Most common 1997 BMW 740il problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 740il complaints by model year
Best 740il years: 1999, 1996, 1995. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001. Compare all years →
1997 BMW 740il recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front springs and lower spring mounts.
What 1997 BMW 740il owners say
Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 BMW 740il. While driving over a bump in the road or pothole, the vehicle shook abnormally. Additionally the tie rod failed without warning. There was also an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle when driving various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bottom springs were fractured. The dealer also advised the contact not to drive the vehicle because it was unsafe. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 39,000. Updated 04/19/17 lj
Tl contact owns a 1997 BMW 740il. While driving 40 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The brake lights continued to illuminate, but the brakes were not effective. Also, the coil spring made a loud clunking noise. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 97V140000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs), which was issued in the spring of 1997. The failure and current mileages were 115,000. Update 09/10/08 updated 09/19/08.
Engine & cooling
Car was running fine, was at a stop light and the car shut off had a really strong electrical smell coming from the engine compartment. Opened up the hood and had a flame down at the thermostat area. Quickly put it out and pushed the car off to the side of the road. Had to have a tow truck come tow the car and bring my family out of the freezing cold as well. The thermostat and wiring from the ECU down to the thermostat had to be replaced as well as a fuse that had blown in the main engine harness. Old part was disposed of as well as the wiring.
I have had three separate failures of plastic radiator components in my 1997 BMW 740il in the space of 5 months. At first inspection, these appear to me to be thermal fatigue failures indicating some manufacturing defect in the plastic. BMW denies any such issue and refused to replace the failed components under warranty. The first instance was a minor leak that developed from a small pipe that exits the top of the radiator. Before I had that repaired, the neck of the top inlet to the radiator broke off while I was driving. The radiator had to be replaced. A little over a month later, I saw steam emerging from the radiator and noted a 1/4" split in the center of the intergral fluid reservoir where water was spraying out. This component had not been replaced when the radiator was replaced. …
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 BMW 740il. While driving over a bump in the road or pothole, the vehicle shook abnormally. Additionally the tie rod failed without warning. There was also an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle when driving various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bottom springs were fractured. The dealer also advised the contact not to drive the vehicle because it was unsafe. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 39,000. Updated 04/19/17 lj
Steering and over all control of the vehicle is compromised for no reason feels like it is disconnecting and loose clanking noises form front suspension all the time on all surfaces also a squeaky old bed frame noise appears . Concerned about family safety the vehicle is well cared for. Feels like a sloppy messy fumbling interaction between car and steering wheel also veers randomly as if it was detached from the steering system.
1997 BMW 740il engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 BMW 740il a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 740il rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 740il at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 BMW 740il?
The suspension — 6 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › springs › coil springs. Next are the engine & cooling (5) and steering (4).
How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 740il have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 BMW 740il, the most recent from August 22, 1997 (coil springs). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 740il?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1999, 1996 and 1995. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000 and 2001. See the full BMW 740il years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 BMW 740il problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 18% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.