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1985 BMW 735Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1985 BMW 735, most often about the seats. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage92kSeats, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 11, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 BMW 735 has problems

2 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
Seats10
Tires10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1985 BMW 735 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

1985 vs. every other 735 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 735 median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'97'98
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
4 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 BMW 735, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHEA89007 · closed Jul 26, 1989
    No recall
  2. MSTR CYL FAILS TO RELEASEEA90002 · closed Oct 30, 1990
    No recall
  3. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · closed Mar 30, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-015
  4. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILUREPE88086 · closed Dec 23, 1988
    No recall
In owners' words

What 735 owners report

Recent seats complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I WAS DRIVING MY BMW 735I 1985 CAR IN THE CITY AND THE NEXT THING I KNOW MY SEAT TOTALLY WENT ALL THE WAY BACK I WAS ON MY BACK LUCKILY I DIDN'T HIT ANYBODY LATER ON I LOOKED AT MY SEAT I SAW THE POCKET THE LEATHER POCKET ON THE BACK OF THE SEAT I GOT INTO IT I FOUND A BRACKET A BAR SUPPORT BAR…
Complaint 11045359 · Nov 11, 2017 · 91,642 miles

Own a 1985 735?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.