Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Bmw 740IL: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

19 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

72,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 19 complaints (21.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior210.5%
Fuel system concerns210.5%
Braking behavior15.3%
Electrical and battery issues15.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Steering
4
Suspension
4
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly
2
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
2
Air Bags
1
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
1
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering4
Suspension4
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly2
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs2
Air Bags1
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module1
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood1

Steering: 4; Suspension: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly: 2; Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs: 2; Air Bags: 1; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1998
2
1999
1
2002
3
2003
1
2004
4
2008
2
2014
3
2016
2
2018
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19982
19991
20023
20031
20044
20082
20143
20162
20181

1998: 2; 1999: 1; 2002: 3; 2003: 1; 2004: 4; 2008: 2; 2014: 3; 2016: 2; 2018: 1

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10019215 · 2003-05-24 (May 24, 2003)

I HAVE HAD THREE SEPARATE FAILURES OF PLASTIC RADIATOR COMPONENTS IN MY 1997 BMW 740IL IN THE SPACE OF 5 MONTHS. AT FIRST INSPECTION, THESE APPEAR TO ME TO BE THERMAL FATIGUE FAILURES INDICATING SOME MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE PLASTIC. BMW DENIES ANY SUCH ISSUE AND REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FAILED COMPONENTS UNDER WARRANTY. THE FIRST INSTANCE WAS A MINOR LEAK THAT DEVELOPED FROM A SMALL PIPE THAT EXITS THE TOP OF THE RADIATOR. BEFORE I HAD THAT REPAIRED, THE NECK OF THE TOP INLET TO THE RADIATOR BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE RADIATOR H…

Owner-reported narrative. 71,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10019215 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10052305 · 2004-01-03 (January 3, 2004)

WHILE USING THE FACTORY JACK TO CHANGE A TIRE, THE JACK BECAME UNSTABLE DUE TO THE SMALL BASE THAT IS PROVIDED AND THE CAR FELL OFF OF THE JACK. THE JACK WAS BEING OPERATED ON AN ASPHALT SURFACE. THIS WAS A NEAR MISS ACCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE EASILY TRAPPED ME UNDER MY CAR. THE CAR IS A 1997 740IL BMW.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10052305 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10052306 · 2004-01-03 (January 3, 2004)

THERE'S A MAJOR FLAW DESIGN IN THE BMW 740I AND 740IL FGROM YEARS 1995-200. I WAS JUST DRIVING AND IT FAILED WITHOUT HESITATION. I SPOKE WITH A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MODEL AND THEY HAD THE SAME PEOBLEM. TO SOME PEOPLE IT HAPPEND AS THEY WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY SPILLING COOLANT ALL OVER THEIR WINDSHIELD AND LOSING CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 75,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10052306 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10089312 · 2004-08-19 (August 19, 2004)

THE CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL# 97V140000 : 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. THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONSUMER HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATIONS NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10089312 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10096241 · 2004-10-22 (October 22, 2004)

PURCHASED A "CERTIFIED" BMW 1997 740IL IN 11/02 WITH 69,000 MILES. IN JANUARY I NOTICED A "TIN CAN" POPPING SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND A VACUUM LIKE SOUND WHEN OPENING THE GAS CAP TO FUEL. I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE GAS TANK HAD A DENT IN IT ALTHOUGH I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JOHN ROBERTS BMW IN DALLAS. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD NEVER HAD ANY COMPLAINTS RESEMBLING MINE AND THAT I MUST HAVE STRUCK SOMETHING TO DAMAGE THE TANK. ABOUT ONE MONTH LATER THE TANK BEGAN TO LEAK AND BASICALLY IMPLODE…

Owner-reported narrative. 71,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10096241 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10218592 · 2008-02-19 (February 19, 2008)

CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF HAD A REALLY STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OPENED UP THE HOOD AND HAD A FLAME DOWN AT THE THERMOSTAT AREA. QUICKLY PUT IT OUT AND PUSHED THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK COME TOW THE CAR AND BRING MY FAMILY OUT OF THE FREEZING COLD AS WELL. THE THERMOSTAT AND WIRING FROM THE ECU DOWN TO THE THERMOSTAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS A FUSE THAT HAD BLOWN IN THE MAIN ENGINE HARNESS. OLD PART WAS DISPOSED OF AS WELL AS THE WIRING…

