While driving 55 MPH and without warning front end began to make a loud noise. Dealer was notified, and mechanic stated there was recall 97v140000. However this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN.
The worst 1996 BMW 740I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Suspension1
Recalls 2
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Road grit and gravel associated with winter road conditions can penetrate the rubber of the lower front spring mounts and accumulate in the mounts causing notches or pits to develop. These notches can develop cracks resulting in breakage of a bottom coil of the spring.
- Risk
- The vehicle's ride height could be affected causing noise while the vehicle is driven. The vehicle's dynamic stability can be affected reducing the driver's ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace both front springs and lower spring mounts.
Recall number 97V140000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. In this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing.
- Risk
- This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. It his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. The clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.
Recall number 97V131000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 BMW 740I 9
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- Program dme
- Subject on tank ventilation leak couplers
- Information on heat exchanger operation
- Condition with brake pad warning stays illuminated after brake pad replacement
- New evaporative (charcoal) canister purge line
- Experiencing an intermittent momentary event where the brake pedal does not immediatlely return
- Child airbag letter, warning label and safety reference card
- Improved software for motorola CMT3000VR phones
What 1996 BMW 740I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 1996 BMW 740I
Other model years
1993199419951996199719981999200020012012201320142015201620172018201920202021202320242026
Questions about the 1996 BMW 740I
Is the 1996 BMW 740I reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1996 BMW 740I, fewer than a typical 740I model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 BMW 740I?
Suspension, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 1996 BMW 740I have?
2 recalls, covering suspension and vehicle speed control.
Was there a recall on the 1996 BMW 740I suspension?
Yes, 1 recall: 97V140000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1996 BMW 740I?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history