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1998 BMW 740ILAProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1998 BMW 740ILA, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints31 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage103kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 20, 2008. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 BMW 740ILA 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
Electrical system11
Fuel system, gasoline11
Power train10

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

1 recall

1998 BMW 740ILA 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

Driveline: differential unit

Recall 98V-142 · Jun 22, 1998 · 1,100 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE A NOISE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AND, ULTIMATELY, FAILURE OF THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF DRIVE.

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

1998 vs. every other 740ILA 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 740ILA median. How we score

'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'98'99'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 740ILA owners report

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

MY CAR STUMBLED LESS THAN A MILE FROM MY HOUSE. A FEW HUNDRED FEET LATER IT STALLED COMPLETELY. AT FIRST THE GARAGE THOUGHT IT WAS A FAILED FUEL PUMP. AFTER REPLACING THE PUMP, THE CAR STUMBLED AGAIN AND THE ECU (ENGINE COMPUTER) CAUGHT FIRE. AFTER TOWING THE CAR TO A SECOND GARAGE THEY FOUND A BAD…
Complaint 10218612 · Feb 20, 2008 · 103,000 miles

Own a 1998 740ILA?

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