Owner-reported narrative. 134,043 miles reported. Look up ODI 10218592 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10238016 · 2008-08-13 (August 13, 2008)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 740IL. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE, BUT THE BRAKES WERE NOT EFFECTIVE. ALSO, THE COIL SPRING MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V140000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS), WHICH WAS ISSUED IN THE SPRING OF 1997. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW UPDATED 09/19/08. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 72,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10238016 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10583779 · 2014-04-20 (April 20, 2014)

MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AT A CERTIFIED USED DEALERSHIP. WE FUELED IT UP AND DROVE IT AROUND THAT NIGHT AND PARKED IT AT OUR HOME. THE NEXT MORNING IT SMELLED TERRIBLY OF GASOLINE SO I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR. THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK WAS CRUSHED IN AND IT WAS POURING GASOLINE ALL OVER THE DRIVEWAY. THEIR WAS A PUDDLE APPROXIMATELY 3 FEET WIDE UNDER THE CAR. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE SHOCKED. WE BOTH ASSUMED THAT THEY NEVER FILLED THE TALK SO THE PROBLEM WASN'T KNOWN. THEY REPLACED THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE AND…

Owner-reported narrative. 68,158 miles reported. Look up ODI 10583779 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

97V140000 · Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs

Reported: 1997-08-22 (August 22, 1997)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

19 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

57.9%Usable mileage11 / 19 records
84.2%Valid incident date16 / 19 records
100.0%Valid filing date19 / 19 records
84.2%Ordered incident and filing dates16 / 19 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199319941995199619971998199920002001
Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 10520639 · 200,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND WAS PASSING A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AND HEARD A LOUD POP. I THOUGHT MY WINDSHIELD HAD BEEN HIT BY SOMETHING UNTIL I SAW THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE, SO I KEPT DRIVING. MY CAR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT SO I SLOWED DOWN. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I LOOKED AT MY CAR AND SAW THAT THE HOOD HAD AN ALMOST HOLE IN IT SO I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND MY BELTS GONE AND DAMAGE TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE HOOD AND LINING. A FELLOW EMPLOYEE LOOKED AT IT FOR ME AND WE DISCOVERED THAT MY FAN HAD BEEN OBLITERATED AND A GREAT DEAL OF DAMAGE HAD BEEN DONE…

Look up ODI 10520639 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

623.1%
ODI 10120642

DT: THE CONSUMER STATES APPROXIMATELY 4 DAYS AGO THE CLUSTER ON THE DASH WENT OUT THE TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THEY WERE WORKING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CALLED DEALERSHIP, THEY INFORMED CONTACT TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE. MONDAY, MAY 9, THE VEHICLE STARTED CHUGGING, AS IF RUNNING OUT OF GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT SEARCHED THE VEHICLE BUT HE DID NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE FUEL TANK. *NM *SB THE C…

Look up ODI 10120642 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.0%
ODI 10822567 · 65,000 mi

THE INFORMATION PANEL IN FRONT OF THE STERING COLUMN IN THE DASH IS SO PIXALATED THE INFORMATION SUCH AS THE ODOMETER AND OTHER NECESSARY SAFETY INFORMATION IS UNREADABLE. THE DEALER WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AS A CERTIFIED BMW, 18 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE IN 2004 THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES AT THE TIME (NOW 75,000 MILES), SAID IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1500 TO $2000 TO REPLACE AND IT WAS OUR RESPONSIBILITY. WE HAVE LIVED WITH IT FOR SOME YEARS NOW AND TRY TO AVOID DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN USED SPARINGLY BECAUS…

Look up ODI 10822567 at NHTSA ↗

311.5%
ODI 10239940

PURCHASED PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED CAR IN APRIL 06, STARTING HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: WINDOW MOTORS, GPS SYSTEM/MONITOR, CAR KEPT DYEING WHILE STOPPED AND DRIVING, ENGINE SHUTDOWN/FAILSAFE MODE, BRAKE LIGHTS BLOWING ALL THE TIME, FUSES AND IGNITION SWITCH GOING OUT ALL THE TIME. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE ABOUT 18 TIMES IN THE LAST 26 MONTHS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS AND WE FOUND OUT THE "BUMPER TO BUMPER" WARRANTY WE BOUGHT IS NOT BUMPER TO BUMPER BUT LISTED PARTS, WHATEVER THAT MEANS; AFTER CONTACTING BMW NORTH AMERICA FOUND OUT…

