2 recalls1988Not rated–/1008 complaints · 2 recalls1987Not rated–/1000 complaints · 1 recall1986Not rated–/1001 complaint · 1 recall1985Not rated–/1002 complaints · 1 recall
Complaints by system

Most common BMW 735 problems

All model years combined: 24 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Steering40
Vehicle speed control43
Engine and engine cooling40
Visibility31
Seats30
Air bags21
Tires20
Seat belts11
Electrical system10
3 other systems31
6 recalls

BMW 735 recalls

Newest first. The ring shows the share of affected vehicles repaired, from the manufacturer's latest report to NHTSA.

–Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings94V-066 · 1989–1993 · Apr 11, 1994 · 116,300 vehicles–Vehicle speed control92V-101 · 1991 · Jul 10, 1992 · 637 vehicles–Front: buckle assembly90V-016 · 1988–1990 · Jan 30, 1990 · 62,000 vehicles–Seats88V-135 · 1988 · Aug 11, 1988 · 8,187 vehicles–Brake lights: switch86V-151 · 1986–1987 · Nov 10, 1986 · 97,300 vehicles–Wheels: hubcap/cover85V-065 · 1985 · May 22, 1985 · 40 vehicles
7 investigations

NHTSA investigations of the 735

  1. AIR BAG WIRING FAILUREEA95013 · 1991–1993 · closed Jul 15, 1996
    Led to recall 96V-110
  2. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · 1984–1992 · closed Mar 30, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-015
  3. STEERING LOCK-UPSPE91151 · 1988 · closed Apr 30, 1992
    No recall
  4. MSTR CYL FAILS TO RELEASEEA90002 · 1985–1987 · closed Oct 30, 1990
    No recall
  5. HEADREST FAILUREPE89090 · null · closed Jun 26, 1989
    No recall
  6. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHEA89007 · 1985 · closed Jul 26, 1989
    No recall
  7. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILUREPE88086 · 1985 · closed Dec 23, 1988
    No recall