1988 BMW 735I Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 45%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 165,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1988 BMW 735I, 45% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 165,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1988 Bmw 735I. When the heater was activated, the contact smelled antifreeze from the vents. The odor was very strong and forced him to drive with the windows open. Inside the passenger compartment is a film build-up of antifreeze on the front glass. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer and no repairs have been made. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle; therefore, no compensation would be made. The failure mileage was 165,000 and current mileage was 172,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10253562, filed 2009-01, 165,000 miles“Consumers vehicle recalled under recall (98v-178) for cooling system, dealer refused repair because the radiator was melted down due to the defect. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #551420, filed 2000-03“Vehicle has had cooling system failures continually on several components, recall was issued for cooling system, however vehicle denied due to year built.”
NHTSA complaint #542449, filed 1998-11Related recalls
- 98V178000Aug 4, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in…Covers: BMW 735I 1988–1995, 735ILA 1988–1995, 740ILA 1988–1995 +28 more
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 3 | 50% |
| 1988 | 5 | 45% |
Other parts of the 1988 BMW 735I
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 BMW 735I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology