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1989 BMW 735iProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1989 BMW 735i, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 5, 2001. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 BMW 735i has problems

3 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
Engine and engine cooling30
Electrical system10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Visibility10

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

1 recall

1989 BMW 735i 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.

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Recall 98V-178 · Aug 4, 1998 · 340,000 vehicles

Risk. IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

1989 vs. every other 735i 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 735i median. How we score

'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 735i owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THERMOSTAT BROKE AND BLEW A HOSE/HEATER DEVELOPED A CRACK, AND THIS FOGGED UP THE WINDOW. CONSUMER COULDN'T SEE. ALSO, ANTIFREEZE SMELL WAS IN THE CABIN, AND WATER PUMP BROKE. *AK
Complaint 870254 · Sep 12, 2000
PRIOR TO RECALL #98V178 CONSUMER HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLANT SYSTEM, CONSUMER STATES ENGINE WENT OUT DUE TO AN OVERHEATED SYSTEM WITHOUT ANY WARNING, IT WAS THEN REPAIRED AND LESS THAN ONE YEAR LATER THE SYSTEM OVERHEATED AGAIN, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE…
Complaint 561909 · Jul 5, 2001
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STALLING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS REPLACEMENT OF THE OXYGEN SENSOR & CONTROL UNIT TO RECTIFY PROBLEMS. MJS
Complaint 547534 · Jul 26, 1999

Own a 1989 735i?

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