Look up ODI 10239940 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

19.1%
ODI 761327

THIS PROBLEM W/ RADIATOR IS VERY COMMON W/ THIS VEHICLE AND MANUFACTURER REFUSES ANY RESPONSIBILITY. *AK

Look up ODI 761327 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10019215 · 71,000 mi

I HAVE HAD THREE SEPARATE FAILURES OF PLASTIC RADIATOR COMPONENTS IN MY 1997 BMW 740IL IN THE SPACE OF 5 MONTHS. AT FIRST INSPECTION, THESE APPEAR TO ME TO BE THERMAL FATIGUE FAILURES INDICATING SOME MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE PLASTIC. BMW DENIES ANY SUCH ISSUE AND REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FAILED COMPONENTS UNDER WARRANTY. THE FIRST INSTANCE WAS A MINOR LEAK THAT DEVELOPED FROM A SMALL PIPE THAT EXITS THE TOP OF THE RADIATOR. BEFORE I HAD THAT REPAIRED, THE NECK OF THE TOP INLET TO THE RADIATOR BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE RADIATOR H…

Look up ODI 10019215 at NHTSA ↗

415.4%
ODI 10043341 · 65,656 mi

FAULTY RADIATORS THAT HAVE A DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWS FOR THE RADIATOR NECK TO BREAK OFF WITHOUT NOTICE AND SPRAY HOT COOLANT EVERYWHERE. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN JUST VISIT ROADFLY.ORG E38 MESSAGE BOARD AND SEARCH FOR "RADIATOR NECK." THIS TYPICALLY OCCURS BETWEEN 50,000-70,000 MILES. *LA

Look up ODI 10043341 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.8%
ODI 10191434 · 54,100 mi

IN MARCH 2007 LOW COOLANT WARNING CAUSED ME OPEN HOOD AND ADD COOLANT THREE TIMES BEFORE I TOOK CAR TO BMW DEALER ,WHO DIAGNOSED CRACKED PLASTIC RESERVOIR IN RADIATOR AND SEPARATE COOLANT TANK. EACH TIME ENGINE HAD OVERHEATED DUE TO A LOT OF PRESSURE UNDER RADIATOR COOLANT CAP. NEEDED MUCH TIME WAITING BEFORE OPENING TO ADD COOLANT. THIS WAS DEFECTIVE MATERIALS AND NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR BREAKDOWN. EVERY PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE BY BOOK ON THIS BMW. MANUFACTURER DISCLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY AS CAR OUT OF WARRANTY BY FEW MONTHS. C…

Look up ODI 10191434 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

19.1%
ODI 10567419 · 133,000 mi

THE GAS TANK STARTED TO MAKE POPPING NOISES AND THUMPING SOUNDS. THEN WHEN I REALIZED SOMETHING IS WRONG WHEN THE GAS GAUGE STARTED READING 1/4 TANK WHEN IT WAS EMPTY, STRANGELY WHEN I WAS FILLING UP WITH GAS THE CAP WAS HARD TO REMOVE AND AS SOON AS I REMOVED THE CAP AIR WAS RUSHING IN. I RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE INTERSTATE WITHOUT ANY WARNING MANAGED TO GET THE CAR ON THE SHOULDER. LATER ON THE WAY TO WORK I STARTED SMELLING A STRONG GAS ODOR I ASSUMED IT WAS THE CARS SURROUNDING ME. WHEN I WENT ON MY LUNCH BREAK MY COWORKERS INFORMED ME THAT TH…

Look up ODI 10567419 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 10583779 · 68,158 mi

MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AT A CERTIFIED USED DEALERSHIP. WE FUELED IT UP AND DROVE IT AROUND THAT NIGHT AND PARKED IT AT OUR HOME. THE NEXT MORNING IT SMELLED TERRIBLY OF GASOLINE SO I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR. THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK WAS CRUSHED IN AND IT WAS POURING GASOLINE ALL OVER THE DRIVEWAY. THEIR WAS A PUDDLE APPROXIMATELY 3 FEET WIDE UNDER THE CAR. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE SHOCKED. WE BOTH ASSUMED THAT THEY NEVER FILLED THE TALK SO THE PROBLEM WASN'T KNOWN. THEY REPLACED THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE AND…

