1998 BMW 740IL: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 BMW 740IL: 0 recalls, 26 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, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (7): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3).
- Electrical (6): the most common themes are electrical failure (4).
- Fuel system (6): the most common themes are leaks (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
The 1998 BMW 740IL has 26 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 9 740IL model years for complaints (1.8× the average 740IL year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 106,934 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (19 complaints, 1 recalls), 1999 (6 complaints, 0 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 |
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 1998 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.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 BMW 740IL have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1998 BMW 740IL, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1998 BMW 740IL problems?
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (7), electrical (6), fuel system (6).
What gas mileage does the 1998 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 1998 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.