1996 Bmw 740il problems
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.
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Common 1996 Bmw 740il problems
The BMW 740iL 1996 is a luxury vehicle known for its smooth ride and powerful engine. However, like any car, it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with this model based on complaints from owners:
- Shimmy or Wobbly Handling: Another common problem with the 740iL is a shimmy or wobble in the steering wheel, especially when braking or accelerating through certain speeds. This issue is often caused by general wear in the steering system and suspension, and can be exacerbated by the car's heavy weight over the front wheels.
- Coolant Leaks: Some owners have reported coolant leaks in their 740iL, which can lead to overheating and engine damage. These leaks are often caused by worn or damaged hoses, or by leaks in the radiator or water pump .
- Electronic Throttle Body Failure: The electronic throttle bodies in the 740iL can become problematic, leading to issues with acceleration and engine performance. If the throttle body has been replaced at a BMW specialist, this can be a positive sign for potential buyers .
- Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure: The mass air flow sensor in the 740iL can also fail, leading to engine faults and performance issues. If the sensor has been replaced, this can be a positive sign for potential buyers .
- Rear Main Seal Leaks: Some owners have reported leaks from the rear main seal in their 740iL, which can cause oil and coolant to mix in the valley of the V. This issue is often caused by failure of the O-rings in the engine .
- Nikasil Liner Issues: In areas with high sulphur fuel, the Nikasil liners in the 740iL's engine can cause issues. However, this problem is less common today due to the availability of low sulphur fuel .
Overall, while the BMW 740iL 1996 is a luxurious and powerful vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and be prepared to address them if necessary. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent many of these issues, and working with a trusted BMW specialist can ensure that any problems are addressed properly.
What engine is in a 1996 BMW 740iL?
4.4 L V81996 BMW 740iL / Engine
The e38 740i/iL models only got the M60 (nikisil) engine in the 1995 model year. The 1996 740iL got the M62 (alusil) engine.
What is the difference between 740i and 740iL?
The difference is the 740iL is 5.5 inches longer than the 740i. All 5.5 inches go to rear passenger leg room. It is a heated debate but is would seem to me that people think the extra long side profile of the iL is sexier than the squished looking i. At least this is my opinion after owning two 740iLs.
How fast is BMW 740iL?
Both are limited to 250km/h top speeds.
What size engine is in the 740iL?
The 740i/iL were powered by a 4.4 L V8 engine. The base prices in 2001 were US$62,900 for the 740i, US$66,900 for the 740iL and US$92,100 for the 750iL. The considerably rarer 5.4 L V12 was BMW's flagship vehicle, with a 5.4 L 322 bhp (240 kW; 326 PS) engine, also shared by the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph.
What is the difference between 740i and 740iL?
The difference is the 740iL is 5.5 inches longer than the 740i. All 5.5 inches go to rear passenger leg room. It is a heated debate but is would seem to me that people think the extra long side profile of the iL is sexier than the squished looking i. At least this is my opinion after owning two 740iLs.
What is the top speed of a 1995 BMW 740iL?
Mine is governed at 135, if memory serves correctly. The facelift US cars (1999-2001) should be electronically governed at 138mph. The pre-facelift US cars (1995-1998) should be electronically governed at 150mph.
How fast is BMW 740iL?
Both are limited to 250km/h top speeds.
What years did BMW make the 740iL?
Petrol engines
| Model | Years | Power |
|---|---|---|
| 740i, 740iL | 1996–1998 | 210 kW (286 hp) |
| 1998–2001 | 210 kW (286 hp) | |
| 750i, 750iL | 1995–1998 | 240 kW (326 hp) |
| 1998–2001 | 240 kW (326 hp) |
1996 Bmw 740il car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 740il problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Bmw 740il vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Bmw 740il complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Bmw 740il.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-01
- VIN: WBAGJ8329TD
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
- Summary: THE GAS TANK STARTED TO MAKE POPPING NOISES AND THUMPING SOUNDS. THEN WHEN I REALIZED SOMETHING IS WRONG WHEN THE GAS GAUGE STARTED READING 1/4 TANK WHEN IT WAS EMPTY, STRANGELY WHEN I WAS FILLING UP WITH GAS THE CAP WAS HARD TO REMOVE AND AS SOON AS I REMOVED THE CAP AIR WAS RUSHING IN. I RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE INTERSTATE WITHOUT ANY WARNING MANAGED TO GET THE CAR ON THE SHOULDER. LATER ON THE WAY TO WORK I STARTED SMELLING A STRONG GAS ODOR I ASSUMED IT WAS THE CARS SURROUNDING ME. WHEN I WENT ON MY LUNCH BREAK MY COWORKERS INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF GAS UNDER MY CAR, WHEN I GOT BACK TO WORK I STARTED TO INVESTIGATE WHAT HAPPENED AND MY TANK WAS IMPLODED AND DEVELOPED LEAKS AROUND THE SEAMS. I FIND THIS A MAJOR CONCERN SINCE THIS IS RIGHT NEXT TO A HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AND MAY CAUSE A FIRE DUE TO POOR GAS TANK VENTILATION. I'M LUCKY THAT MY CAR DIDN'T CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF GAS I LOST AND NOTICED LEAKING ON THE SEAMS THAT ARE EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-10