Look up ODI 10583779 at NHTSA ↗

311.5%
ODI 10257572 · 210,106 mi

HI, I BROUGHT THIS CAR FROM ANOTHER PERSON (ORIGINAL OWNER),HE TOLD ME THAT THE CAR MAKES A WEIRD NOISE WHEN SITTING OR DRIVING HE COULDN'T TELL ME WHY IT WAS HAPPENING UPON FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND FUEL TANK TO BE SUCKING IN AND OUT I DIDN'T PAY TO MUCH ATTENTION THINKING WASN'T MUCH TO IT UNTIL ONE DAY WENT TO REFUEL VEHICLE WASN'T ABLE TO GET ANY GAS INTO VEHICLE,UPON INSPECTION FOUND GAS TANK HAD IMPLODED BEYOND REPAIR,I SPOKE TO AN ADVISOR AT LOCAL BMW DEALER IF THERE WAS ANY BULLETINS ON ISSUE HE TOLD ME NO AT FIRST,HE THEN ASKED A TECH …

Look up ODI 10257572 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

311.5%
ODI 10245625 · 66,172 mi

MY GAS TANK IS SLOWLY IMPLODING...APPARENTLY, BMW IS QUITE AWARE OF THE CONDITION AS A BULLETIN WAS PRODUCED ON 11-9-2003 BASED ON A DEFECT IN ENGINEERING DESIGN OR THE HARDWARE CHOSEN. IN THE MEANTIME, MY CAR IS A FUEL TIMEBOMB - THIS IS AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR

Look up ODI 10245625 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control
111.1%
ODI 8013156

WHILE IN PARK AND AFTER TURNING ON IGNITION SWITCH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND TOOK OFF, RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Look up ODI 8013156 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 10520639 · 200,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND WAS PASSING A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AND HEARD A LOUD POP. I THOUGHT MY WINDSHIELD HAD BEEN HIT BY SOMETHING UNTIL I SAW THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE, SO I KEPT DRIVING. MY CAR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT SO I SLOWED DOWN. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I LOOKED AT MY CAR AND SAW THAT THE HOOD HAD AN ALMOST HOLE IN IT SO I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND MY BELTS GONE AND DAMAGE TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE HOOD AND LINING. A FELLOW EMPLOYEE LOOKED AT IT FOR ME AND WE DISCOVERED THAT MY FAN HAD BEEN OBLITERATED AND A GREAT DEAL OF DAMAGE HAD BEEN DONE…

Look up ODI 10520639 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 10235678 · 179,000 mi

ANYTIME YOU ARE ACCELERATING THE THROTTLE CABLE WILL EITHER GET STUCK OR IF YOU LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL ITS WILL CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY UPON ENTERING THE HIGHWAY. THIS OCCURRED PRETTY REGULARLY UNTIL WE HAD THE THROTTLE CABLE REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10235678 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 770596

ENGINE RPM WILL SUDDENLY SURGE FROM 8OO TO 2500 RPM WITH NO WARNING. IDLE WILL VARY FROM 800 RPM TO 400 RPM AND THEN POSSIBLY SHOOT UP TO 12-2500 RPM. AFTER 5 ATTEMPTS DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT. CONSIDER THIS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. DT

Look up ODI 770596 at NHTSA ↗

27.7%
ODI 10314873 · 10,000 mi

THIS IS ABOUT MY 1998 740IL BMW. TWO TIMES SINCE OWNING THIS VEHICLE THE ENGINE REVEVED UP WHEN I WAS PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL, NEARLY CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL. I FOUND THE PROBLEM. COMPARED TO MY PREVIOUS MERCEDES BENZ, THE ACCELARATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS ARE CLOSER TOGETHER. ALSO, THE BRAKE PEDAL OF THE BMW COMPRESSES FURTHER DOWN THAT WITH ANY OTHER CAR. AS A RESULT, IF MY FOOT WAS ONLY ON THE EDGE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BOTTOM OF MY FOOT EXTENDED OVER ONTO THE GAS PEDAL. THE HARDER I PRESSED THE BRAKE, THE MORE GAS I WAS GIVING THE EN…

Look up ODI 10314873 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

27.7%
ODI 10320216 · 110,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740 IL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 2 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 24 TO 36 INCHES. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO PROCEED TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH EXTREME FORCE APPLIED TO THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,390.

