1993 Bmw 740 problems

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The BMW E38 is the third generation of the BMW 7 Series luxury cars and was produced from 1994 until 2001. The E38 replaced the E32 7 Series and was produced with petrol and turbo-diesel straight-six and V8 engines, along with a petrol V12 flagship model. Three wheelbase lengths were available — short (i), long (iL) and Limousine (L7).

The E38 was the first car available with curtain airbags. It was also the first European car to offer satellite navigation and the first BMW to offer an in-built television. The E38 was the first 7 Series to be available with a diesel engine and the last to be available with a manual transmission.

In 2001, the E38 was replaced by the E65 7 Series.

1993 Bmw 740

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Common 1993 Bmw 740 problems

The BMW 740i from 1993 is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most significant issues is related to the engine, specifically the Nikasil V8 engines used in 1993-1995 models. The Nikasil engine block material reacts with sulfur in U.S. fuels, causing rough idling, stalling, and eventually piston failure due to cylinder bore damage. BMW addressed this issue by replacing affected Nikasil engine blocks with Alusil engine blocks, which are not sensitive to sulfur in U.S. fuel. However, if a 1993 BMW 740i has the original Nikasil engine, it may have already experienced some damage before sulfur levels in American gasoline were reduced in 1998.

Another common problem with the 1993 BMW 740i is the clutch and fan system. The clutch can fail, preventing the fan from producing enough airflow to cool the engine. This issue is particularly noticeable when the car is stationary, and the fault may be indicated by warning messages related to the cooling system.

The E32 7-Series, including the 740i, is also known to suffer from the "dreaded shimmy," a wheel-wobble that usually occurs under braking or when accelerating through 50-60 MPH. This issue is often an indication of general wear in the steering system and suspension and can be caused by the BMW E32's heavy weight over the front wheels, especially when braking. The shimmy can be repaired, but it may require addressing weaknesses in the steering and suspension system.

Additionally, the cooling system in the 1993 BMW 740i is known to have weaknesses, particularly in the radiator. The plastic body of the radiator can crack around the top hose connection, causing a weep around the hose that is difficult to trace. This issue is often indicated by white marks down the side of the radiator.

Finally, the external lighting system in the 1993 BMW 740i can be prone to faults, including false bulb failure messages and issues with bulb contacts. These issues can be caused by corrosion on the bulb-contacts and may require cleaning or replacement to resolve.

In summary, the 1993 BMW 740i is known to have several common problems, including engine issues related to the Nikasil V8 engines, clutch and fan system faults, the "dreaded shimmy," cooling system weaknesses, and external lighting system faults. Owners of this vehicle should be aware of these issues and consider regular maintenance and inspections to address potential problems before they become serious.

1993 Bmw 740 engine

1993 Bmw 740 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 740 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Suspension problems
  • Wheels problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Bmw 740 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1993 Bmw 740 complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Bmw 740.

2005-03-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-01-06
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WBAGD8321PD
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: AFTER PARKING FOR 5 MINUTES OR LESS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. AN INDEPENDENT INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE WAS AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT IN THE WIRING HARNESS.*AK
2001-02-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-10-15
  • VIN: NOT AVAILAB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CONSUMER HAS MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE.SPEEDOMETER GIVES A INACCURATE READING, IT GIVES A HIGHER READING. ENGINE WAS LEAKING FLUID, AND DEALER REPAIRED IT ACCORDING TO A RECALL. CONSUMER HAS BEEN TYRING TO GET DEALER TO REPAIR MOST THINGS, BUT THEY AREN'T ASSISTING. *AK
1999-07-19

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-01-11
  • VIN: WBAGV8325PD
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: RADIATOR LEAKS ANTI-FREEZE FLUID, PROBLEM RELATED TO A DEFECTIVE COOLANT SYSTEM WHICH WAS RECALLED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND HE REFUSED TO REPAIR THE RADIATOR UNLESS IT WAS AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK *ML
1998-08-24

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WBAGD8328PD
  • Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE MAKING A STOP THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO IDLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
1995-11-02

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-04-30
  • VIN: WBAGD4324PD
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONUSMER HAS TAKEN CAR TO DEALER 3 TIMES THERE IS NO RESOLUTION FOR UNDER THE HOOD CLINGING AND BANGING NOISE HE FEELS UNSAFE IN CAR . TT
1995-03-01

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-21
  • VIN: WBAGD4322PD
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: CONSUMER PICK UP CAR FROM SHOP AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE CAME OFF. TT
1995-01-05

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-07-19
  • VIN: WBAGD4320PD
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION VIBRATION AND NOISE WHEN YOU GET UP TO 55 MPH. TT

1993 Bmw 740 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1993 Bmw 740.

1994-01-03
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
  • Summary: THE THROTTLE CABLE'S TUBE (OUTER CASING) CONTAINS A BEND THAT LEADS TO INCREASED LOADING OF THE INNER CABLE, CAUSING IT TO BREAK.
  • Consequence: BREAKAGE OF THE INNER CABLE WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO RETURN OR REMAIN AT IDLE. LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: BMW DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE.
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