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1994 BMW 740iProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1994 BMW 740i, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints70 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage65kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 23, 2008. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1994 BMW 740i has problems

7 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 cooling40
Steering20
Power train10
Suspension10
Vehicle speed control10

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

2 recalls

1994 BMW 740i 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

Brake lights: switch

Recall 96V-111 · Jul 1, 1996 · 180,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.

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

1994 vs. every other 740i 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 740i median. How we score

'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 740i owners report

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

LTR FROM SENATOR ON BEHALF OF CONSUMER REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT ALLOWING BMW TO IMPORT AUTOMOBILES INTO THE US MARKET WITH A DEFECTIVE ENGINE**CC THE CONSUMER OWNS A 1994 BMW 740I WHICH HAD A PROBLEM KNOWS AS A LEAK DOWN PROBLEM WHICH RESULTED IN THE ENGINE BLOCK HAVING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER…
Complaint 10199160 · Aug 3, 2007
1994 740I BMW LEAK DOWN PROBLEM THAT DESTROYED THE ENGINE**CC THE LEAK DOWN FLAW CAUSED THE ENGINE TO DEVELOP WORN LININGS AND EXHIBIT A ROUGH IDLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER USED NIKASIL, AN ALUMINUM, NICKEL AND SILICON ALLOY TO LINE THE CYLINDERS OF THE M60 ENGINE. THE CROSS HATCHED…
Complaint 10178546 · Jan 10, 2007
SINCE 1999 MY 1994 740I WITH 41,367 MILES HAS INTERIM CAR SHAKES ON THE STREET AND AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. FOR TWO YEARS THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS NOTHING AND WE SHOULD REPLACE THE MOUNTS. *AK NOW IN 2004 THE ENGINE SHAKES REAL BAD, LACKS POWER, AND A LOT OF GREY SMOKE IS COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST…
Complaint 10072791 · May 18, 2004 · 41,367 miles

Own a 1994 740i?

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