MotorDeets

1998 BMW 740ila: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1998 BMW 740ila: 1 recall, 3 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
3owner complaints
0mention a crash
18best combined mpg
1998 BMW 740ila
Photo: MrWalkr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V142000 · 1998 · 1,100 vehicles

What's wrong: The differential pinion shaft within the differential case assembly was produced without the appropriate surface hardening. This can result in the shaft experiencing premature wear.

Why it matters: This condition will cause a noise from the differential and, ultimately, failure of the shaft and loss of drive.

The fix: Dealers will replace the entire differential assembly.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Other / unknown1
Transmission & drivetrain1
Fuel system1
Electrical1

What owners describe

The 1998 BMW 740ila has 3 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 9 740ila model years for complaints (5.4× the average 740ila year). Neighboring years: 1999 (0 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive152218Regular

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 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 BMW 740ila manual

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FAQ

Does the 1998 BMW 740ila have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1998 BMW 740ila. 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 1998 BMW 740ila problems?

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (1), transmission & drivetrain (1), fuel system (1).

What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW 740ila 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 740ila 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.

Other 740ila years

199019911992199319941995199819992001