1996 BMW 740IL Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 27%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 133,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the fuel system of the 1996 BMW 740IL, 27% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,000 miles.
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 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567419, filed 2014-03, 133,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #894920, filed 2001-08Fuel system: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 BMW 740IL
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 BMW 740IL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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