- VIN: WBAGJ8326TD
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ANYTIME YOU ARE ACCELERATING THE THROTTLE CABLE WILL EITHER GET STUCK OR IF YOU LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL ITS WILL CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY UPON ENTERING THE HIGHWAY. THIS OCCURRED PRETTY REGULARLY UNTIL WE HAD THE THROTTLE CABLE REPLACED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-28
- VIN: WBAGJ8325TD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BMW 740IL. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. AS SHE TURNED THE KEY AND REMOVED IT FROM THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. SHE HAD TO REMOVE THE ENGINE FUSES FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A NEW CYLINDER AND HOUSING. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO IS NOT TAKING ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY STILL AT THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 203,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-18
- VIN: WBAGJ832XTD
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE RPM'S WILL REV UP TO 3500 RPMS PREVENTING THE DRIVER FROM PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WITHOUT A POSSIBLE CRASH. DRIVER WOULD APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO SURGE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAIL. DEFECTIVE PARTS REPLACED. CAR WENT BY ITSELF TO 90 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. REPLACED FRONT THROTTLE BODY GASKET AND IDLE SPEED REGULATOR. *BF *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBAGJ8326TD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS PROBLEM W/ RADIATOR IS VERY COMMON W/ THIS VEHICLE AND MANUFACTURER REFUSES ANY RESPONSIBILITY. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-07
- VIN: WBAGJ8329TD
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-30
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS TANK IMPLODED SUCKING ITSELF IN AND CAUSING GAS TO LEAK AND SPILL. TANK WAS REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2000. HOWEVER, PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THEN. ALSO, THERE ARE POPPING NOISES COMING FROM TANK AREA, WHICH MEANS THAT GAS IN TANK IS NOT PROPERLY VENTING,CAUSING A BUILD UP. TECHNICIANS HAVE HEARD THE NOISE, BUT ARE UNABLE TO RECTIFY IT WHEN IT'S NOT DOING IT.*AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-10
- VIN: WBAGJ8323TD
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD CAME CRASHING UP AGAINST WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING ON FREEEWAY. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH DEALER FOUND THAT THE SAFETY HOLD DOWN PIN ON THE LEFT SIDE HOOD LOCK WAS MISSING, DEALER REPLACED THE HOOD LOCK ASSEMBLY. *AK *SLC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-10
- VIN: WBAGJ8323TD
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD CAME SMASHING INTO WINDSHIELD FRAME, BLOCKING VISIBILITY OF HIGHWAY. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-05
- VIN: WBAGJ8329TD
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE WARNING LIGHT SWITCH FAILED, ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE BRAKE LIGHT OFF POSITION OR IN THE BRAKE LIGHT ON POSITION. ALSO, WHEN TURNING VEHICLE OFF, THE WARNING BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBAGJ8324TD
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS INVOLED IN SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. CONSUMER WAS APPROACHING ONCOMING VEHICLE, APPLIED BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, AS SOON AS HE LIFTED HIS FOOT FROM PEDAL, VEHICLE SUDDENLY TOOK OFF. WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT A PARKED VEHICLE ON SIDE OF ROAD BEFORE STOPPING. ALS,O BOTH AIR BAGS FAILED TO DELPOY. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
1996 Bmw 740il recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1996 Bmw 740il.
- Manufacturer: FCP GROTON, LLC
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
- Summary: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE VEHICLE'S RIDE HEIGHT COULD BE AFFECTED CAUSING NOISE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE'S DYNAMIC STABILITY CAN BE AFFECTED REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND LOWER SPRING MOUNTS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Bmw 740il problems:
1996 BMW 740iL Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 1996 BMW 740iL? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1996 BMW 740iL.
96 740iL Problems | BimmerFest BMW Forum
Mar 5, 2011 ... I am having many problems with my 1996 BMW 740IL. It has about 283,000 miles on it. The car seems to be shaking after it starts up and ...
BMW 740iL Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top BMW 740iL Problems · Multiple Parts May be Recommended For Leaks in Cooling System · Valve Cover, Intake Manifold, PCV Plate Oil Leaks · Multiple Power ...
If I buy a 1997 BMW 740iL with 80,000 miles, am I bound to pour ...
Jul 1, 2020 ... Yes, back when I was a teenager, my father purchased a 1996 BMW 740iL lightly used. At about 70,000 miles, it started having frequent problems, ...
How reliable is the E38?
Nov 25, 2012 ... They are extremely reliable, as voodoomelon said, it's everything attached that breaks or wears. A poor condition e38 might have a lot of dash ...
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