Look up ODI 10320216 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
111.1%
ODI 547566

THE WATER PUMP FROZE, THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM WAS ON RECALL, HOWEVER NOT COVERED BY DEALER. MJS

Look up ODI 547566 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 893509

WHILE ON ROAD VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIED OFF AFTER GOING THROUGH CAR WASH, THE RESERVOIR TANK BURSTED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACKTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Look up ODI 893509 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

210.5%
ODI 10218592 · 134,043 mi

CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF HAD A REALLY STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OPENED UP THE HOOD AND HAD A FLAME DOWN AT THE THERMOSTAT AREA. QUICKLY PUT IT OUT AND PUSHED THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK COME TOW THE CAR AND BRING MY FAMILY OUT OF THE FREEZING COLD AS WELL. THE THERMOSTAT AND WIRING FROM THE ECU DOWN TO THE THERMOSTAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS A FUSE THAT HAD BLOWN IN THE MAIN ENGINE HARNESS. OLD PART WAS DISPOSED OF AS WELL AS THE WIRING…

Look up ODI 10218592 at NHTSA ↗

27.7%
ODI 10116384 · 80,000 mi

LOW COOLANT MESSAGE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. WITHIN A FEW MILES, RADIATOR CAP OVERPRESURED AND STEAM BURST OUT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. PULLED OVER AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. REPLACED COOLANT HOSES. 4 MONTHS LATER, LOW COOLANT MESSAGE CAME ON AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING; STOPPED AT A SERVICE STATION TO CHECK LEVEL; LEVEL WAS VERY LOW, AND A SLOW LEAK WAS VISIBLE. REPLACED COOLANT RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY. 6 MOS LATER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER REPLACED SENSOR. ONE WEEK LATER, THE LOW COOLANT MESSAGE CAME ON AGAIN (3RD TIME). COOLANT WAS LOW; TOOK …

Look up ODI 10116384 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.8%
ODI 10254676 · 65,000 mi

IN APRIL 2008 LOW COOLANT WARNING CAUSED ME OPEN HOOD AND ADD COOLANT. THE COOLANT LEVEL WAS PERFECT BUT I STILL ADDED MORE. THE LIGHT FOR LOW COOLANT WAS STILL APPEARING EVERY TIME I DROVE THE CAR. EVERY PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE BY BOOK ON THIS BMW. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE AFTER THIS LOW COOLANT LIGHT BUT NOT FOR THE COOLANT RELATED SERVICE. THEY COULD HAVE CHECKED THIS AND ADVISED ME OF POTENTIAL PROBLEM. CAR HAS 65,000 MILES. PLASTIC WAS FOUND HARDENED BY HEAT AND BRITTLENESS CRACKED THE SAME. 385 OTHER BMW 740IL OW…

Look up ODI 10254676 at NHTSA ↗

Steering
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 10520649 · 298,765 mi

WHEN I GET INTO MY CAR THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND I CAN'T GET IT UNLOCKED UNLESS I TURN ON AND OFF MY CAUTION LIGHTS OR MOVE THE BUTTON BACK AND FORTH ON THE CONSOLE THAT HAS AN A ON ONE END AND A M ON THE OTHER. AS SOON AS I GET OUT OF THE CAR IT LOCKS AND WON'T MOVE UNLESS I DO THAT AND I HAVEN'T FIGURED OUT WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. IT JUST STARTED WITHIN THE LAST WEEK. I NEED TO KNOW IF THIS WILL CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND IF I NEED TO LET THE CAR SIT UNTIL I GET IT FIXED? *TR

Look up ODI 10520649 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

421.1%
ODI 10639599 · 13,100 mi

STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A SLOPPY MESSY FUMBLING INTERACTION BETWEEN CAR AND STEERING WHEEL ALSO VEERS RANDOMLY AS IF IT WAS DETACHED FROM THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10639599 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

27.7%
ODI 10671615 · 200,000 mi

THREE YEARS AGO I BOUGHT AN AFTERMARKET CENTER STEERING LINK FOR MY CAR....MADE IN CHINA. AFTER THREE YEARS, I DETECTED SIGNIFICANT PLAY IN THE CENTER LINK WHERE THERE SHOULD BE NONE. I ORDER A SECOND ONE AND REPLACED IT. AFTER THREE MONTHS I DETECTED PLAY IN THE STEERING LINK, NOT AS BAD AS AFTER THREE YEARS, BUT THERE SHOULD BE ZERO PLAY IN THIS PART. I REPLACED IT TODAY WITH AND OEM PART AND WANTED TO REPORT THE DEFECTIVE PART WHICH IS BEING SOLD IN HIGH VOLUME ON THE INTERNET (EBAY). I BELIEVE SHOULD THIS PART FAIL COMPLETELY, IT WOULD…

