1999 BMW 740il Problems & Complaints

Better than average48% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 740il at the same age

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 1999 BMW 740il with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 48% fewer than a typical 740il model year at the same age, making the 1999 one of the better 740il years. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (2 complaints, typically around 37,000 miles).

6complaints
0recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1999 BMW 740il problems

  • Electrical system~37,000 miles
    233%
  • Engine & cooling~59,000 miles
    117%
  • Brakes~120,000 miles
    117%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~85,000 miles
    117%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~139,000 miles
    117%

Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

BMW 740il complaints by model year

19951996199719981999200020011211192662026
Owner complaints per model year, BMW 740il. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best 740il years: 1999, 1996, 1995. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001. Compare all years →

1999 BMW 740il engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.4L 8-cyl5-speed automaticRWD15 / 22 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Large car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1999 BMW 740il a good car?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 740il rates better than average: 48% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 740il at the same age. It is one of the best 740il years by this measure. 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 1999 BMW 740il?

The electrical system — 2 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery › cables. Next are the engine & cooling (1) and brakes (1).

How many recalls does the 1999 BMW 740il have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 BMW 740il. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 1999 BMW 740il problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 85,000 miles; 20% 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.