MotorDeets

BMW 740ila problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every 740ila from 1990 to 2001: 5 owner complaints and 11 recalls across 9 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1998 (3), 1994 (1), 2001 (1). Best fuel economy: 18 mpg combined (2001).

BMW 740ila
Photo: Unknown · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain2
Electrical2
Other / unknown1
Fuel system1
Engine & cooling1
Equipment1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199010–
199110–
199210–
19931016
19941117
19951017
19981318
19992018
20012118

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 BMW 740ila.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check BMW 740ila manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check BMW 740ila manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check BMW 740ila manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check BMW 740ila manual

Heads 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

What is the worst year for the BMW 740ila?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1998 (3), 1994 (1), 2001 (1).

How many recalls has the BMW 740ila had?

Across 1990–2001, NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).