I bought this vehicle in 2002 at 96k miles it has been nothing but problems, since buying vehicle, I have had water pump failure twice, replaced radiator twice , hoses & rings..two battery's front bumper, catalytic convertor l. Bay, changed.. Brakes & rotors changed nov. 11...... 3 weeks later as I was driving home from work .. I got a transmission failure.. And the car stopped in the middle of the road.. The car goes in reverse but not forward.. I have only driven this car 15 -16k miles since owning the vehicle I have had all these chronic repairs.. I'm distraught that I could have been in a serious car crash..not sure what to do?.. But accrd.. To many bmw owners I find on the net there is a chronic problem w/ transmission failure bmw should be held accountable.. It is dangerous and unsafe for drivers there needs to be some investigation in regards to transmission failure ..
The worst 1998 BMW 740I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine3
- Electrical2
- Visibility2
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine3
- Electrical2
- Visibility2
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Transmission1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 BMW 740I 11
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
- Program dme (for O2 sensors)
- Replacement heater cores for E38 vehicles
- Information on evaporative emission control and fuel filler cap / filler door labels
- Engine cranks, but will not start
- Subject on tank ventilation leak couplers
- 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
1998 BMW 740I fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 18 |
What 1998 BMW 740I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 bmw 740i. The contact stated that the innerline of the four doors had become discolored and was obscuring her vision. The vehicle was taken into the dealer and they informed the contact that the discoloration was caused by the material they used to help against the window being shattered. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Engine failed entirely, while passing a vehicle. Driver able to retain enough control to bring car to halt safely on shoulder. Car towed to technicians. Upon inspection, a hole was found in a cylinder, causing complete engine faiure technicians indicate that electronic firing failed, causing a hole to be burned in the wall of cylinder! Engine a complete loss. Quite lucky no one was killed in this accident waiting to become a catastrophe!
Airbags did not deploy despite direct hit to drivers side door at significant speed when they should have deployed. We want to obtain an independent appraisal of this since the manufacturer claims (and we dispute) that they should not have deployed.
Upon starting vehicle and shifting into reverse gear, engine revved high/vehicle moved backwards, brakes were applied to stop vehicle, when put into neutral engine revved to 6000-7000 rpms. Vehicle was shut off/restarted, problem was gone.
Cup holder failed.
Window shade failed.
Vehicle shuts down without warning, all components fail including steering.
Compare the 1998 BMW 740I
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Questions about the 1998 BMW 740I
Is the 1998 BMW 740I reliable?
Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1998 BMW 740I, 2.0 times a typical 740I model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 BMW 740I?
Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is electrical (2).
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 740I have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW 740I get?
Official estimates for the 1998 BMW 740I range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.4L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 22 highway.
VIN decoder
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