1997 BMW 740IL problems & reliability
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 BMW 740IL. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6 | 32% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 26% |
| Steering | 4 | 21% |
| Air Bags | 2 | 11% |
| Electrical System | 1 | 5% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 5% |
| Equipment | 1 | 5% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 5% |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 5% |
| Power Train | 1 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 14 reported components →Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Traction control warning light. Bmw service center says that they can't communicate with my vehicle thereby can't diagnose problem(s). Vehicle stationary in shop.”
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · filed Sep 5, 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 bmw 740il. While driving over a bump in the road or pothole, the vehicle shook abnormally. Additionally the tie rod failed without warning. There was also an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle when driving various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that…”
Suspension · filed Sep 23, 2016
“I went to the bmw dealer and they say that they have nothing in the computer I think that my safety is first.thank you”
Suspension · filed Aug 12, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
16 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1997 BMW 740IL. The 10 most recent:
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 16, 2024
Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
B650916 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2018
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
B122817 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2017
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
B122917 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2017
Information on evaporative emission control and fuel filler cap / filler door labels. *yc
16 01 98 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 1998
Replacement heater cores for e38 vehicles. *yc
64 01 98 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 1998
Experiencing an intermittent momentary event where the brake pedal does not immediatlely return. Models built prior to 3/97 *db*yc
34 01 98 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 1998
New evaporative (charcoal) canister purge line. All e38 and e39 modele introduced into production approximately 3/97 *db*yc
16 04 97 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 1998
Condition with brake pad warning stays illuminated after brake pad replacement. *yc
62 01 98 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 1998
Subject on tank ventilation leak couplers. *yc
04 01 98 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 1998
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1997 BMW 740IL in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1997 BMW 740IL?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.