Look up ODI 10671615 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.3%
ODI 823307

WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-50 MPH HIT A CONCRETE POST DIRECT CENTER OF VEHICLE. THEERE WAS DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS. ALSO THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS WHICH DID NOT DEPLOY. CAUSE UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 823307 at NHTSA ↗

13.8%
ODI 558180

THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. *SLC

Look up ODI 558180 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

311.5%
ODI 10668840 · 56,900 mi

COMMON DEFECT: AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON. SUSPECTED PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR FAILURE. I'VE HAD 2 BMW'S FROM THIS SERIES - BOTH WITH THE SAME ISSUE - YET NO RECALL FROM BMW - WHY? ISN'T THIS A SAFETY SYSTEM? I SEE AIRBAG RECALLS ON CARS DATING BACK TO THIS ERA. WHY NONE FOR BMW? ALSO - ODOMETER RIBBON CABLE FAILURE CAUSING PIXELS TO FAIL. NO RECALL - PROBLEM EXISTS ACROSS THE SERIES FROM 1996-2001 AND BEYOND. NO FIX - NO RECALL - NO REPAIRS OFFERED. WHY? *TR

Look up ODI 10668840 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 568089

THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE NIKASIL M60B40 4.0 L (3982CC) FUEL INJECTED, DOHC, V-8 ENGINES, THAT ARE PRONE TO PREMATURE FAILURE BEFORE 100K MILES. (WHICH CAN ALSO CAUSE EROSION DUE TO AMERICAN GASOLINE CONTAINING SULPHUR) THERE WAS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER 1995 TO REPAIR BMW'S MADE BEFORE 3/95. THE REPAIR WAS UNSUCCESSFUL, SO BMW EVENTUALLY DETERMINED THAT THE BLOCKS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED IN SOME CASES DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY SULPHUR IN THE GASOLINE. THE CONSUMER HAD PURCHASED A WARRANTY FOR A…

Look up ODI 568089 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

19.1%
ODI 10227742 · 203,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BMW 740IL. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. AS SHE TURNED THE KEY AND REMOVED IT FROM THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. SHE HAD TO REMOVE THE ENGINE FUSES FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A NEW CYLINDER AND HOUSING. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE…

Look up ODI 10227742 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 10023965 · 59,094 mi

FAN CLUTCH BEARING SEIZED WHILE DRIVING HIGH RPM; FAN BLADE BROKE, BROKE DRIVE BELTS, HOSES, WATER PUMP, SHROUD, RADIATOR, AND DAMAGED HOOD. *NLM

Look up ODI 10023965 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 10120346

I PURCHASED A 2000, BMW 740IL ON APRIL 5, 2005. THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MILES. SINCE THAT TIME, I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR COOLANT SYSTEM FAILURE 4 TIMES. EACH TIME THE MONITORING SYSTEM INDICATED LOW COOLANT. THE FIRST 2 TIME, THE ENGIN HAD PLENTY OF FLUID. THE THIRD TIME IT WAS SUGGESTED BY THE DEALER THAT THE SENSOR MAY NEED REPLACING. IT WAS REPLACED ON MAY 2, 2005. ON MAY 7, THE ENGIN MONITORING SYSTEM INDICATED ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THE COOLANT LEVEL. AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED, COOLANT BEGAN TO LEAK …

Look up ODI 10120346 at NHTSA ↗

13.8%
ODI 10211786 · 102,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 740IL. THE VEHICLE WAS TUNED UP ON OCTOBER 6, 2007 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2007. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING AND THE ADD ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE QUICKEST THE ADD ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT HAS EVER ILLUMINATED FOLLOWING A TUNE UP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 102,000.

