1999 BMW 740I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 BMW 740I: 0 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #10E021000 · 2010 · 150 vehicles
What's wrong: The shaft of the steering center tie rod May shear off.
Why it matters: This condition would result, without warning, in immediate and complete loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Fcp groton will notify owners and the tie rod will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 1, 2010.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (3): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1999 BMW 740I has 8 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 22 740I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 6). Complaints peaked in 2003 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 78,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (8 complaints, 0 recalls), 2000 (12 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 BMW 740I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1999 BMW 740I have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1999 BMW 740I, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1999 BMW 740I problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (3), brakes (hydraulic) (2), electrical (1).
What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW 740I get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 BMW 740I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.