1996 BMW 740IL: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 BMW 740IL: 1 recall, 11 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
_750i_(1995)_(52858944605).jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
1 vehicle recall 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #97V140000 · 1997 · 29,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front springs and lower spring mounts.
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, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (3): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (2).
- Fuel system (3): the most common themes are leaks (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Latches & locks (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 BMW 740IL has 11 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 9 740IL model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 15). Complaints peaked in 2001 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 156,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (12 complaints, 3 recalls), 1997 (19 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 | Premium |
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 1996 BMW 740IL.
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 1996 BMW 740IL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 BMW 740IL, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 BMW 740IL problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (3), fuel system (3), brakes (hydraulic) (2).
What gas mileage does the 1996 BMW 740IL get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 BMW 740IL 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.