Look up ODI 10211786 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
SteeringToo few reports for a range39,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10639599 · 13,100 mi

STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A SLOPPY MESSY FUMBLING INTERACTION BETWEEN CAR AND STEERING WHEEL ALSO VEERS RANDOMLY AS IF IT WAS DETACHED FROM THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10639599 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10639601 · 131,000 mi

STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A SLOPPY MESSY FUMBLING INTERACTION BETWEEN CAR AND STEERING WHEEL ALSO VEERS RANDOMLY AS IF IT WAS DETACHED FROM THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10639601 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10909327 · 39,000 mi

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 THE BOTTOM SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. UPDATED 04/19/17 LJ *TR

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SuspensionToo few reports for a range39,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10639599 · 13,100 mi

STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A SLOPPY MESSY FUMBLING INTERACTION BETWEEN CAR AND STEERING WHEEL ALSO VEERS RANDOMLY AS IF IT WAS DETACHED FROM THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10639599 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10639601 · 131,000 mi

STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A SLOPPY MESSY FUMBLING INTERACTION BETWEEN CAR AND STEERING WHEEL ALSO VEERS RANDOMLY AS IF IT WAS DETACHED FROM THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10639601 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10909327 · 39,000 mi

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 THE BOTTOM SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. UPDATED 04/19/17 LJ *TR

Look up ODI 10909327 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling SystemToo few reports for a range134,043 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10218592 · 134,043 mi

CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF HAD A REALLY STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OPENED UP THE HOOD AND HAD A FLAME DOWN AT THE THERMOSTAT AREA. QUICKLY PUT IT OUT AND PUSHED THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK COME TOW THE CAR AND BRING MY FAMILY OUT OF THE FREEZING COLD AS WELL. THE THERMOSTAT AND WIRING FROM THE ECU DOWN TO THE THERMOSTAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS A FUSE THAT HAD BLOWN IN THE MAIN ENGINE HARNESS. OLD PART WAS DISPOSED OF AS WELL AS THE WIRING…

Look up ODI 10218592 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator AssemblyToo few reports for a range73,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10019215 · 71,000 mi

I HAVE HAD THREE SEPARATE FAILURES OF PLASTIC RADIATOR COMPONENTS IN MY 1997 BMW 740IL IN THE SPACE OF 5 MONTHS. AT FIRST INSPECTION, THESE APPEAR TO ME TO BE THERMAL FATIGUE FAILURES INDICATING SOME MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE PLASTIC. BMW DENIES ANY SUCH ISSUE AND REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FAILED COMPONENTS UNDER WARRANTY. THE FIRST INSTANCE WAS A MINOR LEAK THAT DEVELOPED FROM A SMALL PIPE THAT EXITS THE TOP OF THE RADIATOR. BEFORE I HAD THAT REPAIRED, THE NECK OF THE TOP INLET TO THE RADIATOR BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE RADIATOR H…

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ODI 10052306 · 75,000 mi

THERE'S A MAJOR FLAW DESIGN IN THE BMW 740I AND 740IL FGROM YEARS 1995-200. I WAS JUST DRIVING AND IT FAILED WITHOUT HESITATION. I SPOKE WITH A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MODEL AND THEY HAD THE SAME PEOBLEM. TO SOME PEOPLE IT HAPPEND AS THEY WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY SPILLING COOLANT ALL OVER THEIR WINDSHIELD AND LOSING CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE. *AK

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Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil SpringsToo few reports for a range72,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10238016 · 72,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 740IL. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE, BUT THE BRAKES WERE NOT EFFECTIVE. ALSO, THE COIL SPRING MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V140000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS), WHICH WAS ISSUED IN THE SPRING OF 1997. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW UPDATED 09/19/08. *JB

Look up ODI 10238016 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Wiring:Front UnderhoodToo few reports for a range134,043 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10218592 · 134,043 mi

CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF HAD A REALLY STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OPENED UP THE HOOD AND HAD A FLAME DOWN AT THE THERMOSTAT AREA. QUICKLY PUT IT OUT AND PUSHED THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK COME TOW THE CAR AND BRING MY FAMILY OUT OF THE FREEZING COLD AS WELL. THE THERMOSTAT AND WIRING FROM THE ECU DOWN TO THE THERMOSTAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS A FUSE THAT HAD BLOWN IN THE MAIN ENGINE HARNESS. OLD PART WAS DISPOSED OF AS WELL AS THE WIRING…

Look up ODI 10218592 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 25 reports

2000: 5 complaints · 2001: 4 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2000135
2001144
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20001820
20012510

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentSteeringSuspensionEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling SystemEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator AssemblySuspension:Front:Springs:Coil SpringsAir BagsAir Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control ModuleElectrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
Steering—
4
ODI 10639599 · 13,100 mi

STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A SLOPPY MESSY FUMBLING INTERACTION BETWEEN CAR AND STEERING WHEEL ALSO VEERS RANDOMLY AS IF IT WAS DETACHED FROM THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10639599 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10639601 · 131,000 mi

STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A SLOPPY MESSY FUMBLING INTERACTION BETWEEN CAR AND STEERING WHEEL ALSO VEERS RANDOMLY AS IF IT WAS DETACHED FROM THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10639601 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10895334

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

Look up ODI 10895334 at NHTSA ↗

000000
Suspension
4
ODI 10639599 · 13,100 mi

STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A SLOPPY MESSY FUMBLING INTERACTION BETWEEN CAR AND STEERING WHEEL ALSO VEERS RANDOMLY AS IF IT WAS DETACHED FROM THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10639599 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10639601 · 131,000 mi

STEERING AND OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED FOR NO REASON FEELS LIKE IT IS DISCONNECTING AND LOOSE CLANKING NOISES FORM FRONT SUSPENSION ALL THE TIME ON ALL SURFACES ALSO A SQUEAKY OLD BED FRAME NOISE APPEARS . CONCERNED ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY THE VEHICLE IS WELL CARED FOR. FEELS LIKE A SLOPPY MESSY FUMBLING INTERACTION BETWEEN CAR AND STEERING WHEEL ALSO VEERS RANDOMLY AS IF IT WAS DETACHED FROM THE STEERING SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10639601 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10895334

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

Look up ODI 10895334 at NHTSA ↗

—000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System00—0000
1
ODI 10218592 · 134,043 mi

CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF HAD A REALLY STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OPENED UP THE HOOD AND HAD A FLAME DOWN AT THE THERMOSTAT AREA. QUICKLY PUT IT OUT AND PUSHED THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK COME TOW THE CAR AND BRING MY FAMILY OUT OF THE FREEZING COLD AS WELL. THE THERMOSTAT AND WIRING FROM THE ECU DOWN TO THE THERMOSTAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS A FUSE THAT HAD BLOWN IN THE MAIN ENGINE HARNESS. OLD PART WAS DISPOSED OF AS WELL AS THE WIRING…

Look up ODI 10218592 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly000—0000
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs0000—000
Air Bags00000—00
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module000000—0
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood00
1
ODI 10218592 · 134,043 mi

CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF HAD A REALLY STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OPENED UP THE HOOD AND HAD A FLAME DOWN AT THE THERMOSTAT AREA. QUICKLY PUT IT OUT AND PUSHED THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK COME TOW THE CAR AND BRING MY FAMILY OUT OF THE FREEZING COLD AS WELL. THE THERMOSTAT AND WIRING FROM THE ECU DOWN TO THE THERMOSTAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS A FUSE THAT HAD BLOWN IN THE MAIN ENGINE HARNESS. OLD PART WAS DISPOSED OF AS WELL AS THE WIRING…

Look up ODI 10218592 at NHTSA ↗

0000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 10.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 68,158 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10583779 · 68,158 mi

MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AT A CERTIFIED USED DEALERSHIP. WE FUELED IT UP AND DROVE IT AROUND THAT NIGHT AND PARKED IT AT OUR HOME. THE NEXT MORNING IT SMELLED TERRIBLY OF GASOLINE SO I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR. THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK WAS CRUSHED IN AND IT WAS POURING GASOLINE ALL OVER THE DRIVEWAY. THEIR WAS A PUDDLE APPROXIMATELY 3 FEET WIDE UNDER THE CAR. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE SHOCKED. WE BOTH ASSUMED THAT THEY NEVER FILLED THE TALK SO THE PROBLEM WASN'T KNOWN. THEY REPLACED THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE AND…

Look up ODI 10583779 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8004205

THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A GAS LEAK. HAD VEHICLE SERVICED A YEAR LATER AND GAS LEAK CONTINUES.*AK

Look up ODI 8004205 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 10.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 104,559 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10238016 · 72,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 740IL. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE, BUT THE BRAKES WERE NOT EFFECTIVE. ALSO, THE COIL SPRING MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V140000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS), WHICH WAS ISSUED IN THE SPRING OF 1997. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW UPDATED 09/19/08. *JB

Look up ODI 10238016 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11124646 · 137,117 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11124646 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b